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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
List of Celebrities Mentioned in Diddy Trial and What Was Said
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has referenced over a dozen of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, as testimony continues in the fourth week of proceedings. Why It Matters Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. What To Know While the names of many celebrities have been mentioned during Combs' trial, none are accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the criminal case. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards on May 27, 2009. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards on May 27, 2009. zz/Raoul Gatchalian/STAR MAX/IPx Kid Cudi Rapper Scott Mescudi, who goes by the stage name Kid Cudi, has been mentioned several times during the Combs trial. He also testified during the second week of proceedings. Mescudi started dating Cassie Ventura in 2011. Ventura dated Combs from 2007 to 2018. Mescudi said that he did not realize that Ventura and Combs were still together when they started dating. Mescudi alleged that Combs broke into his house in 2011 after he discovered Ventura's relationship with Mescudi. Mescudi also testified about a 2012 incident where his car caught fire in the driveway of his home. He said he asked to meet with Combs after the incident because he "knew he had something to do with it." The defense objected to the statement, and it was stricken from the record. Dawn Richard Dawn Richard, a former member of the girl group Danity Kane, also testified in Combs' trial. The group was formed on the reality show Making the Band. Combs was an executive producer of the show. Richard said she saw Combs attack Ventura as she was making eggs at Combs' home in Los Angeles. "He came downstairs screaming, belligerent," Richard said. She said Combs grabbed the skillet and tried to hit Ventura with it. Combs then grabbed Ventura's hair and dragged her upstairs, Richard testified. Michael B. Jordan The defense questioned celebrity stylist Deonte Branch about Ventura's relationships with other men while she was dating Combs, including actor Michael B. Jordan Nash said Ventura and Jordan were "dating, talking, getting to know each other." Prince Combs' former assistant, who used the pseudonym "Mia" during her testimony, stated that she attended a party at singer Prince's house with Ventura around 2011 or 2012. Mia said she convinced Ventura to go to the party even though Combs told them to stay home. She said they danced, hung out with friends, and Prince performed on a table. Mia saw Combs, who previously used the stage name "Puff," walking into the party. She and Ventura "booked it" outside the house. "Puff caught up to Cass and had her on the ground," Mia testified. Prince's security intervened. Rihanna Ventura's makeup artist, Mylah Morales, testified that she also worked for Rihanna for 13 years. During cross-examination, the defense showed Morales photos where she had done Ventura's makeup. This included a photo of Ventura, Rihanna and Ryan Lewis attending an awards show. Usher Richard said she saw Combs punch Ventura in the stomach at a restaurant in 2010 while other celebrities were present, including Usher. "She immediately bent over, [Combs] told her to leave," Richard said. "No one intervened." Ne-Yo Richard testified that singer Ne-Yo was also present when Combs punched Ventura at a restaurant in 2010. Nicki Minaj Ventura testified that she was given access to contacts in the music industry during her relationship with Combs. She said she recorded a song with Nicki Minaj. Lil Wayne Ventura said she also recorded a song with Lil Wayne while she was in a relationship with Combs. R. Kelly In a January 2019 message shown in court, Mia told Combs she had a nightmare where he rescued her after she was trapped in an elevator with singer and convicted sex offender R. Kelly. Chris Brown The defense questioned Ventura about an alleged encounter with singer Chris Brown during her testimony. "Do you remember the incident where he suspected you of dancing with Chris Brown?" defense attorney Anna Estevao asked Ventura. Ventura said she did not remember the incident, but she "was not dancing" with Brown. Mike Myers Prior to working for Combs, Mia worked as a personal assistant for comedian Mike Myers. Madonna Mia testified that she worked for Madonna for eight months after her employment with Combs ended. "I was hired to lead her film industry. It morphed into multiple roles," Mia said. Mick Jagger The defense questioned Mia about her time spent with various famous individuals during her employment with Combs. In messages to Combs shown in court, Mia described some of these encounters. One instance she recalled was spending a night in Paris with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Jennifer Lopez In messages shown in court, Mia mentioned how Jennifer Lopez would not stay out with her and Combs. Morales also worked as a makeup artist for Lopez. Leonardo DiCaprio Mia said she once witnessed Combs playing poker with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. In a message, Mia wrote that Combs said the actor "does not know" anything about the game. Combs told her that he won $650,000, while DiCaprio won $10,000. Chadwick Boseman Mia messaged Combs in 2020 following the death of Chadwick Boseman. "Thinking