Latest news with #September2024
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bill Maher sparks backlash over Cassie and Diddy comments as trial continues
Bill Maher has ignited fury over his latest comments about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial. To close out Friday night's Real Time With Bill Maher episode, the host delivered a monologue about the music mogul's ongoing trial and his thoughts on abuse and stardom. Combs is facing is facing sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy charges. He was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused, and coerced victims 'to fulfill his sexual desires' between 2004 and 2024. Combs has denied any accusations of wrongdoing. 'Diddy is a bad dude, really bad,' Maher began. 'And we should lock him up and throw away the baby oil,' he continued in his signature satirical style. He then segued into discussing the trial in the context of the post-Me Too movement era, saying: 'Things have changed enough so that moving forward, the rule should be if you're being abused, you gotta leave right away.' 'Now I completely understand why in the past women often did not do that,' Maher continued. 'I understand, as counter-intuitive as it seems, why an abused woman would send complementary texts or emails to her abuser after the abuse. And that everywhere, women felt, for good reason, that O.G. predators like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein would never be held accountable. Why not at least get something out of it?' He continued, noting that the alleged perpetrators of abuse were 'surrounded by all sorts of enablers' who 'lured women into unsafe spaces,' and 'cowards who knew what was going on but didn't dare expose the person who signed their paycheck.' 'In that scenario,' Maher continued, 'it was not illogical for an abused woman to say, 'Well, if I can't get justice for my pain, can I at least get a receipt?'' Maher went on to point out that aforementioned abusers Cosby and Weinstein went to prison, with the latter expected to die behind bars. He also pointed out that post-Me Too movement reporting indicates women are more likely to speak up against mistreatment and abuse. Still, he reiterated being 'aware that it can be difficult to leave an abusive relationship.' He then said that women should go to the police right away instead of journaling in the aftermath of experiencing mistreatment or abuse. 'And most importantly, don't keep f****** him,' he said, seemingly referring to Combs's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's pattern of repeatedly returning to the music mogul despite the alleged abuse she experienced. After brief applause, he continued: 'Your only contemporaneous notes about what he did should be the police report. It's not victim shaming to expect women to have the agency to leave toxic relationships. Quite the contrary, to not expect that is infantilizing them.' Maher then noted that if Combs were to walk free, it could be due to the alleged text messages from Ventura 'expressing what's often called enthusiastic consent to their sex life.' Ventura's texts were cross-examined as part of Combs's trial. 'I get it. Part of the allure of the music industry is you wanna be a star,' Maher continued. 'And music is, to begin with, highly sexualized.' 'But if we're going to have an honest conversation about abuse, we also have to have an honest conversation about what people are willing to do for stardom,' he added. 'If you want a number one record on the charts so bad you'll take a number one in the face, some of that is on you.' Maher continued: 'If you're literally being held captive, that's one thing. But if you're putting up with whatever for love or for your career, then you need to have a little more honesty and accountability about that.' The Independent has contacted a press representative for Maher's show for comment. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 1 in 3 college women say they've been in an abusive relationship, and, on average, it takes a woman about seven tries to leave an abusive relationship for good. Maher's monologue prompted intense backlash from women for failing to understand the difficulty in leaving abusive relationships, with several citing the 2016 hotel surveillance video that captured Ventura attempting to flee Combs while participating in one of his 'freak offs.' 'That's insanely ignorant, we have seen in the video that she tried to leave… yes women will be believed way faster than in the past, but still the abuse is not black and white,' one woman wrote on Facebook. 'Like she tried to leave the hotel? Don't be a pig, Bill,' someone else wrote. 'Until people are in a domestic violence relationship. They had no understanding of how hard it is to get out of one. It's not as easy as it seems,' another said. 'Floored by people who do not understand abusive relationships. You don't know what was actually going on. To say she stayed for the money is probably the crulest thing to say. Bill Maher is just a jerk,' someone else chimed in. 'Of course a man would make this comment. You have no idea what it is like to be in an abusive relationship and to get out of it. You need to just shut up about something you no nothing about,' someone else wrote on X. Another shared: 'Obviously, doesn't know anything about grooming, domestic violence abuse or keeping his f****** mouth shut!' The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327. Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via
Forbes
