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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy's alleged 'drug mule' takes the stand with immunity deal; trial reveals dark secrets
Jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial will hear from a close ally of the rapper when former Syracuse basketball player Brendan Paul takes the stand Friday. Paul became embroiled in Diddy's legal drama in April 2024, after he was named in a lawsuit filed by Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones against the disgraced mogul. The music producer claimed Paul worked as a "mule" for Combs, procuring and distributing "drugs and guns." The former college basketball star was then charged with felony cocaine possession, which was later dropped. Paul was given immunity in exchange for his testimony in Diddy's federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Nicole Blank Becker explained that Paul may be a crucial witness to the government as it attempts to tie up loose ends and wrap its case against Diddy. Diddy's Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Trial Forced Into Delay Due To Juror Issue "In this particular case, why [Brendan Paul] may be important is because he is allegedly one of the individuals who supplied the drugs," Becker told Fox News Digital. "The distribution of drugs, giving other people drugs to make them intoxicated and possibly do more than they would do had they not been intoxicated – that's a predicate felony. Read On The Fox News App "In other words, in order to prove this particular charge of racketeering, there's got to be a number of other felonies that they can connect," the attorney said. "Whether it's the coercion of women and/or they indicated about how ... [Diddy] brought [escorts] in. That's one way to prove a predicate. You have to prove two of them. So, another way to prove a predicate felony is bring in the guy who supposedly is the one who was supplying P. Diddy and or his people with what [the government is] gonna say, the drugs that he used [on others.]" Diddy's Defense Team Signals Shift In Trial Strategy As Prosecutors Wrap Up: Expert Combs was charged with racketeering conspiracy (RICO); sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17. Throughout two weeks of testimony, jurors heard allegations of "freak off" parties involving male escorts and Diddy's ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The "Me & U" singer testified that drugs, including ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine, were in regular circulation during the "freak offs" for her to disassociate during the sessions. Cassie admitted ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative. She said cocaine made her heart race, mushrooms made her see things and GHB, also known as the date rape drug, made her feel drunk. Another ex, who testified under the pseudonym "Jane," told prosecutors there were times she felt coerced into hotel nights with Diddy and that the Bad Boy Records founder still pays for both her legal fees and rent. Jane recalled alleged instances of abuse while dating Diddy on and off for three years and up until the week before he was arrested in New York City on federal charges. Jane told the court Diddy asked her about coercion after he allegedly forced her to take drugs before having sex with a male escort. She testified about Diddy's alleged violent behavior and said he once put her in a chokehold after kicking and punching her. Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News Diddy's criminal defense lawyer, Teny Geragos, questioned Jane about her relationship with the rapper and her participation in the allegedly forced "hotel nights." Diddy paid Jane's rent through their "love contract," according to her testimony. The ex-girlfriend told the prosecution she felt obligated to perform at "hotel nights" for the rapper because he had threatened to stop paying for her home. For "hotel nights," Jane claimed she was expected to dress in lingerie and have sex with other men in front of the rapper. Audio released in Diddy's sex trafficking and racketeering trial featured the rapper calling Jane a "crack pipe." Jane claimed she was forced to continue having sex with multiple male escorts after becoming sick. Becker, who works as R. Kelly's defense attorney, explained why the government might offer immunity to witnesses the government wants to testify. In Diddy's sex trafficking case, Paul was the fifth witness granted immunity. Click Here To Get The Entertainment Newsletter "It is very common, especially in federal cases, that immunity is given to witnesses if they have the information or the insight that they need for their case," Becker said. "Oftentimes, those individuals who are given immunity, although they may have crimes that they are either facing or faced, they're usually a lot less in the hierarchy of crimes. "They're usually lower crimes in which the government says, 'You know what, this information that this particular person has is so important that we are willing to forego whatever you've got going on in the criminal section