Latest news with #ParkHyatt
Vogue
14 hours ago
- Health
- Vogue
Le Spa at the Park Hyatt Place Vendôme
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? Le Spa at the Park Hyatt Place Vendôme feels like a haven in the middle of bustling Paris. Located right off the Place de l'Opéra, the hotel is walking distance from the Opera Garnier, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Garden, meaning you can get a massage in the morning and then move on to an afternoon at the museum with not a moment wasted. I know this sounds potentially not ideal for a relaxing spa experience, but it's quite the opposite. I visited Le Spa after a morning of reporting at the shows for Paris Fashion Week, and an hour or so later I was on the Metro for my next appointment. What better cure for all the hours spent hunched over on those little metal benches, waiting for the shows to start. Photo: Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme Spa What's the vibe? The overall vibe of the space takes its cues from the hotel—it's sophisticated and modern with stone, mahogany, and black granite, but still has that opulent Parisian feel, with gold mosaic throughout. An usher greets you as you walk down to the spa and fitness center area to point you in the direction—necessary, given that the treatment areas are hidden behind a sliding door. Le Spa does not quite feel like Paris—that's a good thing. The enclosed area shuts down all outside noise, allowing you to fully embrace the experience. The entire spa was designed by the late Ed Tuttle, and the treatment areas are simply beautiful. In the dimly lit spaces, quiet music plays, while a signature scent, created by master perfumier Christophe Laudamiel of Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren, wafted through the rooms. There are four treatment rooms, one of which is a double that features a large jacuzzi with a shower and a closet. Le Spa uses all La Mer products—truly major for all skin-care devotees. Photo: Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme Spa The history? Tuttle's signature simplicity and tranquil aesthetic are felt throughout, and most of all in the spa area. Being under the Park Hyatt luxury umbrella and the larger Hyatt chain, there are certain expectations when it comes to the level of the treatments, the location, and, most of all, the staff. What makes this particular Park Hyatt spa worth the splurge is that it doesn't only meet the bar, but it feels individualized. Sometimes chains can feel corporatized or simply over-uniformed, but this one balances the value of the Park Hyatt reputation with the famous Parisian savoir-faire. Photo: Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme Spa What should you try? My recommendation would be to book the appropriately named Haute Couture-Signature massage—the flagship treatment—which is, honoring its name, custom made based on your needs. I asked for a deep, full-body massage that would help me loosen up and release tension, plus a reset for my lower back and neck, which tend to suffer most during Fashion Week. The ideal time at Le Spa, I'd say, starts with a workout at the fitness center, which is one of the better hotel gyms I've been in, and continues at the actual spa facilities. The 'right' way to go about it would be to arrive at your treatment a little early to soak in the jacuzzi or try out the sauna or steam room. Then proceed to your treatment room to rinse off—and lather up in La Mer!—to pre-relax before really disconnecting. Photo: Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme Spa How environmentally friendly is it? Le Spa uses no disposable linen and tissue bags as opposed to plastic bags. It also works with brands that prioritize sustainable practices: The French-born and French-made ecological Kure Bazaar nail products for its manicure and pedicure services, for example. What else do we need to know? Le Spa offers seven additional massage options, which include Japanese Shiatsu and Thai treatments, plus relaxing or vitalizing experiences. (It's worth noting that none of the massages are adapted to pregnant women.) There's also an option to have an in-room spa treatment, which the very spacious bathroom area in each room certainly allows. There are also shorter options, for those only looking for a quick treat as well as a few La Mer–specific body treatments, facials, and manicures and pedicures, though I'd say that the real must would be the sensorial experiences, longer treatments that combine massages, facials, and/or scrubs. Photo: Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme Spa Who can go? The spa facilities are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for hotel guests. Outside clients can use the facilities if they have a massage or treatment booked between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Day passes are also available. If you choose to bring your phone with you, it should be turned off or silent and put away—but let's assume, for the sake of your relaxation journey, that you were doing either of those things already. Booking details for Park Hyatt Place Vendôme Address: 5 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris, France Read more from Vogue's Global Spa Guide.
