Headline
Jury Selection Begins In Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Crimes Trial
Published
4 months agoon
By
Editor
Jury selection begins Monday in New York in the blockbuster federal sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who stands accused of years of harrowing abuse.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty on all counts, insisting that any sex acts were consensual — but prosecutors say for years he coerced victims into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.
At a recent hearing, his attorney Marc Agnifilo offered a preview of his team’s defence by describing the artist’s free-wheeling “swinger” lifestyle.
The prosecution said it had offered Combs a plea deal — the specifics were not disclosed — but that he had rejected it.
Combs faces one charge of racketeering conspiracy, the federal statute known by its acronym RICO that was once primarily used to target the mafia but in recent years has been wielded in cases of sexual abuse, including against the fallen R&B star R. Kelly.
It allows government attorneys to project a long view of criminal activity rather than prosecuting isolated sex crimes.
If convicted, the one-time rap producer and global superstar, who is often credited for his role in ushering hip-hop into the mainstream, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
READ ALSO: Didier Drogba Visits Sanwo-Olu In Lagos
Over the decades, Combs — who has gone by various stage names including Puff Daddy and P. Diddy — amassed enormous wealth for his work in music but also his ventures in the liquor industry.
He was arrested by federal agents in New York in September 2024 and denied bail multiple times.
Combs is being held at Brooklyn’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Centre, a facility plagued by complaints of vermin and decay as well as violence.
High-profile inmates there included Kelly, Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sam Bankman-Fried, the cryptocurrency entrepreneur convicted of fraud.
Combs has appeared in pre-trial hearings looking remarkably aged, his once jet-black, styled coif now overgrown and grey.
The jury selection start date is notably the first Monday in May — which annually marks New York’s Met Gala, a glittering celebrity charity bash where Combs was once a red carpet mainstay.
Just two years ago, he posed for the cameras at that event uptown — but on Monday, he will be downtown in federal court, as the panel of citizens tasked with determining his fate face a barrage of questions from lawyers on both sides.
READ ALSO: Judge Rejects Diddy’s Request To Postpone Trial
Jury selection is expected to wrap up in about a week, with opening statements tentatively scheduled for May 12.
The proceedings are estimated to last eight to 10 weeks.
– ‘Freak-offs’ –
Core to the case is Combs’s relationship with his former girlfriend, the singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to be a key trial witness.
A disturbing surveillance video from 2016, which was aired by CNN last year, shows Combs physically assaulting Ventura at a hotel.
Prosecutors say the encounter occurred following one of the “freak-offs” they argue were a feature of his pattern of abuse.
The so-called “freak-offs” were coercive, drug-fueled sexual marathons including sex workers that were sometimes filmed, according to the indictment.
It is unclear how much of the CNN video will be shown to jurors as evidence in court — the footage’s quality has been a sticking point between the opposing legal teams — but Judge Arun Subramanian has ruled that at least some of it will be admissible.
The floodgates opened after Ventura filed a civil suit alleging Combs subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs as well as a 2018 rape.
That 2023 suit was quickly settled out of court, but a string of similarly lurid sexual assault claims against the Grammy winner from both women and men followed.
READ ALSO: Kanye West Begs Trump To Free Detained ‘Diddy’ Combs
– ‘Perfect storm’ –
Industry watchers are monitoring Combs’s case as a potential inflexion point in the music world which, beyond the case of Kelly, has largely evaded the #MeToo reckoning that has rocked Hollywood.
Caroline Heldman — co-founder of the Sound Off Coalition, which is focused on sexual violence in music — said Combs’s case is a flashpoint of a broader pattern of industry tolerance and cover-up of abuse.
“In the music industry, I think it’s the perfect storm of what celebrity does to people and what power does to people. It gives them an empathy deficit where the rules don’t apply to them,” she said.
When it comes to Combs’s case, she told AFP she’s “optimistic that justice will be served.”
“I hope that this inspires other survivors to come forward.”
AFP
You may like
Judge Rejects Diddy’s Request To Postpone Trial
Woman Who Accused Jay-Z, Diddy Of Rape Drops Lawsuit
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Reacts After Kanye West Calls For His Release From Prison
Kanye West Begs Trump To Free Detained ‘Diddy’ Combs
Diddy Sued By Men Who Claimed he S3xually Assaulted Them
Diddy Accused By Dozens Of Children In Fresh Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Headline
PHOTOS: Xi, Putin, Kim At Beijing Parade As China Flaunts Military Might
Published
1 hour agoon
September 4, 2025By
Editor
In a spectacle of military might, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II with a grand parade on Wednesday, leaving observers worldwide questioning the balance of global power.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, oversaw the event at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
The event showcased an array of cutting-edge weapons, including nuclear, artificial intelligence-powered, laser, and robotic weapons, that highlighted China’s rapid advancements in defence technology, a development heavily scrutinised by Western defence officials, according to the BBC.