4 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Will Climate Week NYC 2025 Be A Bust? 'NO!' Says Six Key Insiders
TOPSHOT - People cross the Brooklyn Bridge calling for leaders to "Tear down the pillars of fossil ... More fuels" during a Youth Global Climate demonstration ahead of the UN Climate week and General Assembly in New York City on September 20, 2024. (Photo by Alex KENT / AFP) (Photo by ALEX KENT/AFP via Getty Images) Climate Week NYC 2025 is fast approaching. With just a few months left for organizations to decide whether or not they want to participate this year, given the current political climate in the United States, it's critical to get a read on the pulse of what is being anticipated come September. One key indicator is that the New York Times announced yesterday that it will return to Climate Week NYC with The Climate Forward Live Event for its fourth consecutive year. I asked 6 key players affiliated with Climate Week NYC for their thoughts on what to expect. Angela Barranco, Executive Director of Climate Group North America—arguably the central convener for Climate Week NYC—describes it as 'the biggest global event of its kind, bringing together tens of thousands of people from all over the world. It's more than just a week of events—it's the moment that shapes how businesses and governments act on climate for months and even years afterward.' Barranco went on to explain the critical importance of climate week this year. She states, Barranco's sentiments seem to prevail across Climate Week NYC insiders. Let's hear what some others have said. More people are concerned about the health of the planet than ever before and that's why Climate Week in 2025 will be the biggest yet. Being the hottest year ever recorded, 2024 also produced a record amount of extreme weather and gave us a clear picture of the future we do not want. People want a more stable, resilient, and sustainable future and at the same time many businesses are seeing that environmental responsibility is good business. There are many forces at work to create a brighter future full of opportunity and Climate Week 2025 will be unsurpassed in terms of impact. The Nest Climate Campus is an official partner of Climate Week NYC and takes over the Javits Center on Manhattan's west side. The Nest Climate Campus boasts 9407 attendees last year (up over 50% from 2023), 4383 partner organizations, and 150+ main stage speakers. Attendees can enjoy sponsored sessions on the main stage and various pop up talks and panels on the main floor with celebrities like Bill Nye and Adam Met as featured below. Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Dr. Adam Met interviewing Bill Nye at the NEST Climate Campus at Climate ... More Week 2024 Food Tank —'the think tank for food'—will take over NPR Studios' The Greene Space during Climate Week NYC 2025 as it did last year. President Danielle Nierenberg said, We Don't Have Time will broadcast live from Climate Week NYC and amplify global reach through studios in Sweden and Kenya. We Don't Have Time partners with organizations ranging from the Clinton Global Initiative to sustainable fashion non-profits like Fashion4Development for the purpose of sharing both innovation and industry progress. We Don't Have Time founder, Ingmar Rentzhog, states: NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Ingmar Rentzhog attends Fashion 4 Development's 3rd Annual ... More Sustainable Goals Banquet at 583 Park Avenue on September 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) plans to show up in force! At a time when the U.S. is experiencing the largest increase in demand for energy since World War II, it is more important than ever that we deploy as much solar and storage as possible. The Solar Energy Industries Association is taking – and will continue to take – that message to every corner of America, including NYC Climate Week. Solitaire Townsend, founder of the change agency, Futerra, describes the establishment of another Climate Week NYC staple: Solutions House. She explains how the House was born when 'Futerra's team in NYC pushed aside a few desks and invited our clients and friends into our offices for small but highly energetic sessions.' She goes on to say that in 2025 'we'll be hosting our largest events yet, in a dedicated 300-seat venue with breakouts, immersion screens and a coffee bar. We've raised more funding, and secured more partners, this year than ever before. Why? Because appetite for solutions, for unexpected content, and for real debate, hasn't dimmed at all.' Definitely a resounding 'NO' according to the 6 key climate players interviewed for this piece. It seems that engagement and participation in Climate Week NYC is an increasing trend especially in recent years. Sure there are fears around speaking up on climate action in the current political climate, but it's clear from those actively working on climate that it's more important than ever to engage. It is possible, however, that this engagement will come primarily from US-based climate advocates. As Ingmar Rentzhog puts it, It remains to be seen just how well attended Climate Week NYC will be in 2025 while the Trump Administration is in power. Perceptions of fear held by climate advocates, whether unfounded or not, can ultimately motivate behavioral outcomes like whether or not to engage in Climate Week NYC 2025. It's clear from the climate insiders interviewed for this piece that not only are they not backing down, but rather that they are ramping up their efforts.