Hospitality Net
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Hyatt's Brand Footprint in Africa Set for 50% Rooms Growth by End of 2030
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Hyatt ( announced that Hyatt expects around 50% rooms growth across new and existing markets in Africa by the end of 2030. In the past two years, Hyatt saw 51% rooms growth in Africa, fueled by the addition of several milestone properties and first-time brand entries. These included Park Hyatt Marrakech, introducing the luxury brand to Morocco; Hyatt Centric Cairo West, the brand's debut on the continent; Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles, Hyatt's first hotel in Zimbabwe; and Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, its first hotel in Kenya. Most recently, in March 2025, Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands opened along Lower Kabete Road. This marks Hyatt's first dual-branded development in Africa, offering guests two distinct stay experiences under one roof, just minutes from Westgate Mall, the Nairobi National Museum, and Karura Forest. Last year marked a breakthrough year for Hyatt in Africa, and we're just getting started. Our growth across key leisure and business hubs reflects a strategic focus on having hotels where our guests and World of Hyatt members want to travel most. As we expand, we remain committed to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences that resonate with both global travelers and local communities. Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Hyatt, Middle East and Africa In the next two years, Hyatt hotels are set to debut in new markets within the region, including the anticipated opening of Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria. Additionally, the launch of Park Hyatt Johannesburg is set for later this year, following an extensive renovation of The Winston Hotel. The luxury property will include 31 guestrooms and is expected to be popular with business and leisure guests alike, offering understated luxury and an elevated home away from home experience with highly personalized, intuitive, and fully engaged service. This is an exciting chapter in the growth of Hyatt's portfolio across Africa, as we add hotels with intent in high-demand destinations. We are proud to collaborate with our trusted owners to thoughtfully introduce Hyatt's diverse brands to both new and established markets across the region. Felicity Black-Roberts, Senior Vice President Development, Hyatt, EAME The upcoming properties are expected to join the Hyatt brand portfolio in Africa, with Hyatt hotels currently present in South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Egypt. Some of the Hyatt branded hotels in the region include: Park Hyatt Zanzibar – Located in Stone Town, the luxury hotel holds 62 rooms and provides the ultimate haven amongst the area's winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques, and famed Zanzibari doors, featuring magnificent ornate wooden carvings. Located in Stone Town, the luxury hotel holds 62 rooms and provides the ultimate haven amongst the area's winding alleys, bustling markets, mosques, and famed Zanzibari doors, featuring magnificent ornate wooden carvings. Park Hyatt Marrakech – Opened in 2024, this luxury resort is ideally located, with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and next to Al Maaden Golf course. – Opened in 2024, this luxury resort is ideally located, with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and next to Al Maaden Golf course. Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles – Marking the first Hyatt branded hotel in Zimbabwe, this hotel offers iconic architecture, charm, luxury, and easy access to major attractions in Harare. Marking the first Hyatt branded hotel in Zimbabwe, this hotel offers iconic architecture, charm, luxury, and easy access to major attractions in Harare. Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro – A modern oasis in the heart of Tanzania's largest city, this hotel boasts a superb waterfront location and spectacular views of the harbour. A modern oasis in the heart of Tanzania's largest city, this hotel boasts a superb waterfront location and spectacular views of the harbour. Hyatt Centric Cairo West – Opened in October 2024, this art-focused hotel offers travellers a convenient location near iconic landmarks such as the Giza Pyramids and The Grand Egyptian Museum. Opened in October 2024, this art-focused hotel offers travellers a convenient location near iconic landmarks such as the Giza Pyramids and The Grand Egyptian Museum. Hyatt Regency Cape Town – located in one of Cape Town's most vibrant neighborhoods, Bo-Kaap, this property offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying views of Table Mountain. located in one of Cape Town's most vibrant neighborhoods, Bo-Kaap, this property offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture while enjoying views of Table Mountain. Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands – Nestled in the heart of Nairobi's bustling city centre, travellers can enjoy sophisticated lodgings, diverse dining options, and a contemporary selection of amenities and services. For additional information on the Hyatt brand portfolio, visit The term 'Hyatt' is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hyatt. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Chloe Duncan Hyatt – Middle East & Africa Hyatt
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Obama Just Got Roped into Diddy's Trial in Shocking Claim
Amid Diddy's ongoing trial, another famous person has been name-dropped. President Barack Obama was mentioned in a testimony as one of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former workers recounted what happened in his hotel rooms. Diddy's ex-assistant David James testified that Combs would have a travel bag filled with '25 to 30″ pill bottles. 'There were various pills, but one was in the form of a former president's face,' he said. Prosecutor Christy Slavik asked him to specify which former president was on the pill. The assistant responded: 'President Obama.' More from StyleCaster Justin Bieber Finally Addresses Rumors He Was 1 of Diddy's Victims: 'There Are Individuals...' Will Trump Pardon Diddy? His Rival Is Convinced the President Owes Him 'Some Favors' James, who worked for Diddy from 2002 to 2008, recounted that the Bad Boy Records founder carried at least $10,000 in cash, Advil, Tylenol, Viagra and 'pills to increase his sperm count' in his Louis Vuitton bag, as well as having 'percocet and ecstasy' record mogul is currently on trial for racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. On the week of May 12, 2025, his ex-partner, Cassie Ventura, testified about their relationship and the notorious freak-offs. Under cross-examination, Ventura testified that Combs would usually have an 'explosive' reaction when she took drugs without him. Defense attorney Anna Estevao asked if the pills had to do with his mood swings. Ventura replied that it 'was a part.' When she was questioned if she thought Combs was a drug addict, she replied, 'I would say he was an addict.' She also confirmed that he would feel angry or be volatile when he was going through withdrawals. 'I'm not a doctor,' Ventura said, but 'coming off of certain pills, he would be pretty irritated.' Combs was arrested in the Park Hyatt hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Sept. 16, 2024. where federal agents found $9000 cash, illegal drugs, baby oil, lubricant and a device that the federal agent said could be used for 'mood lighting' in the room. Diddy's trial is expected to go until July you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Call the at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
New York Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
The Last Lucille Roberts
On a busy thoroughfare in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens sits a women-only gym with faded hot pink signage. It is the last surviving location of Lucille Roberts, a chain of women's health clubs that once thrived in New York, leading a trend that fused fitness with feminism. Now that it has dwindled down to just one location, its most loyal members have ended up here. Women in their 50s and 60s who have worked out for decades at Lucille Roberts now take classes including Zumba and Brazilian Butt and Gut in a fluorescent-lit studio. They have little interest in going anywhere else. Signs on the walls remind members not to leave their purses and handbags unattended when they're using the machines. A magenta poster announces: 'Strong Women Work Out Here.' On a recent afternoon at this gym on Austin Street, members explained why they have stuck with Lucille Roberts long after it was a leader in its field, with more than 50 locations in the New York area. Marguerite Toussaint pumped some iron after finishing her morning shift as a hotel pastry cook at the Park Hyatt in Manhattan. She has been a Lucille Roberts member since the mid-1990s, when she signed up at a location in Brooklyn, not long after she moved from Haiti to New York. She wakes up each workday before dawn and trains here on her way home. 'All of us hope this gym never closes,' Ms. Toussaint said. 