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Japan Today
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Prosecutor says Combs thought he was above the law as he led a racketeering conspiracy
FILE - Sean Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File) By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Sean 'Diddy' Combs thought his 'fame, wealth and power' put him above the law as he led a criminal enterprise for two decades, using 'power, violence and fear' to carry out brutal crimes, a prosecutor told a jury at the music mogul's sex trafficking trial during closing arguments Thursday. 'Over the last several weeks, you've learned a lot about Sean Combs,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik began. 'He's the leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn't take no for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his enterprise.' She said charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy were supported by proof that over two decades, Combs kidnapped one of his employees, committed arson by trying to blow up a car, engaged in forced labor, bribed a security officer and carried out the 'brutal crimes at the heart of this case.' Combs 'again and again forced, threatened and manipulated' former girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and an ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym 'Jane' into 'having sex with escorts for his own entertainment,' Slavik said, speaking from a lectern positioned between jurors and the tables where prosecutors and defense lawyers sat. 'The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,' she said. 'He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.' Slavik said Combs 'counted on silence and shame' to enable and prolong his abuse. He used a 'small army' of employees — an inner circle that included personal assistants and bodyguards — to harm women and cover it up, she said. The theory of racketeering law is that 'when someone commits crime as part of a group, they're more powerful and dangerous,' Slavik said. 'The defendant was a powerful man, but he became more powerful and dangerous because of his inner circle, his businesses — the enterprise.' Combs and his inner circle 'committed hundreds of racketeering acts,' she said. As Slavik spoke, jurors saw photos of key figures in Combs' orbit, as well as excerpts from related testimony in the trial transcript and slides to categorize evidence. One slide listed crimes prosecutors allege as part of the racketeering conspiracy, including drug distribution, kidnapping, arson and witness tampering. Another slide listed drugs such as cocaine, meth, ketamine, Oxycodone and MDMA, that Combs' aides said they procured for him, or that federal agents said they found last year in raids of Combs' homes. Combs sat with his head down, his chair pushed back a few feet from the defense table, as Slavik spoke. He was wearing a light-colored sweater over a white button-down shirt and khakis. Since his arrest at a Manhattan hotel last September, prosecutors have said Combs coerced and abused women for years as he used his 'power and prestige' as a music star to enlist a network of associates and employees to help him while he silenced victims through blackmail and violence. They've said the Bad Boy Records founder induced female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers in events dubbed 'Freak-Offs.' Defense lawyers have argued that Combs was involved in domestic violence but committed no federal crimes. They built their case for acquittal through lengthy cross-examinations of most of the government's 34 witnesses. Some witnesses testified only in response to subpoenas and made it clear to the jury that they didn't want to be there. Combs' lawyers contend there was no racketeering conspiracy because none of his employees agreed to be part of any conspiracy. But in her closing, Slavik said employees repeatedly agreed to commit crimes for Combs, such as delivering him drugs; accompanying him to kidnap his personal assistant, Capricorn Clark; and locking his girlfriend in a hotel room after he stomped on her face. Before Slavik began her closing, Judge Arun Subramanian told the jury they would hear a closing argument from a defense lawyer on Friday and a rebuttal by a prosecutor before he instructs them on the law and allows them to begin deliberating as early as late afternoon. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Prosecutor casts Sean 'Diddy' Combs as a criminal who abused others through power, violence and fear
Published Jun 26, 2025 • 2 minute read Sean Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Photo by Mark Von Holden / Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK — Two days of closing arguments in Sean 'Diddy' Combs ' sex trafficking trial began on Thursday with a prosecutor telling the jury the hip-hop mogul used 'power, violence and fear' to rule a criminal enterprise that facilitated kidnapping, arson and brutal sex crimes that she said were at the heart of the case. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik provided the jury with a road map for a closing argument expected to last several hours. She described Combs as someone 'who doesn't take no for an answer,' while he committed crimes of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy for two decades. Combs 'counted on silence and shame' to enable and prolong his abuse, Slavik said. He used a 'small army' of employees — an inner circle that included personal assistants and bodyguards — to harm women and cover it up, she said. The theory of racketeering law is that 'when someone commits crime as part of a group, they're more powerful and dangerous,' Slavik said. 'The defendant was a powerful man, but he became more powerful and dangerous because of his inner circle, his businesses — the enterprise.