Connect with us

Entertainment

Diddy denied bail after being cleared of most serious charges

Published

on

299 Views

A judge has denied bail to Sean “Diddy” Combs after a jury convicted the hip-hop mogul of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted him of the most serious charges: racketeering and sex-trafficking.

Lawyers for the recording artist had argued he posed no flight risk, pointing out his jet is being chartered in Hawaii.

But Judge Arun Subramanian cited Combs’ history of violence as he ruled the rapper must remain behind bars until sentencing later this year when he faces up to 20 years in prison.

In the nearly two-month federal trial in New York City, prosecutors accused Combs of using his celebrity status and business empire to run a criminal enterprise to sex traffic women.

A panel of 12 jurors deliberated for 13 hours before acquitting Combs of three of the most serious five charges.

He will continue to be held at the same federal jail in Brooklyn where he has been detained since last September.

The sentencing was tentatively scheduled for 3 October.

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, made an impassioned argument for the judge to release his client.

The defence lawyer said Combs had attended a programme for perpetrators of domestic violence to try to reform his conduct, even before he was arrested, and that he had not been violent since 2018.

“I just think we should trust him,” Agnifilo said.

But Combs’ ex-girlfriend, musician Casandra Ventura, had warned the court in a letter that the hip-hop mogul posed a danger if released.

The rapper had acknowledged domestic violence, but denied any non-consensual sexual encounters or a larger racketeering scheme.

Judge Subramanian said bail was being denied because “the defence conceded violence in his personal relationship”.

The mood in court was emotional after jurors announced they had acquitted Combs of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.

Sex trafficking and racketeering both carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

As Combs learned the verdict, he got on his knees, put his face into his chair and appeared to be praying. He was shaking.

The verdict comes a day after jurors told the court they had reached a decision on the sex-trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges against Combs, but were unable to decide on the racketeering count.

The jurors said they had had “unpersuadable” opinions on both sides about the charge, which was the most complicated of any of the counts Combs faced.

Racketeering conspiracy, or directing an illegal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (Rico), is the formal name for the charge.

To convict Combs on this charge, prosecutors had to prove he used his loyal network of associates to run a criminal enterprise to commit crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, drugging and obstruction of justice.

Defence lawyers argued the case could not be considered to be racketeering if members of Combs’ staff were not knowingly complicit.

Prosecutors called more than 30 witnesses over the course of the seven-week trial, including Ms Ventura, rapper Kid Cudi, several ex-employees and hotel security workers.

They alleged Combs had relied on employees to coerce his partners into so-called “freak-offs”, in which his girlfriends would have sex with a male escort while he watched and filmed.

The government relied on testimony from Ms Ventura, who took the witness stand while eight-months pregnant, telling the court that Combs had pressured her into sex acts and threatened to release tapes of the freak-offs if she disobeyed.

Ms Ventura warned on Wednesday that Combs would pose a danger if granted bail.

In a letter filed to the court, her attorney Douglas Wigdor wrote: “Ms Ventura believes that Mr Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community.”

At the centre of their case was a video of the rapper beating and dragging Ms Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016 – surveillance footage that security employees testified Combs tried to pay them to delete.

Combs’ attorneys conceded their client was violent towards women, but argued that his behaviour was motivated by drugs and jealousy, not evidence of a larger sex trafficking and racketeering scheme.

Combs is also facing dozens of civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and violence.

The Harlem-born rapper founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, a label that represented some of the biggest names in hip hop – including Notorious B.I.G. and Usher.

He went on to establish a clothing line called Sean John and a variety of other businesses including fragrances, alcohol and even a media company.

Entertainment

Davido honours deceased mother with new hostel at Clifford University Abia

The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, commended Davido for his contribution to education and for inspiring young Africans.

Published

on

By

53 Views

Afrobeats superstar Davido has commissioned a female hostel at Clifford University, Abia State, named after his deceased mother, Dr. Veronica Adeleke.