'It's not like other gyms. It's a community for women. We care about each other here. If you don't see somebody, you call and find out. 'Hey, why didn't I see you today?' I don't see that at Planet Fitness.' Patricia Holloman, a retired Queens Criminal Courthouse corrections officer, was careful of her long blue nails as she handled weights. 'When I tell people I go to a Lucy Roberts, they're always like, 'That's still around?'' she said. 'But I'm proud to be a member. Women are just more pleasant to work out with.' Roaming the gym to interview Lucille Roberts loyalists, I found myself in a bygone fitness era. The exercise studio's décor included retro blue mirrored beams and dingy white ceiling tiles pocked with tiny holes. A group of three women in their 70s wearing fanny packs chatted as they pedaled on ellipticals. There were no eucalyptus-scented towels to be found. Some members mopped their brows with colorful kitchen rags brought from home. Huffing on a treadmill was Alexandra Rodriguez, 44, who works at a bakery in Queens. 'Some friends tell me the idea feels dated: 'Why would you go to a women's only gym?'' she said. 'I tell them it's empowering. Honestly, I'm surprised this is the last Lucille Roberts. You'd think a place like this would be more valuable to women now more than ever.' A Forgotten Fitness Pioneer Long before these women formed their sisterhood, Lucille Roberts was a booming business with annual revenues of $50 million. It had some 200,000 members and was once a formidable rival to Crunch, Planet Fitness and Bally Total Fitness. It distinguished itself with its all-female clientele and cutthroat pricing, charging half or less than some competitors. The chain entered New York's pop culture through its energetic television ads, which seemed to air endlessly. They featured women in leotards exercising to pulse-pounding dance music, their impressive hair held back by headbands or scrunchies, as an urgent voice intoned: 'Get started with Lucille Roberts new fat-burning, muscle-building program! It'll push you to the limit!' These deals were always about to end: 'Just $8.95 per year! But hurry! Sale ends Tuesday!' Everyone in New York in the 1990s heard the number to call — 1-800 USA Lucille — and saw the brand's founder, Lucille Roberts, clad in a dark power suit as she enticed viewers to join her gym by saying in a no-nonsense New York accent: 'The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll get results.' Ms. Roberts, who died of lung cancer at 59 in 2003, was the brand's public face, and her story was a tale of New York reinvention that began in the ashes of war-torn Europe. An early fitness fanatic, she conceived the idea of a women-only club after a workout buddy complained about the leering eyes of men at gyms. Borrowing money from friends and family, Ms. Roberts set up shop with her husband, Bob Roberts. It was 1970, the year before Gloria Steinem co-founded Ms. magazine, and the Roberts' first gym was right across the street from Macy's in Midtown Manhattan. Soon, the exercise bikes and vibrating belt machines were drawing a clientele of secretaries, nurses, switchboard operators, flight attendants and volunteers from Ms. Steinem's Women's Action Alliance. The gym offered classes in self-defense, debt management and on how to report an abusive husband to the authorities. As the gym grew into a chain, it helped set off the fitness craze that would revolutionize women's health — a time of Jazzercise and leg warmers, of Jane Fonda VHS tapes and 'Buns of Steel.' Rival gyms for women sprang up, including Elaine Powers Figure Salons and Living Well Lady. But Elaine Powers was created by a man — the so-called Elaine Powers didn't exist — and Ms. Roberts eventually acquired a number of Living Well Lady locations, solidifying her dominance. In her 1980 book, 'The Lucille Roberts 14 Day Makeover Plan,' she described her vision: 'Neither my health clubs nor my book are for people who can go to Swiss clinics or spend half of every day in a beauty salon. My life hasn't been like that, and neither are the lives of my clients.' 'My clubs have free babysitting facilities because I know that most people don't have an English Nanny at home to watch the toddlers while they attend class,' she added. 'My system can help you lift your face and figure out of the ordinary into the striking, the beautiful, the classy.' Ms. Roberts liked to say her mission was to become the 'McDonald's of health clubs' and often described her typical customer as 'the cop's wife.' The Lucille Roberts slogan was: 'More Gym Less Money.' 'It's only the upper classes who are into exercise for health, the middle classes just want to look good,' Ms. Roberts told The New York Times in 1997. 