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Prosecutors say Combs coerced and abused women for years as he used his 'power and prestige' as a music star to enlist a network of associates and employees to help him while he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. They say the Bad Boy Records founder induced female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers in events dubbed 'Freak Offs.' Defence lawyers have argued that Combs was involved in domestic violence but committed no federal crimes. They built their case for acquittal through lengthy cross-examinations of most of the government's 34 witnesses. Some witnesses testified only in response to subpoenas and made it clear to the jury that they didn't want to be there. Before Slavik began her closing, Judge Arun Subramanian told the jury they would hear a closing argument from a defence lawyer on Friday and a rebuttal by a prosecutor before he instructs them on the law and allows them to begin deliberating as early as late afternoon. Read More Canada Sunshine Girls Music Toronto Raptors Canada
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Diddy's ex says she joined 'cuckold' sex marathons to feel loved by him
Published Jun 10, 2025 • 3 minute read Sean Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Photo by Mark Von Holden / Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK (AP) — Under cross-examination, Sean 'Diddy' Combs ' ex-girlfriend testified Tuesday she took part in sex acts with male sex workers at the music mogul's request because it made her feel loved by him, but now regrets what she came to recognize as the 'cuckold' lifestyle. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The woman was testifying at Combs' sex-trafficking trial under the pseudonym 'Jane' to protect her identity. A day earlier, she revealed their three-year relationship stretched up until the Bad Boy Records founder was arrested in September at New York hotel, where she'd been planning to meet him. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that carry a potential penalty of 15 years to life in prison. He has been jailed without bail. Prosecutors allege Combs used violence, threats and a network of employees and associates to control and abuse women for two decades. His lawyers have told the jury in federal court in Manhattan that although there was domestic violence in his relationships, everything he did sexually was consensual. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Earlier in the trial, R&B signer Casandra ' Cassie ' Ventura testified over four days that Combs physically abused her and that she participated in hundreds of 'freak-off' sexual performances during a nearly 11-year relationship that ended in 2018. The Associated Press doesn't name alleged victims of sexual abuse without their consent unless they have shared their identities publicly, as Cassie has. Teny Geragos, a lawyer for Combs, cross-examined Jane on Tuesday by leading her into discussing the drug-fueled sexual marathons choreographed by Combs — which Jane said sometimes happened weekly — by reminding her that she mentioned regrets in earlier testimony. 'I resent him for leading me into the lifestyle he led me to,' Jane said. 'I resented the way he went about introducing me to this lifestyle.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She said she agreed to these 'hotel nights' while 'under a lot of emotional pressure' — and already hooked on love and a desire to stay in a relationship with Combs. Jane testified Monday she began therapy about three months ago. She previously met with lawyers on Combs' defense team but cut off those meetings in April, days before the trial began. She said she struggles to understand why she kept participating in 'hotel nights' even though she only wanted to have sex with Combs, however the reasons are 'becoming more and more clear' as she proceeds with therapy. Jane initially felt it was 'something very special' to have these secret sexual experiences with Combs. She said she didn't want to judge him and 'really wanted to just go along with these things because if I can be my partner's escapes than I would be.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Jane said she researched sexual variations in 2022 and came across the words 'cuck' and 'cuckold,' which seemed to fit the lifestyle she found herself in because she said a man known as a 'cuck' derives pleasure seeing 'his woman receive pleasure' from another man. In earlier testimony, Jane provided recent examples of Combs acting violently toward a woman while seeking to fulfill his sexual desires. Cassie sued Combs in November 2023 alleging sexual abuse. The lawsuit was settled within hours for $20 million, but it touched off the criminal investigation into Combs. Read More Toronto Blue Jays NHL Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists
Toronto Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Pop singer Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with early breast cancer
Published Jun 04, 2025 • 1 minute read Jessie J appears at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2020. Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision / AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK — English pop singer Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery after her performance at the London music festival Capital's Summertime Ball next weekend. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Jessie J, 37, shared the news in an Instagram video on Wednesday. 'I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,' she said in the clip. 'Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding onto the word 'early'.' 'It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job. I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive (expletive) and more music.' The annual Summertime Ball will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, June 15. She told her social media audience that she felt compelled to share her diagnosis. 