of you with Chadwick Boseman," she wrote. Mia said Combs had been auditioning for the role of James Brown in the Get On Up biopic, which Boseman ultimately landed. Britney Spears Ventura said Britney Spears was among the celebrities in attendance at her 21st birthday party. She said the high-profile guests were there because of Combs. "That was all him. I didn't know them," Ventura said. 50 Cent Capricorn Clark, Combs' former assistant, testified about an instance where she accompanied Combs to do press at MTV. She said 50 Cent was there that day and Combs "had an issue with 50 Cent." Suge Knight Ventura testified that she told Combs not to do "anything stupid" when he went to confront Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr. She said Damion "D-Roc" Butler informed Combs that Knight was at a local diner. Combs "quickly packed up and drove down there," Ventura said. Ventura said Combs and a bodyguard put on black clothing and armed themselves. When he got back, she said Combs would not tell her what happened or if he met Knight at the diner. What People Are Saying Cassie Ventura, during her testimony about Sean Combs' planned confrontation of Suge Knight: "I was crying. I was screaming 'Please don't do anything stupid.' I was just really nervous for them, what it meant, what they were going to do." Scott Mescudi, during his testimony about why he broke up with Cassie Ventura: "The drama was just getting out of hand." What Happens Next The trial, currently in its fourth week, is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Combs is facing life in prison if convicted. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Gets Win in One Case While on Trial in Another
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A federal judge has ruled that a woman suing music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs under the pseudonym "Jane Doe" cannot remain anonymous, delivering a legal victory for Combs as he simultaneously faces a separate federal criminal trial. In his federal trial, Combs was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has been accused of operating a sex trafficking ring for more than 20 years. Why It Matters The decision by the federal judge comes in one of several civil cases filed against Combs. The ruling strips anonymity protections from a plaintiff who alleges she was drugged and raped by Combs in a Las Vegas hotel suite in 2014. The claim was filed amid broader accusations from multiple women and men of misconduct and abuse. Combs had pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges and denies any wrongdoing. Sean "Diddy" Combs at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. Sean "Diddy" Combs at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. zz/Zephyr/STAR MAX/IPx What To Know The woman filed her complaint last October in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, detailing an alleged encounter at an exclusive Memorial Day weekend party hosted by Combs. According to her suit, she was invited by a promoter known as "International Smoove" to Combs' Las Vegas afterparty, where she consumed a drink from an open bottle of vodka. She claimed she became dizzy and later awoke disoriented and groggy. She said Combs was in the corner of the room, shirtless, and "it was clear that someone else had been in the bed with her." She alleges she was raped while unconscious. Newsweek reached out to the Buzbee Law Firm, which is representing the plaintiff, and representatives for Combs for comment. Combs' attorneys opposed the plaintiff's request to proceed anonymously, arguing in a March court filing that the law presumes openness in judicial proceedings and that she failed to offer compelling evidence that disclosure of her name would subject her to harm. "Plaintiff seeks an unfair litigation advantage," they wrote, claiming anonymity would limit the defense's ability to investigate her claims or identify relevant witnesses. Judge Vernon S. Broderick sided with Combs' attorneys in Tuesday's order, finding that "the prejudice to Defendants of Plaintiff proceeding anonymously and the public's interest in monitoring proceedings about a public figure outweigh Plaintiff's interest in proceeding anonymously." He noted that the plaintiff had not presented "particularized evidence" that disclosure would cause her severe mental or physical harm, calling her attorney's statements too "conclusory." He also cited the broader context of Combs' legal entanglements, observing that the plaintiff's attorneys are involved in at least 21 cases against Combs. He said similar decisions have been made in these cases "I consider these decisions in evaluating Plaintiff's request," Broderick wrote. What People Are Saying Broderick, in an order: "Plaintiff failed to show specific threats or harms she would face that would strengthen her interest in proceeding anonymously." Combs' attorneys, in a memorandum opposing the motion: "Plaintiff should not be permitted to conduct the entirety of these proceedings under the cloak of anonymity, with the resulting prejudice to the public interest and the Combs Defendants' ability to defend themselves." Attorneys for the plaintiff, in a complaint: "Through this case, Plaintiff seeks a full measure of justice from a man who thought his power, money and influence rendered him untouchable. Plaintiff joins many other victims by filing this Complaint in hopes their common voice makes it impossible for Combs to assault another person ever again." What Happens Next With the ruling, the plaintiff will be required to amend her complaint to include her legal name by May 20 unless she files an appeal or withdraws the lawsuit. The case will proceed as Combs continues to fight multiple civil suits and a high-profile criminal trial. The ruling may shape how other courts weigh similar anonymity requests in related lawsuits brought by plaintiffs against Combs. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex Trafficking Trial To Begin: Latest Updates