'They just want to fit into tight jeans.' After she died, her husband and sons ran the business until they sold it to the parent company of New York Sports Club in 2017. There were about 16 Lucille Roberts gyms at the time. One by one, they closed, leaving only the Forest Hills location, where memberships start at $34.99 a month. Its days as a fitness time capsule may now be coming to an end. The current ownership will drop 'Roberts' from the brand name, making it 'Lucille by NYSC.' And the last location will undergo a renovation that will introduce new equipment geared more to strength training than cardio. Hot pink will remain part of the branding, as will slogans plastered around the gym like 'Yes She Can,' but the faded sign out front will finally be replaced. 'Decades after the first Lucille Roberts opened, she's receiving a glow-up to better meet member needs in an environment designed just for women and their workouts,' Kari Saitowitz, a spokeswoman for New York Sports Club, said. 'The layout and equipment will be updated to reflect how women work out in 2025.' Ms. Saitowitz added that the gym is still bustling these days, and its lights are kept on partly through the memberships of the Muslim and Orthodox Jewish women who prefer working out there. 'It serves a diverse, passionate community,' she said, 'including many women whose religious or cultural values prioritize modesty and who prefer a women-only fitness space close to home.' The story of Lucille Roberts herself is little known to the women at the final location, but a few employees remember her well. One is Mary Anne Rodriguez, the gym's manager, who started out as a receptionist for a location in Bayside in her 20s, before working as a trainer at gyms in Flushing and Astoria. 'She made us all want to deliver her vision,' Ms. Rodriguez said in the break room. 'And you noticed her when she walked into a room. She was so stylish, beautiful and put together.' 'I remember the day a manager came to tell us she had died,' she added. 'We were devastated. She was so ahead of her time, and she's been underappreciated as a fitness pioneer.' Laja to Lucille Bob Roberts, a real estate investor who helped run the chain for more than 30 years, is now in his 80s and divides his time between Palm Beach, Fla., and the Hamptons. When reached by phone, he was surprised to learn there was only one Lucille Roberts left. 'I thought there were still a few around,' Mr. Roberts said. 'Covid must have wiped them out. I'm not surprised it's the Forest Hills location. That was always one of our best and most popular gyms. 'We sold because the way women worked out changed, so our business model stopped working,' he continued. 'After Lucille died, a new women's movement was beginning, and women didn't mind working out with men anymore. Coed gyms were becoming social spaces. Women were getting into lifting weights. Planet Fitness was becoming big. We had too much competition.' But Mr. Roberts seemed happy to hear from a reporter, and he used the interview to better commit his late wife's life story to the record. She was born Laja Spindel in 1943, the daughter of a traditional Polish-Jewish family, and she grew up for a time in the tundra of Siberia, to which her parents fled after the German occupation of Poland during World War II. Her father, a tailor, was anguished by the loss of a son in the war, so he doted on Laja. From the far reaches of the Soviet Union, the family made its way to a displaced persons camp in Germany. When they came to the United States in the early 1950s, an official decided Laja needed a new name. 'Her name changed to Lucille at Ellis Island because Lucille Ball was popular,' Mr. Roberts said, referring to the star of the sitcom 'I Love Lucy.' 'They changed it from that beautiful name, Laja. She never talked about those years she spent at the camp, and I never pushed her to talk about it.' The Spindels settled in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, where Lucille soon got the hang of English and began mapping out her future. 'Like all survivors who came to America,' Mr. Roberts said, 'she believed the streets of New York were paved with gold. She decided early on she was determined to work hard to get ahead.' After graduating in 1964 from the University of Pennsylvania, she worked for a time as a buyer for a Mays department store. She later quit a job at a Kitty Kelly shoe shop when she didn't receive the raise she had been promised. She met Mr. Roberts while dancing at a friend's apartment party. At the time he went by his original surname, Robert Orefice. He was an Italian-American Catholic from Queens, and Lucille's mother groused at first about his not being Jewish. At their first gym, he worked the front desk while she led exercise classes. She taught aerobics on the same day she gave birth to her first child. As they plotted an expansion, they decided the brand should carry her name — but they worried that Orefice wasn't catchy. So they joined their first names to come up with Lucille Roberts. A few years later, they legally changed their surnames. 