'I just wanted to be open and share it,' she said. 'One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I'm an open book. It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse — that's the bit that kills me.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Grammy-nominated Jessie J has long been celebrated for her robust soprano and R&B-informed pop hits, like the 2014 collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande, 'Bang Bang,' and 2011's 'Domino.' She has released five albums across her career, most recently, 2018's Christmas album, 'This Christmas Day.' She has been releasing new music in 2025, including the singles 'Living My Best Life' and 'No Secrets.' A new album is expected later this year. She has a son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, born in 2023. A representative for Jessie J did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment. Crime World Celebrity Toronto & GTA Columnists
Toronto Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' ex-personal assistant says she was too traumatized to answer his 2023 call
Published May 30, 2025 • 3 minute read Sean Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Photo by Mark Von Holden / Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK — Sean 'Diddy' Combs ' former personal assistant testified at his sex trafficking trial Friday that she threw her phone across the room in terror and ran outside when she saw the hip-hop mogul calling her days after his longtime ex-girlfriend sued him two years ago. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'It was just so triggering to see that,' said the assistant, who was identified in court only by the pseudonym 'Mia.' She was the second of three women expected to testify at the federal trial in Manhattan that they were sexually abused by Combs. Bail was repeatedly denied for Combs following his September arrest after prosecutors argued he and his coconspirators reached out to potential victims or witnesses after the former decade-long girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, sued him in November 2023. The suit, which alleged years of sexual abuse, was settled within a day for $20 million. At a September bail hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson said Combs had contacted at least one victim in November 2023 and was in constant contact with witnesses, including as late as last July. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mia said she at first was elated to hear from D-Roc, one of Combs' former bodyguards, when he reached out to her days after Cassie's lawsuit — until she realized he was at the Bad Boy Records founder's home and trying to reconnect her with her former boss. Then, she said, she felt 'terrified, threatened, scared, nervous.' Mia said she 'wanted to play dumb' and needed a game plan to protect herself. 'I didn't want my life to be in danger,' Mia said. Still, when she soon saw Combs himself trying to call her, 'I threw my phone as far as it would go behind the couch, and I ran outside.' Combs' lawyer Brian Steel launched into his cross-examination by quizzing the woman about several dozen posts she made about Combs, Cassie and other people and events in their orbit. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Among them: a still image she posted on Combs' birthday in November 2013 from a comedy video featuring Combs as a doctor helping Mia give birth to a baby. 'Shout out to my mentor,' she wrote, referring to Combs, 'Thank you for always letting me give birth to my dreams.' 'Here, you have posted on your personal account your rapist delivering the baby,' Steel said. On Thursday, Mia testified that she was awakened and then raped by Combs as she slept in a bunk bed in his Los Angeles home just months after he'd forcibly kissed her at his 40th birthday party in 2009. She said sexual assault continued sporadically, seemingly infrequent enough that each time she'd think it would never happen again. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that could result in a prison term of from 15 years to life if he is convicted. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mia, who worked for Combs from 2009 to 2017, including a stretch as an executive at his film studio, said there were exciting times in the job and the 'highs were really high and the lows were really low.' After she left Bad Boy Entertainment, Mia said, she received $250,000 of a $400,000 settlement to reimburse her for promised bonuses that were never paid and for unpaid overtime. But she said she never told her lawyers about the sexual abuse. She acknowledged during her testimony that she referenced her co-workers as 'family' and used the word 'love' in her correspondence with Combs even after he sexually attacked her. 'That's how we all talked to each other,' Mia said. While working for Combs, she said, she dated his sound engineer, although it wasn't a typical relationship because they rarely saw one another outside work. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She said she hasn't been able to work since leaving the job because of post-traumatic stress. Mia said she'd misinterpret emails asking 'where are you?' as scolding. She said someone calling her name from across the room would cause her alarm, even if it was an innocent attempt to get her attention. Throughout his cross-examination, Steel struck a familiar, incredulous refrain, asking: 'Why would you promote the person who has stolen your happiness in life?' Mia told Steel that the posts were a facade. 'Instagram was a place to show how great your life was, even if it was not true,' she explained, adding that followers of her then-public account included many Combs fans. 'Of course you post great times,' she said. Crime World Olympics Toronto Raptors Sunshine Girls