or division now here so that we can have you testify in this bigger case.' WATCH: SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS ASSAULTS CASSIE VENTURA IN 2016 HOTEL INCIDENT "Their goal, i.e. the government, is to get in as much possible information from anybody who knows anything." Nearly six weeks after the trial began, prosecutors indicated they'd rest their case by Friday. The rapper's legal team recently told Judge Arun Subramanian it will need between two and five days to present its case, a stark contrast to its initial request of up to two weeks with witnesses on the stand. Becker noted there were a lot of questions whether the government was "actually proving anything specific" to the charges Diddy faced. WATCH: LEGAL EXPERT DISCUSSES DIFFICULTIES WITH DIDDY TRIAL "Yes, there was domestic violence. Yes, there was some … relationships and physical violence happening, but does that rise to the level of what he's actually charged with in the federal court?" Becker said. "I think at the beginning there were question marks everywhere. However, I think as time goes on, what does the government do? "They just throw up witness after witness. Although those individual witnesses have their own story, together they form what they are trying to form, which is this step beneath P. Diddy, who's up here. And these individuals, each individual person has a role in what they're calling the enterprise." Becker said this was the connection the government was attempting to prove to the 12 jurors. "In a vacuum, if we just had the first witness or we just had Jane, who just testified, people, I think, would be a little confused, like, 'Wait a minute.' Maybe call him a bad boyfriend, a bad person, a bad husband for sure, based on what we see, for example, in the video," Becker said. "But does that rise to the level that the government needs to get to in order for an ultimate verdict of guilty? "I think, like I said, at the beginning, it was a little shaky. However, as time goes on, they are able to put in their different witnesses and really shape what they're trying to shape, which is to basically, you know, this charge of RICO in the United States. This has not, it was not initially made for purposes of the way it's being used now."Original article source: Diddy's alleged 'drug mule' takes the stand with immunity deal; trial reveals dark secrets
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Diddy's drug mule Brendan Paul to take the stand as experts reveal why trial is nearly over
Sean ' Diddy ' Combs alleged drug mule is expected to take the stand in his trial Wednesday as the prosecution wraps up their case. The mogul's lawyers revealed this week they will now only need as little as two days to present their case - a move experts think could signal the defense is feeling optimistic about Diddy's chances of walking free. 'This current change is likely based on the defense's observation of some weaknesses in the prosecution's case. We have to keep in mind that the burden of proof rests on the prosecution,' attorney Nicole Brenecki told Fox News. The defense's announcement came before the jury was shown nearly 20 minutes of explicit video recordings of the 'freak-offs' at the center of the case against the music executive. Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. He has been jailed at a federal lockup in Brooklyn since his September arrest at a Manhattan hotel. Diddy's 'drug mule' Brendan Paul to take the stand Paul was named in a civil lawsuit filed last February by Rodney Jones Jr who accused Diddy of forcing him to hire prostitutes to engage in sex acts. Jones accused Paul of being Diddy's drug 'mule' who transported drugs for him, as well as guns. Paul, 25, a former Syracuse University basketball player, was arrested in March last year at Opa-locka airport in Miami. He was charged with cocaine and marijuana possession but was given a six month drug intervention programme, which he completed and so avoided jail time. Paul testified in court under an immunity order signed by the judge. Diddy's alleged drug mule Brendan Paul accepts plea deal Diddy's alleged drug mule Brendan Paul has accepted a plea deal and will avoid jail - one month after he was arraigned for a single drugs-based felony charge. All the explosive testimony from inside Diddy courtroom on Daily Mail's podcast The Trial To hear all the explosive testimony from singer Cassie Ventura and the other witnesses in Sean ' Diddy ' Combs' trial, tune in to Daily Mail's hit podcast The Trial. From sworn testimony to video evidence and the rapper's every subtle move, our team of journalists take you inside the courtroom of the world's biggest celebrity case. Daily Mail has been following Diddy's downfall from the very beginning. Join us as we hear from experts involved in the case, and members of the rapper's inside circle. All the explosive testimony from inside Diddy courtroom From sworn testimony to video evidence and the rapper's every subtle move, our team of journalists take you inside the courtroom of the world's biggest celebrity case.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meek Mill Reveals The 'Craziest' Experience He's Had While At A Diddy Party
