Latest news with #RiseandFall
News18
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ashneer Grover Gets A Dose Of Love From Wife Madhuri On His Birthday
Last Updated: "Forever grateful for our love, laughter, and shared adventures," wrote Madhuri Jain. Ashneer Grover, businessman and Shark Tank India fame, is celebrating his 43rd birthday today, June 14, 2025. To mark the special occasion, his wife and entrepreneur, Madhuri Jain Grover, shared a heartfelt birthday message on social media. The Delhi-based couple, who tied the knot on July 4, 2006, are proud parents to two children —Avy and Manna. Madhuri posted an adorable photo from one of their recent trips, capturing a serene moment of the couple sitting on rocks and soaking in a scenic outdoor view. The Shark Tank India fame is seen dressed in a navy striped sweater, blue jeans and white sneakers, while Madhuri wore a white and grey striped sweater, loose grey pants and white shoes. Fans and admirers were quick to share their reactions to the post. An Instagram user commented, 'Happiest happiest birthday Ashneer sir." Another one wrote, 'Beautiful picture." One of them shared, 'Dream Life." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madhuri Jain Grover (@madsj30) Talking about their personal lives, Ashneer and Madhur first met during their coaching classes in Delhi. However, their relationship began later in college. After a few years of dating, the couple decided to marry. Although Madhuri's family initially rejected his proposal, Ashneer's determination won them over in the end. Ashneer is currently focused on his new venture, ZeroPe, a fintech app for medical loans. He also founded Third Unicorn, the company behind ZeroPe, after completely cutting his ties with BharatPe in September 2024. He gained recognition after his appearance in the first season of Shark Tank India. He was known for his straightforward and sometimes blunt feedback to pitchers, which made him a popular and recognisable figure on the show. However, he was removed from the other seasons of the show. Later on, he also appeared as a judge on the MX Player show Rise and Fall. First Published:
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Suniel Shetty: With 'Hunter 2', I found more than just adrenaline-pumping action
Picture Credit: X Actor Suniel Shetty has spoken about the season 2 of the action thriller series Hunter, and said that it's a story with heart, depth, and real emotional stakes. Suniel reflected on Hunter and how OTT has unlocked deeper, more layered storytelling. He said: "With Hunter, I found more than just adrenaline-pumping action. It's a story with heart, depth, and real emotional stakes. " "OTT platforms give us the freedom to break away from the usual cliches and bring out characters and stories in their rawest, most authentic form. Today's viewers are demanding, they look for honesty in storytelling, and that's what Hunter delivers," he added. The first season, 'Hunter: Tootega Nahi Todega' stars Suniel Shetty, Esha Deol, Barkha Bisht, Karanvir Sharma, and Rahul Dev. It is streaming on Amazon Mini TV. The premise followed ACP Vikram Chauhan, a cop with a tragic past, is accused of an aged woman Leena Thomas's death, where he sets out to prove his innocence with the help of Divya. The second season stars Jackie Shroff and Anusha Dandekar . The actor was present on the Day 2 of Goafest 2025 at a session titled 'IGNITE THE NEXT: From Action and Adrenaline to Social Experiments.' Moderated by Aruna Daryanani, Director of Amazon MX Player, the session featured an insightful conversation between Bollywood icon Suniel Shetty and content innovator Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India. From the evolution of his character ACP Vikram in the upcoming season to the series' widespread fanbase across age groups, he discussed the adrenaline and preparation that contributed to the show's success. He also addressed advertisers' concerns about action thrillers not being "brand-safe." Speaking about bringing innovative storytelling to the forefront, Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player, shared, "From edge-of-the-seat thrillers like Hunter to disruptive formats like Rise and Fall, our commitment is simple: to entertain India for free, while offering brands meaningful and effective ways to connect with audiences." Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, added, "We set out to create more than just a typical game show with Rise and Fall. This show is a sharp, insightful reflection of society's power dynamics and shifting relationships. It goes beyond entertainment to explore how strategy, influence, and human behaviour intersect in real time, making it compelling and thought-provoking for viewers and brands alike. " Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jury Pool in Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial Will Be Asked These Questions by Judge During Voir Dire