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Kim Kardashian is now a law school graduate
Kim Kardashian attends the 2024 Kering for Women dinner at The Pool in September 2024 in New York City. (via CNN Newsource) It's been a long road for Kim Kardshian as she's pursued her dream of becoming a lawyer and she's celebrating a milestone. Kardashian on Wednesday shared photos and video of what appeared to be a backyard graduation ceremony. In the first video, a voice which sounds like her sister Khloe Kardshian, can be heard saying, 'Surprise graduation!' 'It's an absolute honor to stand here today, not just as mentors, but as witnesses to one of the most inspiring legal journeys we've ever seen,' Jessica Jackson, an attorney who worked with Kardashian on her studies. 'Six years ago, Kim Kardashian walked into this program with nothing but a fierce desire to fight for justice,' Jackson said. 'No law school lectures, no ivory tower shortcuts, just determination and a mountain of case log books to read.' Jackson also noted that over the six years Kardashian has dedicated 'a total of 5,184 hours of legal study, that's time she carved out while raising four children, running businesses, filming television shows and showing up in courtrooms to advocate for others.' Kardashian's advocacy work in criminal justice has resulted in several people being released from prison, most notably Alice Marie Johnson, a first-time nonviolent drug offender, whose sentence Kardashian encouraged U.S. President Donald Trump to commute in 2018, after Johnson had served 21 years. President Trump pardoned Johnson in 2020. In another slide, Kardashian is shown holding her certificate of completion on stage as her friends and family celebrated her. Kardashian also included a photo of her late father, Robert Kardashian, an attorney who famously worked on his friend OJ Simpson's trial. Article by Lisa Respers France.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- CBS News
Trial of teen accused of killing classmate at Joppatowne High gets underway with testimony
Testimony started on Wednesday in the case against a 16-year-old accused of shooting and killing a classmate inside a Joppatowne High School restroom in September 2024. Jaylen Prince is being tried as an adult on charges of murder and assault. He is on trial for the murder of 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant near the start of the school year. Those in the courtroom included students and family members who identified themselves as Grant's friends and family. Teen shot during school day Police said the Prince allegedly pulled a gun out of his backpack and shot Grant during a fight inside the men's bathroom of Joppatowne High School. Prince then took off from the school and was taken into custody in a nearby neighborhood after being reported by residents. Grant died from his injuries. 12-member jury seated A jury of eight women and four men was seated on Wednesday. More than 150 potential jurors reported over the two days of questioning. The jurors were asked if they were familiar with the case and whether they had strong feelings on crimes involving juveniles. Another four -- two men and two women -- were named as alternates. Classmates testify as witnesses Students and witnesses testified on Wednesday. One of those students captured the shooting on video, which was played for the jury. A close friend of Prince and Grant testified that the shooting may have stemmed from an argument about a girl. Magness Douala testified he spent much of the day with Prince, including most of lunch. He told the jury he saw Prince flirting with a classmate, who was Grant's girlfriend. Douala testified that he told Prince that Grant said to stay away from his girl, to which Prince replied, "Nobody wants her," but seemed agitated. The witness said he and Prince entered the restroom, and Grant and some other friends were there, as well. Julian Mueller testified that he was inside the bathroom when the incident happened. He told the jury that Grant instructed him to take a video when he and Prince started arguing… In the video, you hear Prince repeatedly say, "I am going to kill you," before reaching into his backpack and firing a gun. You hear that fatal shot, and see Grant fall into the corner. Opening statements focus on intent In opening statements, Harford County State's Attorney Alison Healey told the jury that Grant went to school that day with the intent to kill. She said the weapon was never recovered, but shell casings found at the scene match bullets found under Prince's mattress during a search of his home. Healey also said photos on his phone dating back to roughly two weeks before Grant was killed show Prince with photos of a gun that uses the type of bullets found under his mattress. Defense attorney Staci Pipkin says the picture Healey described is only one side of the story. She said Prince is a child and not a murderer. Pipkin says Prince was much smaller than the rest of the boys in the bathroom and used the gun to scare them off, but didn't mean to kill Grant. She says the entire case will come down to intent. A push for security improvements The shooting prompted community members to demand better safety measures at Joppatowne High School. Students and residents started an online petition calling for security improvements. They were pleading for school leaders to install metal detectors and require clear backpacks at all Harford County Public Schools. Harford County leaders and the county school board announced a plan to allocate funding for security improvements at Harford County schools, including advanced weapon detection systems and other electronic upgrades, and more School Resource Officers (SROs).
Fox News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
The Ongoing Trial Of Sean 'Diddy' Combs
For over 20 years, Sean 'Diddy' Combs was a global superstar and major entertainment figure–that was until his celebrity lifestyle came to an abrupt end in September 2024 after multiple accusations of sex crimes and racketeering. On May 12, 2025, Combs' trial began with prosecutors attempting to prove that the defendant abused his fame and power. FOX News correspondent CB Cotton has been covering the trial, and she joins to provide an overview of the case, break down former girlfriend Cassie Ventura's testimony, and analyze the Combs defense strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