The federal trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs begins today in Lower Manhattan, where he faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The case is expected to last up to eight weeks and includes allegations from several women, including singer Cassie Ventura, who say Combs used violence and coercion for sex. 09:32 AM EDT Why Sean 'Diddy' Combs lawyers are focusing on what jurors aren't saying Sean "Diddy" Combs at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. Sean "Diddy" Combs at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. zz/Zephyr/STAR MAX/IPx Jury selection in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs entered its third day on Wednesday, and a jury consulting expert said body language from potential jurors could play an important role in the process. The charges against Combs have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, given his longstanding influence as a rapper, producer and entrepreneur. With potential legal ramifications that could reshape his career, the trial has become a focal point for both media and public attention. Jury selection is expected to play a pivotal role in the case, potentially influencing the outcome based on who is chosen to serve. Hiliary Remick, managing director of jury consulting at Magna Legal Services, explained the role body language could play in jury selection. "The trick for the defendant is to figure out whether these jurors are giving off any other signals," Remick told Newsweek. "So they might be looking at the jurors to see if there's anything from body language that they can detect that might mean they really want to be on this jury." Read the full story by Jenna Sundel on Newsweek.
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Can You Watch Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial? What To Know About Live Stream
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Despite the public interest, no live stream will be available when jury selection begins Monday in the high-profile federal criminal case against Sean "Diddy" Combs in the Southern District of New York. The music mogul, known for decades under various aliases including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy and Love, faces federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Federal court rules prohibit video recording and broadcasting of proceedings, and this trial is no exception. Those interested in real-time updates will have to rely on journalists attending in person. Reporters may be present in the gallery, but no cameras are allowed inside the courtroom. Why It Matters The courtroom proceedings are drawing national attention, not just because of Combs' celebrity but also due to the gravity of the alleged crimes, which span two decades and involve multiple alleged victims and co-conspirators. Sean "Diddy" Combs at the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held on March 7, 2010 in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Sean "Diddy" Combs at the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held on March 7, 2010 in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. zz/Doug Peters/STAR MAX/IPx What To Know Combs has been charged with five federal counts. According to the U.S. government's filing, Count One alleges that from 2004 to 2024, Combs participated in a racketeering conspiracy involving kidnapping, arson, bribery, obstruction of justice, forced labor, sex trafficking, drug distribution and transportation for prostitution. Counts Two and Four accuse him of sex trafficking two adult women through "force, fraud, and coercion." The first is alleged to have occurred around 2009 and 2018, and the second around 2021 and 2024. Counts Three and Five involve allegations of transporting these women and male sex workers to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and denies any wrongdoing. Newsweek reached out to Combs' representatives for comment. While the charges were outlined by federal prosecutors in the government's proposed questions for jurors filed on April 25, the defense also submitted a joint filing on April 30 detailing objections to how those charges are characterized in court. The defense requested that terms such as "acts of violence" and "sexual assault" be rephrased to "allegations of" those acts, to avoid prejudicing prospective jurors. Jury selection began Monday under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. Jurors are being screened through a detailed series of questions covering everything from their views on law enforcement and sex crimes to their experiences with guns and illegal drugs. The prosecution and defense have agreed on large portions of the voir dire process, with disputes over wording mostly resolved and consented to on both sides. What People Are Saying Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers, in