On the first day of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, 12 jurors are being selected to hear the case against the rap mogul and his defense. In a process known as voir dire ('to speak the truth'), Judge Arun Subramanian is asking a set of questions submitted from both sides of prospective jurors at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan this week. One by one, jurors are being asked questions by the judge as the pool is gradually whittled down to 45 potentials, who can then be dismissed by the defense or the prosecution, with no reason given. These include whether they had heard news about allegations against the hip-hop mogul, seen the CNN video of Combs assaulting a woman in a hotel hallway or even heard any of the baby oil jokes after feds raided his homes and removed evidence (one potential juror said he had). More from The Hollywood Reporter Sean "Diddy" Combs 'Rise and Fall' Doc Set at BBC Sean "Diddy" Combs' Defense Team Wants to Ask Potential Jurors About Aversion to Sex and Violence What Sean "Diddy" Combs' Rumored New Attorney Mark Geragos Has Said About His Legal Troubles Another potential juror was dismissed Monday by Subramanian when she indicated that an image of Combs standing above a woman on the floor 'could be damning evidence.' However, another remained when she said she'd seen a clip of that incident but told the judge she'd be a 'blank slate' going into the trial, according to reporting from inside the courtroom from MSN. Here's a look at what the defense sought to ask potential jurors, followed by what the prosecution sought that the judge ask the jury pool as he selects the 12 men and women and six alternates. — Pursuant to the Court's scheduling order (ECF 125), the defense's proposed voir dire questions on behalf of defendant Sean Combs are listed below: 1. What is your age? 2. What is your sex? 3. What is your gender identity? 4. In what city and county do you live? 5. Who, if anyone, do you live with? 6. If you are married or in a relationship, what is your spouse or partner's occupation and employer? a. How long have they worked for that employer or been in that occupation? b. What are their job responsibilities? 7. Do you have children? a. If so, what are their ages? b. If you have adult children, what, if anything, do they do for work? 8. Are you currently working? a. Who is your current (or most recent) employer and what is your job title? b. If not, when was the last time you worked and please describe your most recent employment? What were your specific duties at your job? c. If you are working, what do you do for a living? What are your specific duties at your job? d. How would you describe your job responsibilities? e. Do you manage or supervise others as a part of your job? 9. What is the highest level of education you have completed, and if you have any college or postgraduate degrees, what was your degree or area of study? 10. I am going to read you a list of occupational areas. Please tell me if you or someone you are very close to has any training, experience, or specialized knowledge in that area, and explain your/their experience: a. Business b. Sexual Assault Training c. Sexual Harassment Training d. Domestic Violence Training e. Case Psychiatry/Psychology f. Security Services g. Addiction Treatment or Counseling h. Finance i. Law or Law Enforcement 11. What clubs, groups, or organizations do you belong to or regularly participate in (for example, church groups, professional organizations, volunteer activities, victims' rights groups, etc.):? a. If you have a spouse or partner, what clubs, groups, or organizations does your spouse or partner belong to or regularly participate in? 12. What do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies or interests outside of work and family? 13. Do you use any social media platforms? If yes, which ones? 14. How do you get your news? a. What, if any, newspapers, magazines, websites, online news services or publications do you read most often? b. Do you listen to any podcasts? If so, which ones? 15. I am going to read three group-decision-making styles, and I'd like you to tell me which one comes closest to the way you make decisions: Strongly express your views to get the outcome you believe is best Participate in the discussion and try to help build a consensus. Listen and follow what you think the majority favors 16. Do you believe you make most decisions based on intuition or the examination of facts? 17. Do you have any personal experiences or opinions about drug or alcohol use or addiction? a. If yes, what is that experience? b. You are going to hear about drug and illegal alcohol use in this trial. Is that going to be difficult for you based on your experience? 18. The defendant in this case is a wealthy celebrity. Do you have any opinions regarding wealthy individuals that would affect your ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case? a. Do you believe that wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not? 19. What kind of music do you like? a. How often do you listen to music? b. Do you have an opinion about the hip-hop rap music industry or artists in that genre? c. If so, please tell us what it is. A. The Charges This is a criminal case. To help you understand the reason for the questions I'll be asking you, I want to tell you briefly about the charges. The defendant, Sean Combs, a/k/a 'Puff Daddy,'a/k/a 'P. Diddy,' a/k/a 'Diddy,' a/k/a 'PD,' a/k/a 'Love,' has been charged with the commissionof certain federal crimes in a document called an Indictment filed by a grand jury sitting in this District. The Indictment is not evidence itself. It simply contains the charges that the Government is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. I will briefly summarize the charges in this casein order to give you a legal framework as you listen to the evidence for what you will ultimatelybe asked to do at the end of the trial. The Indictment contains five counts or charges: Count One charges that, from at least in or about 2004 through in or about 2024, the defendant participated in a racketeering conspiracy during which he agreed