Meek Mill is breaking his silence about the 'craziest' experience he says he witnessed at one of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' infamous parties — as the embattled music mogul fights for his freedom at his federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Taking to social media, the Philadelphia rapper addressed both the resurfacing of an old lawsuit and his firsthand experiences in Diddy's circle. 'In the mist of Diddy on 'FEDERAL' trial I wanna bring back up 'lil rod' and his lawsuit that was dropped? He never said my name but these blogs amplified that whole agenda against me,' Meek wrote, referencing a lawsuit previously filed by music producer Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones. 'My culture don't believe it but it's an attack on my brand.. I wanna get to the bottom of it!' In a follow-up post, Meek revealed what he described as the most shocking thing he's ever seen at a Diddy-hosted event. 'Just to put that on public record …. and the craziest thing I seen at a puff party is 'coke vibes' & that's going on at all these parties,' he seemingly argued in Combs' defense. 'I'm from Norf Philly I had millions since I was 23! I don't even wanna be addicted to weed! Not judging but I see it different!' he shared, distancing himself from the rampant drug use he claims to have witnessed. The X post has since been deleted. Meek also took aim at online commentator Luce Cannon and his controversial interview with DJ Akademiks, calling it a clout-chasing stunt. 'And luce cannon with that akademiks interview that was full bait also he's a nobody saying he just walked up and robbed me … I was running into suge knight and big u when I came to la no camera phone vibes! I was showing ni**as out there it's more to life with black success!' he added, defending his street credibility and dismissing recent attempts to tarnish his image. These revelations come as Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces mounting legal troubles. The Hip-Hop mogul is currently under federal investigation and standing trial for sex trafficking, racketeering, and other serious allegations. The case has rocked the entertainment industry, leading to multiple lawsuits accusing the mogul of rape, sexual exploitation, and other crimes. See Meek Mill's comments below. More from Suge Knight Breaks Silence On Diddy's Alleged Gun Confrontation Mentioned In Trial Kid Cudi Testifies Diddy "Was Involved With" Setting His Car On Fire "Like A Marvel Supervillian" Diddy Could Lose $400M Fortune If Feds Seize His Remaining Assets
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Stay out, stay alive: The Killer Kern claims seven lives bringing the total to 342 since 1968
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It's the annual update marked by tragedy showing the total drownings in Kern County at 335 since 1968, until now. The new total is 342. Rodney Jones with Kern County Search and Rescue said, 'In six inches of water, you can drown in this river.' Jones says this year the river is flowing slower at 1,124 cubic feet per second, but the upper Kern is pushing at 2,700 cfs. 'The average over the last five years is about seven bodies a year in this river,' said Jones. Majid Tal, an Orange County resident said, 'They don't understand the current, the speed, the strength. Even a little amount of water can drag you down.' Tal is on vacation at Keysville Beach in Lake Isabella. This ER nurse says his kids aren't allowed to swim in the river after driving past the Kern River Sign. 'I always try to be the closest one to the water. I don't want the kids to be in the water when I'm not there,' said Tal. Tal's daughter, Mira says she doesn't go anywhere near the river because her dad says so. 'I have to wait until an adult watches me,' said Mira. There are a total of eight swift water rescue teams covering a vast area of treacherous, unpredictable waters. Yerania Molina-Reyes is one of the brave volunteers dedicating her life to save others, and she does it for free. 'It's sad,' said Molina-Reyes. 'Worried a lot for my team members a lot because we are like family. So, whenever someone is in the river, and we go out to get them, we put ourselves at risk. It's sad in every way, and then having to deliver messages to the family members. Especially, the Spanish speaking that I usually have to translate for, it's heartbreaking because there's no easy way to say to them when they lose a family member.' Molina-Reyes said to stay in groups, stay away from the water's edge, wear a life vest, make sure you have cell service and designate someone to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Lori Meza with the Kern County Sheriff's Office said, 'Go tell your friends, and go tell your loved ones. Help us get the word out so we as a community can save lives together.' Go with someone if you go in, and most importantly, listen to your loved ones to stay out. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