'She was a no-nonsense person,' Mr. Roberts said. 'She took no bull. Men can beat around the bush when it comes to business, but not her. Lucille was a very direct businesswoman. I think it all went back to how she grew up. Because when you come from hardship like that, you don't take nonsense.' Thirty years after starting the business, Ms. Roberts was leading an existence quite different from the lives of her largely working class customers. The family's main residence was a townhouse on the Upper East Side and then a historic mansion nearby. She was chauffeured around town in a black limousine and she spent summers at the family estate in Southampton. Yet she remained intensely involved with the chain, managing the front desk at newly opened clubs, filling in to teach classes when instructors called in sick and moving the corporate offices to the family home. She didn't smoke, which exacerbated her family's anguish when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. 'The doctors had plenty of theories,' Mr. Roberts said. 'When she was a baby in Siberia, she had a rheumatic fever that left a small scar on her lung. 'They operated on her and took out what they could, but it came back,' he continued. 'I knew, and she knew, she wasn't going to survive this. But she tried for three years, and every day we woke up and pretended like nothing was wrong.' The Mansion The majestic limestone mansion on East 80th Street where Ms. Roberts spent the final years of her life was the ultimate manifestation of her success. Just a block from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it was built in the 1910s for an heiress to the retail titan Frank Woolworth. It has seven floors with nine bedrooms, about a dozen bathrooms, a library, a billiards room and a solarium. The Roberts family still owns it. For the last year, Mr. Roberts and his sons — who together run the family real estate business, Roberts Equities — have been trying to find a buyer. They recently dropped the asking price to $49.9 million from $59.9 million. Hoping to see the former seat of the Lucille Roberts empire, I asked the elder son, Kevin Roberts, if he would give me a tour. He met me at the Gothic entrance one recent afternoon and brought me into the mosaic-floored foyer. As he led me past glowing chandeliers and stone fireplaces, he seemed preoccupied. 'It's sad,' he said. 'She didn't get to enjoy this. She was already sick when we moved here. 'But she always knew she'd end up like this. I once asked her why she never learned how to drive, and she told me, 'Well, I always knew I'd have a chauffeur.'' In a large empty room, he described what the bustling corporate offices had looked like. He remembered how his mother used to power jog in Central Park each morning — often with her friend, the cosmetics entrepreneur Adrien Arpel — before starting her workdays here. He recalled her soft spot for hiring young Polish women. A memory hit him as he passed the kitchen. 'I saw her once gnawing on chicken bones, this woman who had come from out of the Holocaust,' he said. 'I remember saying, 'Mom, what are you doing?' Then she put it down, like she was reminding herself she didn't need to do that anymore.' In the billiards room, Mr. Roberts grinned when he recalled how his mother didn't get along with other moms in the neighborhood. 'She was the antithesis of them,' he said. 'She liked women who had something going on in their lives. Those were the kinds of women she became friends with. They saw her as new money, and they didn't like a woman who was working.' I asked how she might have felt knowing there was just one Lucille Roberts gym left. 'She'd be regretful, but she was also sensible, and she'd have understood that what women wanted would change,' he said. 'If she'd been able to continue, I think she'd have found a way for the company to adapt.' 'She would love knowing about these women still going there,' he added. 'I'll bet she probably even knew some of them. When my mother walked into her gyms, she was like a star to everyone. Because she was like them, but she'd made it — and she let them see they could make it, too.'