The facility, Veronica Imade Adeleke Female Hostel, was unveiled during the university’s 6th Convocation Ceremony, where Davido also delivered a commencement speech to graduating students.

Davido urged graduates to lead purposeful lives, emphasising that true greatness is, not fame or wealth, but the lives one touches.

“When I looked into their faces, I saw the same fire that built me — that hunger to be seen, to make something out of nothing, to turn pain into power.

“I told them that talent might open the door, but purpose gives it meaning,” Davido said.

The hostel is a tribute to his late mother, an educationist and philanthropist who believed education and compassion could change lives.

“My mother, Dr. Veronica Adeleke, was a teacher and giver who believed education and compassion could change lives. This building is a continuation of her purpose — turning love into legacy,” he wrote.

Davido was joined at the event by his friend, Cubana Chief Priest, who pledged to sponsor 50 students’ school fees.

The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, commended Davido for his contribution to education and for inspiring young Africans.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

‘65 percent of my fans are Igbos, not Yorubas– Sir Shina Peters

Now 67, Sir Shina Peters dismissed the idea of returning to active music-making, stating that the current environment no longer supports his creative process.

Published

on

By

49 Views

Popular Nigerian Juju musician Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, widely known as Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about his personal life, revealing that he had his first child at the age of 14.

In a teaser for the upcoming episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, the Afrojuju legend reflected on his early beginnings in life and music, recounting how success came swiftly for him.

“I started my career at the age of 10. I had my first child at 14. I bought my first car at 13. I built my first house at 16,” he said.

Now 67, Sir Shina Peters dismissed the idea of returning to active music-making, stating that the current environment no longer supports his creative process.

“65 per cent of my fans are Igbos, not Yorubas. My fans are demanding that I give them new music but I don’t just go to the studio. I can’t go to the studio, the atmosphere is not conducive to me. I don’t know what to sing,” he added.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Imisi Wins Big Brother Naija Season 10

She won with 42.8% of the votes, followed by Dede with 15.94%, Koyin with 15.23%, Sultana with 7.94%, Kola with 5.48%, Jason Jae with 4.84%, Mensan with 3.54%, Isabella with 3.07%, and Kaybobo with 1.72%.

Published

on

By

127 Views

•BBNaija Season 10 Housemate, Imisi Ayanwale…Photo Credit: Africa Magic.

Africa Magic’s viewers pulling show- Big Brother Naija Season 10 ended yesterday with Imisi Ayanwale emerged as the winner of the competition.

She took home N80 million in cash as part of the N150 million grand prize, after an exciting finale that wrapped up months of drama, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

She won with 42.8% of the votes, followed by Dede with 15.94%, Koyin with 15.23%, Sultana with 7.94%, Kola with 5.48%, Jason Jae with 4.84%, Mensan with 3.54%, Isabella with 3.07%, and Kaybobo with 1.72%.

The humorous and outspoken housemate, who enjoyed massive support from her loyal fanbase known as “Ijoba 606,” beat strong contenders including Dede, who finished as first runner-up, as well as Koyin, Kola, Isabella, and Kaybobo

.Known for her witty remarks and playful personality, Imisi became a fan favourite for her comic timing, authenticity, and ability to lighten tense moments in the house.

Her humour, coupled with her resilience during tough tasks, made her one of the most relatable contestants this season.

This comes after Koyin was shockingly evicted, and Dede and Imisi were instructed to leave the house for the stage.

According to the tradition of the show, the lights were turned off in the house after their exit, an emotional moment for fans who had followed the housemates’ journey for weeks.

This edition of Big Brother Naija has been one of the most engaging yet, featuring unexpected twists, emotional evictions, and viral highlights that dominated social conversations for weeks.

With her win, Imisi joins the ranks of previous champions like Mercy Eke, Laycon, Whitemoney, Phyna, Ilebaye, among others.

All remembered for their unique imprint on the Big Brother legacy.

Continue Reading

Trending