Latest news with #SeanCombs
New York Times
37 minutes ago
- New York Times
Former Combs Assistant Says Mogul Told Staff to ‘Move Like SEAL Team 6'
Brendan Paul, a former assistant to Sean Combs who was arrested last year amid federal raids, testified on Friday at the music mogul's trial that he obtained drugs and prepared hotel rooms for nights of sex and partying as part of his job. While Mr. Paul was a low-level employee — his duties included packing bags and coordinating meals — he also became one of the most prominent members of Mr. Combs's entourage in March 2024, when he was charged with cocaine possession after sweeping searches of Mr. Combs's properties. On the day of the raids, which involved searches of two of Mr. Combs's homes, Mr. Paul was at a Florida airport with the mogul, en route to a Combs family vacation in the Bahamas. Federal agents intercepted the group and found cocaine in a bag that Mr. Paul was carrying. Mr. Paul testified that he found the drugs — amounting to 0.7 grams — in Mr. Combs's room early that morning and had forgotten about it as he was packing for the trip. Mr. Paul, who had been working for Mr. Combs for about 18 months at the time, testified that he did not tell law enforcement that it was Mr. Combs's cocaine. 'Why not?' a prosecutor, Christy Slavik, asked Mr. Paul. 'Loyalty,' he replied. The case against Mr. Paul was dropped last year after he completed a drug intervention program. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Diddy trial sketch artist reveals how he's REALLY behaving in camera-free court room: Live updates
Sean Combs is at 'peak Diddy ' in his camera-free sex trafficking trial as prosecutors prepare to call their final witness to the stand, a courtroom sketch artist claims. Combs, 55, has pushed the boundaries of how animated he can be in the courtroom, having been seen 'tapping his leg a lot' and taking 'copious notes'. Sketch artist Christine Cornell, who has drawn the trial since the start, told Business Insider 'it's like he sees what he thinks is the light at the end of the tunnel'. Prosecutors are expected to rest their case by early next week after having presented evidence for the last six weeks that they say proves the music mogul used fame, power and violence to force his girlfriends into his 'freak-off' sex marathons. The defense, which will present its case next week, says prosecutors are trying to criminalize sexual activity between consenting adults. They admit their client was involved in domestic abuse, but argue he has not committed the federal crimes of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Combs is 'peak Diddy' in the courtroom Sean Combs has pushed the boundaries of how animated he can be in the courtroom, having been seen 'tapping his leg a lot' and taking 'copious notes'. Sketch artist Christine Cornell, who has drawn the trial since the start, told Business Insider 'it's like he sees what he thinks is the light at the end of the tunnel'. She recalled how he 'half stood up' in his chair as his attorney Teny Geragos returned to her seat after cross-examining one of the prosecution's witnesses. He allegedly pulled out her chair and pushed it back after she took her seat, before the pair exchanged whispers. This was in front of jurors. Combs was even more animated when the jury was absent, with Cornell alleging he smiled and waived his hand over his head when answering a question from the judge. 'He's at peak Diddy,' she added. 12:31 Listen to Diddy trial audio of Cassie threatening to kill man over freak-off video leak Audio of a distraught Cassie Ventura threatening to kill a man over a 'freak-off' video was released as part of the evidence in Diddy 's trial. The audio was played by the disgraced mogul's lawyers during their cross-examination of Cassie last month, but has only now become public after being uploaded into the evidence files. Th defense used the audio in an attempt to prove that Cassie was an enthusiastic participant in the marathon sex sessions with escorts. Diddy trial audio of Cassie threatening to kill over freak-off video A distraught Cassie Ventura threatened to kill a man who claimed to have seen a video of a 'freak-off' in one of the audios played in Diddy 's trial. 12:29 How P Diddy's alleged crimes began in the 80s - and the disturbing reason he was called 'Puff' DEEP DIVE delves into Diddy's 30-year reign of excess and debauchery in unprecedented detail, starting with his 'crazy' fits of rage as a student in the 1980s that earned him the disturbing 'Puff' nickname. Contained within hundreds of pages of civil court documents are the horrifying details of his tempestuous relationship with Cassie Ventura – which ultimately led to the floodgates opening. Among the many allegations contained within the papers are claims that Diddy filmed fellow A-list celebrities taking drugs and having sex with prostitutes. In many cases, the name of the celebrities involved have been kept anonymous by court order. The downfall of Diddy: DEEP DIVE DEEP DIVE delves into Diddy's 30-year reign of excess and debauchery in unprecedented detail, starting with his 'crazy' fits of rage as a student in the 1980s.