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Disturbing images from Diddy trial from baby oil, drugs to dark sex sessions
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES All the disturbing photos and text messages from the ongoing trial shed light on the dark and controversial relationship between Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Cassie Ventura, including drug-fueled sex marathons and alleged coercion Sean 'Diddy' Combs' federal trial in Manhattan took a dark turn this week, as jurors were shown newly released images from the rap mogul's September 2024 arrest - visuals that prosecutors claim paint a stark picture of his alleged double life. During Monday's proceedings, the courtroom was presented with a set of photographs taken at the Park Hyatt in Midtown Manhattan, where Combs had been staying for several days while awaiting his arrest. According to federal agents, rather than lying low, Combs had orchestrated what they described as a final drug-fueled 'freak off' before surrendering to authorities. When law enforcement entered the suite, they reportedly found it prepped for what one agent called a 'sexual marathon': bottles of baby oil, various controlled substances, and over $9,000 (£6,700) in cash were scattered across the room. Mood lighting equipment and prescription bottles bearing the alias 'Frank Black' - an identity allegedly used by Combs - were also recovered. The visuals caused an uproar online after being made public, especially in light of past text messages from Cassie Ventura, Combs' former partner, in which she wrote that she 'loved freak offs.' Other evidence presented to jurors included intimate images reportedly taken during the couple's first sexual encounter, one allegedly involving ecstasy, as well as graphic photos of injuries Cassie claims she suffered during the course of their relationship. The government argues these materials point to a pattern of coercion, manipulation, and abuse - central themes in the broader allegations of sex trafficking and criminal conspiracy facing the 55-year-old music executive. As the trial continues and prosecutors build their case, here, we take a look at some of the most disturbing photographs seen in the courtroom. Diddy's hotel room arrest In the ongoing federal trial of Combs, the courtroom was reportedly stunned as prosecutors presented photographs taken during his September 2024 hotel room arrest. As the case against the embattled musician unfolds, these images have been presented to the jury in a lower Manhattan court. Diddy, 55, is facing a slew of charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He continues to vehemently deny any wrongdoing and pled not guilty. Despite Combs having agreed with his attorneys to surrender to authorities before his arrest, his hotel room showed what appeared to be preparation for a 'freak off'. A number of bottles of baby oil were found, as was mood lighting when authorities arrived. The images depicted an unsettling scene: bottles of baby oil, Ziploc bags containing a pink powder later identified as ketamine and MDMA, and prescription bottles labeled under the alias "Frank Black." Additionally, mood lighting devices and stacks of cash were found, suggesting preparations for illicit activities. There was also a wallet full of wades of cash found in the room. Among the drugs found in the room, according to prosecutors, was ketamine and MDMA. Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, testified that she was coerced into participating in "freak-off" sessions - drug-fueled sexual encounters orchestrated by Combs and his associates, which were often filmed and used to coerce participants into silence. The singer had claimed the star was meticulous about his planning for his 'freak offs'. She claimed she was told to eat up the baby oil before they would use it in the 'freak offs.' Her testimony, alongside that of other witnesses, paints a picture of a controlled and abusive relationship, with Combs allegedly using drugs and threats to maintain dominance. These revelations continue to shock the public and raise serious questions about the extent of Combs' alleged misconduct. Taking the witness stand, former personal assistant to Diddy, David James shared inside details about his time working with the music mogul while he was dating Cassie. David recounted how he aspired to join the fashion world and sought employment with Diddy after a New York Times piece caught his eye. In court, David reflected on an interview where the head of HR at Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment indicated a photo of Diddy saying, "This is Mr. Combs's kingdom. We're all here to serve in it." David also detailed a conversation with Cassie during their early days, where he advised her to consider leaving the chaotic lifestyle experienced alongside Diddy. This moment took place as they were both outside in Miami during a raucous party thrown by Diddy. According to David, Cassie expressed her overwhelm, "Man, this lifestyle is crazy," prompting him to ask why she didn't just leave. Cassie's alleged