with other employees and associates of his businesses to commit kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction ofjustice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Count Two charges the defendant with sex trafficking an adult female victim through force,fraud, and coercion between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. Count Three charges the defendant with transporting that female victim and malecommercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. Count Four charges the defendant with sex trafficking a second adult female victim throughforce, fraud, and coercion between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. Count Five charges the defendant with transporting that second female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. B. General Ability to Serve 1. Would you have any difficulty following my instructions with respect to thefundamental principles I have just outlined? 2. Do you have any personal knowledge of the charges in the Indictment as I have just described them beyond what you have already noted in your questionnaire? 3. It is not a particularly pleasant duty to find another individual guilty of committinga crime. If the evidence established a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, would you be willing to share 4. unable to render a guilty verdict for reasons unrelated to the law and the evidence? And if theevidence failed to establish a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, would you be unableto render a not guilty verdict for reasons unrelated to the law and the evidence? 5. Is there any reason you could not view and decide fairly and impartially a caseinvolving the charges as I have described it that you have not already noted in your questionnaire? C. Knowledge of the Trial Participants 6. As noted in your questionnaire, the defendant, Sean Combs, is represented by Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Anna Estevao, Alexandra Shapiro, Jason Driscoll, and Brian Steel [They will be assisted by the list here]. [ Please ask them to stand.] Seeing them here today, do you know any of these individuals? 7. Similarly, as noted in your questionnaire, the prosecution, referred to here as the Government, is represented here, as in all cases where it is a party before this Court, by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton. The conduct of the trial will be in the immediate charge of Assistant United States Attorneys Maurene Comey, Meredith Foster, Emily Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Smyser, and Mitzi Steiner. They will be assisted by HSI Special Agent Sean Quinn, HSI Special Agent Kiera Murphy, and HSI Task Force Officer Phil Adaszewski, as well as Shannon Becker, Lucy Gavin, and Chanel Foster, paralegal specialists in the U.S. Attorney's Office. [Please ask them to stand]. Seeing them here today, do you know any of those individuals? 8. Are you familiar with anyone else present in the courtroom, including all court personnel or myself? Did you recognize any of your fellow jurors in the jury assembly room? 9. I will now hand you a list of names of individuals who may be mentioned during the trial, or who may be witnesses in this case. Please read this list to yourself, and please do not say any of the names out loud: [Numbered list of names to be supplied, including true names of victims testifying under pseudonym] Please answer the following questions referring only to the number next to the relevant name without saying any name out loud. 10. Do any of you know any of the people on that list personally? Have you had any dealings, directly or indirectly, with any of these individuals? To your knowledge, have any of your relatives, friends, or associates had any dealings with any of these individuals? D. Knowledge of Locations Do you have any familiarity with any of the following places that may be mentioned during the course of the trial? (The government will submit a list of places in advance of trial.) E. Relationship With and Views Regarding Government and Defense 11. Have you ever studied or practiced law or worked in any capacity for a law office? 12. Have you or has a relative or close friend worked for or with any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, such as the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York or the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations ('HSI'), or the New York City Police Department ('NYPD') in any capacity, including as a contractor? 13. Have you or has a relative or close friend done work for or been associated with a criminal defense lawyer or private investigator? 14. Have you ever been involved, or do you expect to become involved, in any legal action or dispute with the United States or any agency, officer, or employee of the United States? 15. Do you have any views about the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, HSI, the NYPD, or any other law enforcement agency that would interfere with your ability to be fair and impartial? 16. Do you have any views about criminal defense attorneys that would interfere with your ability to be fair and impartial? F. Experience With and Opinions of Legal Proceedings and Relevant Topics 17. Have you, or has any relative or close friend, ever participated in a state or federal court case, whether criminal or civil, as a witness, plaintiff, or defendant? If so, what kind of case? If so, what was your role in that case? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 18. Have you or any relative or close friend ever been involved or appeared as a witness in any investigation by a federal or state grand jury or by a congressional or state legislative committee, licensing authority, or governmental agency, or been questioned in any matter by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 19. Have you, or has any relative or close friend, ever been subpoenaed for any inquiry or investigation? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 20. Have you, or has any relative or close friend, ever been the subject of any investigation or accusation by any grand jury, state or federal, or any other investigation? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 21. Have you, or any of your relatives or close friends, ever been a victim of a crime? If yes, please describe the circumstances, including the type of crime, when it happened, and the outcome of any law enforcement action. Is there anything about that experience that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 22. You may hear evidence in this case relating to acts of violence, including intimate partner violence and other assaults. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to that aspect of the case that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 23. You may hear evidence in this case relating to sexual assault, including rape. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to that aspect of the case that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 24. You may hear evidence in this case relating to the payment of commercial sex workers in exchange for sex. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to prostitution and the enforcement of laws around prostitution that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 25. [The Government notes that this question may be omitted depending on the outcome of pending motion practices] 26. You may hear evidence relating to firearms. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences about guns and the enforcement of gun laws that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Harvey Weinstein's "Jane Doe 1" Victim Reveals Identity: "I'm Tired of Hiding" 'Awards Chatter' Podcast: 'Sopranos' Creator David Chase Finally Reveals What Happened to Tony (Exclusive)
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Trial Begins as Potential Jurors Asked if They Are Familiar With Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Mike Myers and More Celebrities
Jury selection for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial began Monday morning in New York as a media circus surrounded the courthouse in Lower Manhattan. One hundred and fifty potential jurors were asked to fill out a questionnaire that gauged their knowledge of Combs, their views on law enforcement, whether they have experienced a sexual assault and more. They were also given a list of at least 190 celebrities and public figures and asked to indicate which names they recognized. More from Variety Sean 'Diddy' Combs Rejected Plea Deal in Federal Sex Trafficking Case, Prosecutors Disclose Sean 'Diddy' Combs' 'Rise and Fall' to Be Examined in BBC Documentary Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Attorneys File Motion to Exclude Cassie Ventura Assault Video From Federal Trial Among the names on that list are Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Mike Myers and Kid Cudi. It's unclear how the names on the list relate to the Combs trial, if at all. Combs is known to have hosted big Hollywood parties and was well-connected among celebrities. Prosecutors believe that Kid Cudi, for one, is the victim of a car bombing committed by Combs in 2011. During that time, the 'Pursuit of Happiness' rapper was romantically involved with Combs' longtime ex-girlfriend, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, the star witness of the federal trial. Other names listed include Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams, actor Lauren London, singer Dawn Richard, singer-producer Dallas Austin and many of Combs' family members. A surprising number of potential jurors indicated that they were not familiar with any of the names. The jurors were given the option to discuss sensitive or personal questions in a private sidebar with just the judge, court reporter and two attorneys from each party. Combs is facing five counts, including one for racketeering, two for sex trafficking and two for transportation to engage in prostitution. If he is convicted on any or all counts, Combs could spend the rest of his life in prison. Since 2023, the music mogul has been hit with more than 70 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct ranging from rape to sex trafficking. Those lawsuits are separate from the federal trial, which will likely feature testimony from high-profile figures such as Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and other alleged victims whose names have yet to be revealed. Federal prosecutors say they have interviewed more than 50 witnesses and recovered evidence from over 100 laptops, cellphones and other electronic devices that paint Combs as a serial abuser who led a vast criminal network held together by assistants, security guards and other employees who kept quiet for years. The charges in the indictment stem from alleged crimes that span from 2004 to 2024. Combs has denied all allegations and has insisted that all sexual activities were consensual. Best of Variety Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Are the Top Lawyers Sean 'Diddy' Combs Hired For His Dream Defense Team?