Washington Post
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Diddy trial updates: Ex-assistant Brendan Paul set to testify in Sean Combs's case
Prosecutors plan to call one of their final witnesses in Sean 'Diddy' Combs's federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial on Friday: a former assistant to the music producer who has been granted immunity for testimony that could shed light on the operations of Combs's inner circle. For more than a month, the jury has been hearing from Combs's former employees and ex-girlfriends, as well as federal agents and other witnesses for the prosecution. The government argues the Bad Boy Records founder used his wealth, companies and vast influence in the music and media industries, as well blackmail, threats and violence, to force or coerce women into days-long sex performances with other men while he filmed and masturbated. Prosecutors have also argued that Combs and a small group of trusted employees committed and covered up a range of other crimes, including arson, kidnapping and narcotics distribution.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Explosive new Diddy mansion pics reveal star's shelves stacked with baby oil, a vast weapons arsenal & ketamine stash
BOMBSHELL new images from Sean "Diddy" Combs' mansion have been revealed - with shelves stacked with baby oil, shotguns sprawled around, and his ketamine stash unveiled. The disgraced music mogul, 55, is currently on trial in New York for sex-trafficking, and faces life behind bars if convicted. 10 10 10 He's pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, as prosecutors alleged his business empire was also a criminal enterprise. The abundance of explosive pics were released by federal prosecutors as the trial was stalled due to the Juneteenth holiday. The bombshell items were seized by Homeland Security officials during the March 2024 raid at Combs' mansion in the neighborhood of Holmby Hills - a playground for the rich and famous. One chilling image shows baby oil neatly displayed across three shelves in one room of the sprawling property. Homeland Security Investigations agent Andre Lamon has testified that he found 900 bottles of lubricant Astroglide and 200 bottles of baby oil at Combs' home. Defense Attorney Marc Agnifilo said the disgraced star likes to "buy in bulk like any other American". Another image shows various weapons confiscated by agents, including deadly AR-15 style rifles and pump shotguns. Investigators also discovered bags of the drug ketamine that were photographed as evidence. Federal prosecutors have alleged that the Schedule III, or Class B substance was used in the infamous "freak-offs". Combs would put women through days-long "freak-off" sex parties while filming them, a court heard last month. Kanye shows up to Diddy's sex trafficking trial in blacked out Maybach after being spotted in NYC with wife Bianca A few weeks ago, Combs' ex-girlfriend testified about opening "Pandora's box" after she agreed to the music executive's proposal to engage in sex with strangers. The woman, who is being identified in court under the pseudonym Jane, recalled on the stand about falling "head over heels" for Combs after they first met in late 2020. She said that she did various drugs, including cocaine, ecstasy, molly, and ketamine, every time she saw Combs between February and May 2021. During the March 2024 raid, a hard drive was also seized, and the property's security system was turned off. Combs forked out almost $40 million on the 17,000 square-foot, 10-bedroom home back in September 2014. He put it on the market a decade later for $61.5 million. The property boasts outdoor features such as a swimming pool, and its lawns are neat. Inside, there is a 35-seat theater room, a wine cellar, a gym, as well as a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen. Its other features include a basketball court, spa room, and an outdoor loggia-style facility where barbecues can be hosted, per the Zillow listing. 