Latest news with #RacketeerInfluencedandCorruptOrganizationsStatute
USA Today
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify
Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify Show Caption Hide Caption Judge adjourns jury in Diddy trial due to one juror's sickness Judge Arun Subramanian excused the jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial after a juror reported vertigo-like symptoms on the way into court. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Court is back in session in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial after an unexpected two-day break. Following an abrupt adjournment on June 18 due to a juror's health issues and the immediately following Juneteenth holiday on June 19, the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan federal court on June 20 for the tail end of the prosecution's witnesses. Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul is slated to testify against his ex-boss. The 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player and alleged "drug mule" previously faced felony charges for drug possession when he was arrested on the same day as the raids of Combs' homes, but the case was later closed. Paul's testimony will come after prosecutors on June 17 revealed personal messages between Combs, his girlfriends and his associates and also showed jurors around 20 minutes of what appeared to be video footage created between 2012 and 2014 of Combs' "freak offs." U.S. attorneys were expected to rest their case on June 20; the day's proceedings will reveal whether that schedule changes. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes days-long sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify Show Caption Hide Caption Former Diddy assistant gets immunity, expected to testify Brendan Paul, one of Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistants, is expected to testify about obtaining drugs for the hip-hop mogul and his entourage. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Another member of Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged criminal enterprise will take the stand in his sex-trafficking trial. Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul is set to testify against his ex-boss as the sweeping federal case resumes in Manhattan court on June 18. The 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player previously faced felony charges for drug possession when he was arrested on the same day as the raids of Combs' homes, but the case was later closed. Paul's scheduled testimony comes after prosecutors probed Combs' alleged sex-trafficking enterprise with the help of unearthed personal messages, videos and other evidence. Jurors were shown roughly 20 minutes of what appeared to be video footage created between 2012 and 2014 of Combs' "freak offs," a series of elaborate sexual performances he's been accused of orchestrating. U.S. attorneys plan on calling two to three more witnesses, including Paul, before resting their case on June 20. The trial will have a brief recess on June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged sex trafficking probed in resurfaced messages
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged sex trafficking probed in resurfaced messages Show Caption Hide Caption Juror dismissed in Diddy trial over questions about truthfulness The judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex crimes trial dismissed a juror after prosecutors questioned his honesty about where he lives. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Prosecutors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial are pulling back the curtain on the music mogul's alleged sex-trafficking enterprise thanks to unearthed personal messages and revealing testimony from Combs' former staffers. The Grammy-winning rapper's sweeping federal sex-crimes case resumed in Manhattan court on June 17 after jurors were shown past communications between Combs and his former chief of staff Kristina "KK" Khorram, a woman he called his "right hand" throughout her employment. Some messages allegedly showed Combs talking about a male escort and a drug dealer. Other texts from Combs' former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine alluded to the elaborate planning that went into Combs' "freak off" sex parties. Before the prosecution is scheduled to rest its case on June 18, ahead of the Juneteenth holiday the following day, U.S. attorneys plan on calling two to three more witnesses. One of them includes Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. The disgraced music mogul remains in custody, and, despite repeated attempts at bail, has remained confined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' sex parties detailed in testimony from inner circle
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' sex parties detailed in testimony from inner circle Show Caption Hide Caption Week six of Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial wraps with a celebrity attendee As the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs wrapped up week six, rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, showed up, and the judge asked to dismiss a juror. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs, who throughout his criminal trial has been accused of orchestrating elaborate sexual performances, faces additional scrutiny as more details on his alleged excesses emerge. The embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 16 following a bombshell June 13 hearing that saw Comb's hip-hop peer Ye make a surprise appearance and Chelsea Lovelace, one of Combs' accusers in a separate case, reveal her identity in an amended lawsuit. Additionally, Combs' former personal assistant Jonathan Perez, who worked for him up until his September 2024 arrest, opened up about his preparations and clean-up efforts for Combs' "king nights" — aka "freak-off" sex parties. Judge Arun Subramanian is also expected to make a final determination regarding the dismissal of controversial Juror No. 6. The man, who'd been serving on the 12-person jury, came under scrutiny from prosecutors due to an alleged "lack of candor" with the court. Six alternate jurors have been on the sidelines in the trial. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces shake-up as more witnesses speak out
Diddy trial updates: Jury in Sean Combs' case faces shake-up as more witnesses speak out Show Caption Hide Caption Witness Jane testimony wraps in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex crimes trial The final day of testimony from Witness Jane, an ex-girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs is complete. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. A possible shake-up in the jury pool in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial looms as witnesses continue to come forward with allegations of abuse. Attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul and prosecutors returned to Manhattan court on June 13 to hash out the trial eligibility of one of the jurors, anonymously identified as Juror No. 6, with Judge Arun Subramanian. The issue was first brought to the judge's attention while court was in session on June 10. According to reports from CNN and NBC News, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey told Subramanian the individual appeared to have "a lack of candor with the court." In response, Combs' attorney Alexandra Shapiro reportedly accused the prosecution of trying to get a Black juror dismissed, mirroring a similar claim raised by the defense during jury selection. As the prosecution continues to build its case against Combs, jurors are expected to hear from one of Combs' assistants as well as a federal agent. This comes after the Grammy-winning rapper's ex-girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," gave harrowing accounts on the stand about her allegedly abusive relationship with Combs. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