The New York jurors being selected on Monday to hear the sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs are going to have to decide on one crucial question on which the prosecutor's case seems to hinge: Did the rap mogul use his sizable staff over several decades to run a criminal enterprise, or is he a wealthy man with a dedicated team and some unique proclivities? According to prosecutors with the Southern District of New York, the jailed rap and fashion world mainstay 'used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice.' More from The Hollywood Reporter ABC News Sets Daily Streaming Show Following Diddy Trial (Exclusive) Dual Lawsuits Accuse and Deny José Menendez's Alleged Sexual Assaults of Menudo Members Sean "Diddy" Combs 'Rise and Fall' Doc Set at BBC The trial is expected to last eight weeks, starting from the May 12 opening statements, Judge Arun Subramanian told potential jurors as Monday's session opened for jury selection. The 12 men and women selected, who will be vetted thoroughly, will hear from four witnesses, only one of whom is currently known: Cassie Ventura, the defendant's former romantic partner, who settled a civil case out of court last year, will be the first to take the stand; the three victims who will follow her are, at this point, unnamed publicly. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and maintains that he is innocent of any crimes. He was offered a plea deal with a reduced sentence, which he rejected, the rap mogul revealed in court late last week. All four witnesses are prepared to tell about their experiences with Combs as the prosecution tries to show how he allegedly coerced women into sex by manipulating and controlling them, and how his staff played allegedly key roles in cleaning up after his messes and assuring alleged victims stayed in line and kept quiet. All four witnesses will then face cross-examination from a tailored team of attorneys who are some of the best defense lawyers that money can buy. Here's a look at who's who in Combs' defense team. 'There's a lifestyle, call it swingers, call it whatever you will — many people think it's appropriate. The reason he thought it was appropriate is because it's so common.' The lead defense attorney for Combs' trial is a veteran criminal defense lawyer known for representing high-profile clients throughout his 30-year career. The founding partner of Agnifilo Intrater LLP worked as Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey from 1998 to 2006 as the lead of its Violent Crimes Unit. He has argued over 200 cases and secured acquittals in many complex trials involving accusations of assault, international tax fraud, political corruption and other crimes. One notable success in Agnifilo's career was the dismissal of the rape case against former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn after an alleged sexual assault on a New York hotel maid in 2011. He's gained a reputation over his career for challenging prosecutors head-on and making the case that his clients are being targeted unfairly, as was the defense strategy he presented for Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab, who was accused of evading U.S. sanctions on Iran through complex financial transactions. He's already made a similar statement regarding the charges against Combs, calling it an 'unjust prosecution.' His high-profile cases have not all been success stories for his clients, though. Agnifilo defended NXIVM founder Keith Raniere, who was convicted on multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison after he was convicted of seven felonies related to what prosecutors described as a sex cult the organization he co-founded. 'He's fighting. He's innocent, and he's going to be able to show it.' The sharp daughter of L.A.-based lawyer to the stars Mark Geragos (more on him, below), Teny Geragos is a founding partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP and has strong experience defending and investigating sexual misconduct allegations. She's defended sexual assault and securities and wire fraud cases, as well as others involving public corruption, tax evasion and narcotics trafficking. Teny's experience with sexual misconduct defense strategy has been on display in social media videos and on News Nation's Cuomo, where she made an appearance to discuss her client's innocence. Speaking with host Chris Cuomo following one of three bail denials for the rap mogul, Teny said that Diddy's ' lifestyle is not criminal' and noted that when discussing his alleged crimes, the notion of consent was never brought up by prosecutors; the defense's strategy, in terms of the sex trafficking charges and lurid 'freak off' sex parties Combs threw, hinges on the assertion that all parties were consenting adults. 'What was notable today… is they never once said that these women didn't consent to what happened, not once,' she told Cuomo in September. Teny also took Diddy's case to TikTok, where she adopted the format of shutting down an accusation in a civil case filed against Combs by speaking to the camera with various headline screengrabs, legal files and images on display in the backdrop. 