a motion filed last month: "The government should not be permitted to pollute the trial with decades of dirt and invite a conviction based on propensity evidence with no proper purpose by painting Mr. Combs as a bad guy who must have committed the charged crimes." Prosecutors, in a memorandum filed last month: "That testimony powerfully establishes that the defendant made no mistake when he coerced other victims into unwanted sex. It proves that the defendant intended to take the sexual gratification he wanted, regardless of consent." What Happens Next Once a jury is selected, the trial will proceed with opening statements expected within days. Prosecutors plan to introduce evidence, including testimony from alleged victims, with some under pseudonyms, as well as digital records retrieved from phones and iCloud accounts. As the trial unfolds, Combs' legal team will seek to dismantle the prosecution's narrative of coercion and criminal enterprise. At the same time, federal attorneys attempt to prove an extended pattern of abuse and trafficking enabled by Combs' position of power. Proceedings are expected to span several weeks. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Newsweek
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Where Was Netflix's 'Havoc' Filmed? Tom Hardy Stars in Latest Thriller
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Netflix's latest entry into the action genre, Havoc, showcases the rugged beauty of Wales while delivering an intense, gritty thriller starring Tom Hardy. Released on April 25, the film continues Netflix's growing investment in hard-hitting action dramas led by major stars. Set in a grim, unnamed American city, Havoc follows a bruised detective, played by Hardy, who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son, all while unraveling the deep layers of corruption. Directed by Gareth Evans, known for The Raid: Redemption, the movie blends raw action with a dark, emotionally charged narrative. Why It Matters Havoc represents another major push by Netflix into the lucrative action genre, following successes like Extraction and The Old Guard. According to Netflix, some of its most-watched movies of all time include fast-paced action movies, including Red Notice, Carry-On, The Adam Project, Bird Box, and The Gray Man. Though Hardy is known for roles in Venom, Mad Max: Fury Road and This Means War, this is his first original Netflix film. Tom Hardy at The World Premiere of Netflix's "Havoc" on April 15, 2025 in London, England. Tom Hardy at The World Premiere of Netflix's "Havoc" on April 15, 2025 in London, England. James Warren/Famous/STAR MAX/IPx/AP Photos Where Was Netflix's Havoc Filmed? Although set in a fictional American city, Havoc was shot almost entirely in Wales. Filming locations included Cardiff and Barry. The production also filmed at the historic Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, which was also featured in films like Dope Girls and Proud Mary, according to WalesOnline. Exterior scenes were filmed at Swansea's Guildhall, where Ford Crown police cars were staged outside, while the interior of Cardiff's Pierhead Building was also utilized for key sequences, TimeOut reported. The setting of the urban scenes was crafted by dressing up these Welsh locations to mimic a deteriorating American metropolis, Screen Rant reported. Wales is also where writer and director Gareth Evans is from and currently lives. He was inspired to film Havoc where he originally fell in love with his work, Screen Rant reported. "The idea of being able to finish a shoot day and go home and read a bedtime story to my son was very appealing," Evans said, as reported by Screen Rant. "And Wales is where I grew up, where I first fell in love with the idea of film not just as an art form but something I could potentially do as a career." Who Is in the Cast for Havoc? Leading the cast is Tom Hardy, portraying a battle-worn detective entangled in a city's seedy criminal network. Joining him are Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker, who plays a senior political figure, and Timothy Olyphant in a significant supporting role. The film also features Jessie Mei Li, Justin Cornwell, and Luis Guzmán. What People Are Saying Peter Debruge, chief film critic for Variety, wrote of the Havoc: "Looking worse for wear than Bruce Willis' tank top at the end of Die Hard, Tom Hardy fully commits to the walking stereotype that is Walker, the least bad cop working Christmas Eve in a city that a) doesn't exist, b) seems to be modeled on the scuzzy version of Gotham City seen in The Penguin and c) boasts a triad-run underworld populated by an inexhaustible supply of heavily armed henchmen." David Rooney, chief film critic for The Hollywood Reporter, wrote: "But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans' gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket." David Ehrlich, reviews editor and head film critic at IndieWire, wrote: "The pleasures of Gareth Evans' long-awaited Havoc are fewer and less consistent than die-hard fans might hope from a project they've been waiting to see for so many years... but the best moments of this comically scuzzy crime saga reaffirm why the Welsh director's work is worth the hype." What's Next As Netflix continues to bet big on star-driven, action-heavy projects, Havoc stands as a prime example of the gritty, high-impact storytelling the platform is aiming to deliver.