10 10 10 10 10 There's also an underground swimming tunnel that is linked to a grotto. Meanwhile, even if Combs is found guilty, he could be pardoned by President Donald Trump. Trump surprised reporters by commenting on the court case during a news conference with Elon Musk and revealed he would consider whether or not he has been "mistreated." Asked if he would consider pardoning him, Trump said, "Nobody's asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking." He said he felt the former music mogul used to like him "a lot" but wasn't his biggest fan after he went into politics. Despite this, Trump said, "I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact on me." If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673). Diddy locked eyes with us as he entered the courtroom - inside the trial of the decade By Israel S-Rodriguez, Senior News Reporter at The U.S. Sun The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs began with jury selection on May 5. Combs is standing trial at the Southern District of New York Courthouse in Lower Manhattan - an intimidating federal courthouse where the cases of Ghislaine Maxwell, Donald Trump, and Bernard Madoff, among others, were tried. Once a powerful founder of a music and business empire, Combs has been reduced to a defendant, inmate 37452-054, stripped of his mogul status, and now standing trial on five federal charges with the full wrath of the United States government against him. When I attended Day 3 of jury selection at the federal courthouse on May 7, the buzz around the start of the trial was palpable. Hours before the courthouse opened its doors, more than a dozen reporters and members of the public stood in line in hopes of securing a seat in the gallery for the high-profile trial. As you walk through the glass door entrance of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, you are met by bulletproof vest-clad court officers. All visitors must separate their electronic devices from their personal belongings, which are passed through a metal detector. Visitors walk through a metal detector before a court officer hands them a poker chip. The courthouse uses a poker chip system to sort the number of electronic devices visitors are in possession of. Electronic devices, such as Bluetooth-powered headphones, voice recorders, laptops, cellphones, and smart watches, are confiscated before you're allowed to enter the courthouse's main hallway. As about a half-dozen reporters and I waited in the gallery for jury selection, we witnessed how Combs entered the courtroom shackle-free. Combs entered with his hands pressed together, greeted his defense team before he examined the gallery, and locked eyes with reporters and potential jurors. The 55-year-old disgraced Bad Boy Records executive was attentive and engaged with his counsel as they grilled dozens of potential jurors. As jury selection wrapped up for the day, Combs embraced each of his female defense attorneys before he mouthed "thank you" to a handful of supporters in the gallery. I attended trial again as opening statements got underway on May 12 and the world media waited anxiously outside the federal courthouse before the sun rose in Lower Manhattan. A line stretched down the block from the federal courthouse as some members of the media and from the public camped out overnight to try to obtain a coveted seat inside the gallery. At least three overflow rooms were made available for reporters and the public, who are eager to witness the prosecutions case against the music mogul. At least half a dozen members of Combs' family arrived at the courthouse as spectators filed in single order to enter the federal building to turn over all their electronic devices. Combs' trial is being held on the 26th floor in Judge Arun Subramanian's courtroom and is expected to last for eight weeks. We'll bring it all to you on The U.S. Sun. 10
West Australian
8 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Ben Harvey: Foreign ownership of oil and gas assets is nothing new
The United Arab Emirates has more oil than a Sean Combs freak-off, so why is it sniffing around Australian energy company Santos? And why would the UAE offer to pay such an astonishing premium (a full 28 per cent above Santos' then market value) to acquire a business that's 10,000km from home and in a different hemisphere to boot? Anyone who doubts the world's ongoing dependence on fossil fuel should think about the logic of this takeover bid. Abu Dhabi's ruling Nahyan family didn't become billionaires 300 times over by writing cheques. They aren't fools and they don't part with their money readily. This week's $36b bid for the Kevin Gallagher-led LNG and domestic gas business isn't chump change, even for the Arabs. So, what do they know about this 'legacy' business that we don't? It's got to be a hedge against the turmoil in the Middle East, right? The wide-open sea lanes of the Indian and Pacific