'The more challenging the case is, the more likely I'll take it.' A recent addition to the defense team, Brian Steel is famous not only for a recent New Yorker profile, but for defending a famous rapper against a RICO charge, as is the case with Combs. Steel previously represented rapper Young Thug in Georgia's longest-running criminal trial. During the Young Thug YSL RICO trial, the presiding judge notably held Steel in contempt of court after an argument erupted over a meeting the judge took with a key state witness and prosecutors. Steel refused to reveal his source; he fought back and had the contempt charge overturned. The judge was recused from the trial after the incident. This must have impressed Agnifilo and company, as they brought him aboard last month. Steel attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree and then Fordham Law, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1990. After Young Thug pleaded out and managed to walk free after the 22-month trial, he had a Drake song named for him. The former clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Shapiro has a rep for taking on cases that court controversy. Her recent notorious client, who happens to be spending time with Combs at the Brooklyn jail where he is being housed, is FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, whom she defeated on appeal of his fraud conviction. Shapiro's career successes include narrowing the scope of federal fraud statutes before the Supreme Court, where she also argued the first-ever insider trading case. She's known for appeals, white collar defense and civil litigation. Before founding her firm, she worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and an attorney-adviser in the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice. There is, of course, more to Shapiro than her career. In 2022, she also penned a legal thriller, Presumed Guilty, to rave reviews. 'A just society requires that the accused be accorded zealous counsel and, more importantly, can you imagine a just society without criminal defense attorneys? I cannot.' On May 1, Combs' defense team appeared at a Manhattan federal court hearing where an unnamed legal addition was listed among the prestigious group. Since then, court filings have shown that Xavier Donaldson, a former Bronx prosecutor who has run his practice since 2023, has been added to the high-powered team. Donaldson is a graduate of Howard University, the same school Combs attended before leaving to pursue his music industry dreams. The young blood on the defense team, Jason Driscoll, joined Shapiro Arato Bach in 2023 after working with individual and corporate clients at a different firm, with time spent on both civil and criminal proceedings. Before this private sector work, he clerked for a federal district judge in the Southern District of New York, the venue for Combs' trial, and as a federal appellate judge in the Second Circuit. With a focus on appeals, government investigations and white collar crime, Anna Estevano feels like a natural fit for Combs' defense team, given the charges the mogul faces from federal prosecutors. According to her LinkedIn profile, she made partner in January at New York firm Sher Tremonte LLP after spending seven years there as counsel. Estavao has been part of Combs' team since the fall of last year, joining shortly after his September arrest in Manhattan. 'Race underscores everything in the criminal justice system.' The celebrity defense attorney is busy with another headline-grabbing case with clients Erik and Lyle Menendez, but it's rumored that he is going to play a major role in Coombs' defense. The powerhouse lawyer has seen his share of big-with-a-capital-B trials, having defended Scott Peterson, Chris Brown, Jussie Smollett, and many more notable names facing some serious charges. Exactly what type of role he will play in Combs' defense remains to be seen; as speculation has increased over the past three weeks since he appeared in court with Team Diddy, Gereagos has deflected questions about his involvement entirely. There is one notable, enduring mystery surrounding the Combs trial. In February, attorney Anthony Ricco suddenly filed a motion to withdraw from the case. No one has been able to say exactly why Ricco decided to step away from his client, and while making his exit, he wrote to the court, 'Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel.' Ricco, who famously defended Osama bin Laden and Omar Rahman after the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, specializes in state and federal court hearings and has saved the lives of multiple death row inmates. Additionally, he famously defended Gescard Isnora, an undercover cop who shot and killed Sean Bell, an unarmed Black man, in 2006. Given this penchant for tough cases, his refusal to work on the Combs' case has fueled a great deal of speculation and mystery as to what made him quit the high-profile case that many anticipate will reveal much more about Combs' luxe and libidinous lifestyle. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Harvey Weinstein's "Jane Doe 1" Victim Reveals Identity: "I'm Tired of Hiding" 'Awards Chatter' Podcast: 'Sopranos' Creator David Chase Finally Reveals What Happened to Tony (Exclusive)