response painted a picture of someone seemingly trapped: "I can't get out," she said, "Mr. Combs oversees so much of my life." Cassie's disturbing injuries Disturbing images emerged last week which showed Cassie Ventura with a swollen lip, taken shortly after Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs assaulted her in a hotel lobby in March 2016. The pictures were shown to the jury in court last week as pregnant Ventura testified against her ex partner. The singer, who is now married to Alex Fine, said: "That's me, a selfie of me with a fat lip," when the photos were displayed. Ventura - who released a powerful statement last Friday - said she took the photos of herself while she was in an Uber on her way home following the assault in Los Angeles. The singer recalled texting Diddy at the time, saying: "I have a premiere for the biggest thing I've ever done in my life on Monday. You are sick for thinking it's OK to do what you've done. Please stay away from me." Ventura also revealed that when her best friend at the time, model Kerry Morgan, saw her face, she became upset and called police. However, in order to protect Diddy, Cassie chose to not confirm who had assaulted her when the police showed up. The full video of Diddy's attack was made public last week when the unedited footage was shown in court as part of the ongoing trial. Diddy's hotel attack on Cassie The video, which did not have sound, showed security footage from the 2016 attack. Prosecutors initially showed it in full before they played it as the hotel's assistant security director at the time, Israel Florez, described how the situation unfolded. Further footage, which was filmed off a monitor using Florez's phone, was then shown. In the video footage, it's noticeable that Ventura is walking down the hall. Diddy is seen at one point grabbing her head from the back and slamming her to the ground. The rapper is also seen kicking her as she lay on the floor. Florez, who is now a Los Angeles Police Department officer, testified in court on Tuesday. He is seen at the end of the clip and is said to have been trying to diffuse the situation. He submitted an email that showed his report of the incident. He alleges that Diddy tried to offer him a bribe, claiming he said: "You take care of this, I got you, let's go to my room." Snippets of the footage were first released in May 2024 by CNN, which led to Diddy issuing a video apology where he acknowledged the incident. The trip to Miami that took a dark turn Cassie testified that her initial relationship with Combs, which began nearly two decades ago, was purely professional. She described it as a mentorship aimed at advancing her music career. However, she stated that the dynamic shifted dramatically after she turned 21. During a trip to Miami, they engaged in sexual activity for the first time, marking a significant change in their relationship. Cassie recalled that they had been day-drinking on a boat party when Diddy allegedly offered her an ecstasy pill shaped like a blue dolphin. She mentioned: "We were just having a good time," reflecting on the carefree nature of the moment. This testimony is part of a broader legal case in which Cassie has accused Diddy of a pattern of abuse, including drug-fueled sexual encounters. Her claims have been supported by other witnesses, shedding light on the troubling dynamics of their relationship. Cassie and Diddy's text messages During the trial, Diddy's legal team introduced text messages exchanged between Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, which have become central to the case. These messages, dating back to 2011, depict a complex and troubling dynamic between the two. In one exchange, Cassie wrote, "I love our FOs when we both want it," referring to the so-called "freak-offs. She added: "I want to Freak Off right now LOL. I want to have fun with you." Combs responded: "Let me know if you want to have a late night. Jules is available. If you're not into that NP. We can just do a thing. Love you." Cassie replied with a simple "love you" back. These texts have been presented by Combs' defense team to suggest that Cassie was a willing participant in these activities. However, Cassie has testified that she was coerced into participating in these "freak-offs" through manipulation and threats, including the use of explicit videos as leverage. Her mother, Regina Ventura, has corroborated these claims, describing instances where Combs allegedly demanded money and used intimidation tactics to control Cassie. Regina also testified that Combs threatened to release explicit videos of Cassie in retaliation for her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, leading her to take out a home equity loan to pay him $20,000. The defense's introduction of these text messages has sparked debate over their interpretation. While they may suggest consensual communication, they are being scrutinized within the broader context of Cassie's allegations of abuse and coercion. The trial continues to unfold, with both sides presenting evidence to support their respective claims.