oceans must look like a cake walk compared with the Strait of Hormuz. The most dangerous thing an LNG tanker will run into around Australia will be an Indonesian fishing vessel that's drifted off course. There's no chance of being targeted by Houthi rebels or accidentally strafed by aircraft launching from the USS Nimitz carrier strike group. Geographical diversification seems a logical reason for the UAE play but the geo-political imperative doesn't explain the timing. Sure, Tehran and Tel Aviv have spiced things up of late, but when was the Middle East not engulfed by turmoil? It's been a war zone pretty much every day since the first kibbutz was established in 1948. Yet in all that time — through the Arab-Israeli war, Egyptian revolution, Suez crisis, the Lebanese civil war, Iran-Iraq war, the Iranian revolution, Gulf War 1, Gulf War 2 and countless other skirmishes and crises — the oil-rich provinces rarely looked outside their own backyard for investment opportunities in the fossil fuel game. Certainly not this far outside their backyard. Take risk-defraying out of the value equation and you are left with one upside: the UAE reckons the world is going to be dependent on hydrocarbons, and natural gas in particular, for a long, long time. Santos shareholders, including dominant stockowner L1 Capital, clearly aren't as confident in a CO2-soaked future because they were falling over themselves to accept the bid. The only thing standing in the way of shareholders and a fat profit is the Foreign Investment Review Board, which has to tick off on the sale to foreign entities of Australian assets that are economically or politically sensitive. The deal will give the FIRB pause for thought because Santos owns some important stuff. The company runs the Darwin LNG plant, supplies one sixth of WA's domestic gas and owns and fills the pipelines that feeds the east coast energy system. It is also Australia's most aggressive oil and gas play. At a time when fossil fuel executives are desperately trying to pass themselves off as windfarm manufacturers, Gallagher stands out as a 'drill, baby, drill' kind of guy. Billy Bob Thornton could well have had an eye on Gallagher when he got into character in the TV series Landman. Drill, make as much money as possible, spud and move on to the next prospective patch of the outback or sea floor. Rinse and repeat. He is Greta Thunberg's worst nightmare and he cares not one jot about that. Gallagher's solution to the current supply crunch is simple: more exploration permits. His insistence that Australia can drill its way out of trouble is relevant to the UAE takeover because Gallagher has spent the past few years bagging the Federal Government's 'soviet' energy policy. With $50m on the table (at the $8.89 offer price that's the value of the Santos stock he has in his family trust, employee equity scheme and short-term incentives) Gallagher's likely trying to bleach those remarks from the internet, lest Jim Chalmers chances upon them whilst considering the impending FIRB recommendation. Shareholders will also be hoping the Treasurer doesn't make this decision personal. Chalmers will almost certainly feign concern about foreign ownership, especially by a State-run entity. XRG, which is the name of the bidder, is a subsidiary of a national oil company owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, which trades under the imaginative name Abu Dhabi National Oil Company The word 'feign' is used advisedly because the reality is foreign ownership of Australian oil and gas assets is nothing new. Only 43 per cent of Santos is owned by local shareholders; the Americans have the rest. It may be headquartered in Adelaide, but Santos' financial heart is in the US. Australia's most important energy asset — the North West Shelf — might be operated by Woodside but it is owned by London-headquartered BP and Shell, Californian supermajor Chevron, Beijing's China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Japan Australia LNG. Woodside itself is only 55 per cent Australian owned, with almost half its stockholders residing in the US and the UK. The Dampier-to-Bunbury pipeline, which brings gas from the NW Shelf to southern WA, is owned by a Hong Kong national — billionaire Li Ka-Shing. The Ichthys project in water off Broome is run by Japan's INPEX and the Gladstone LNG plant is a joint venture between Santos, Malaysia's Petronas and South Korea's KOGAS. What difference will another flag make?