The parade, dubbed Victory Day, featured over 10,000 troops, hundreds of vehicles, and aircraft flyovers, drawing at least 50,000 spectators and leaders from more than 25 nations, including allies like Iran.
READ ALSO:Xi, Putin Discuss Immortality, Organ Transplants At Beijing Parade
But BBC reported it was notably boycotted by Western countries. According to Al Jazeera, only two European leaders, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, were present.
Xi’s address emphasised China’s “unstoppable” rise and that “the Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies and always forges ahead.”
He insisted the country “should stay firmly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.”
China unveils new weapons even Trump can’t overlook
Central to the parade was the unveiling of groundbreaking weapons systems that tell China’s leap in military strength.
READ ALSO:Russia Hits Out At Macron For Calling Putin ‘Ogre’
Beijing’s power is not just in its numbers, backed by its huge economy, but also by increasing innovation and self-reliance.
Its hypersonic glide and cruise missiles, for example—weapons that travel at above Mach 5—are largely unmatched by anything the US or its allies have in their arsenal.
Its J20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ fighter jet employs 5th generation stealth technology, while its LY-1 directed-energy laser system (DEW), mounted on an eight-wheeled truck and described as the “world’s most powerful” for intercepting missiles and drones.
The JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile also made its first appearance, alongside giant underwater submarine drones, drone boats, unmanned helicopters, and multiple new unmanned aerial vehicles.
READ ALSO:Putin Says Will Speak With Trump On Phone Today
Trump, who was notably missing from the grand parade, berated Xi in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday for not recognising US’s contribution to China’s emancipation.
“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that the United States of America gave to China to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader,” Trump posted.
“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honoured and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!”
Trump also criticised Putin and Kim for conspiring against his country.
READ ALSO:Turkish President, Erdogan Calls Putin, Accused Israel Of Threatening Regional Security
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.
“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.”
World’s mightiest arsenal: US or China?
Observers view the parade as a direct message to Washington, especially amid trade disputes and regional flashpoints in regions like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
An analyst, famously known as Trademan on X, said on Wednesday, “While the West debates, Beijing fires photons,” adding that the event is a message that China isn’t just playing catch-up but rewriting the rules of engagement.
READ ALSO:Putin Rolls Out Conditions To End Russia-Ukraine War
However, experts believe that while China is fast catching up, the US still maintains an edge in terms of operations.
Speaking with BBC, assistant professor in the military transformations programme at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, Michael Raska, argued the US military has a culture that gives more leeway for units on the ground to make decisions and innovate, “whereas China is top-down.”
“You can have flashy platforms and systems, but they will not move a finger until they receive an order from the top.”
“The US military excels because there’s a bottom-up mission type of culture, where units can make decisions as the situation evolves,” he said.
Headline
Xi, Putin Discuss Immortality, Organ Transplants At Beijing Parade
Published
2 hours agoon
September 4, 2025By
Editor
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed life-prolonging organ transplants and immortality as they conversed before Beijing’s massive military parade this week, according to comments picked up by state media microphones.
Historic images showed Xi shaking hands and speaking with Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they walked down a red carpet by Tiananmen Square, in scenes viewed as a challenge to US President Donald Trump.
“These days… 70 years old,” Xi said in Mandarin as he walked beside Putin and Kim, footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed.
Xi’s translator, conveying his remarks to Putin, is then heard in Russian quoting a line from a Tang dynasty poem: “In the past, it used to be rare for someone to be older than 70 and these days they say that at 70 one’s still a child.”
READ ALSO:Trump, Putin Make No Breakthrough On Ukraine Deal, End Summit
Putin then turned towards Xi, speaking while gesturing with his hands, though this is inaudible on the CCTV feed.
The same Chinese translator then relayed Putin’s remarks to Xi.
“With the… development of biotechnology, human organs can be continuously transplanted, people could get younger as they grow older, and may even become immortal,” Putin said, according to the translator.
Xi then spoke again in Mandarin as the camera cut away: “Predictions are, in this century, it may be… possible to live to 150 years old.”
Putin confirmed the exchange during a press briefing on Wednesday.
“Ah, I think it was when we were going to the parade that the Chairman spoke about this,” he told reporters, referring to Xi.
“Modern means — both health improvement and medical means, and then even all kinds of surgical ones related to organ replacement — allow humanity to hope that active life will continue not as it does today,” Putin added.
The Chinese and Russian leaders, both 72, have not expressed any intention of stepping down.
While Xi’s predecessors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, relinquished power after 10 years in office, he abolished term limits in 2018, and in 2023, he was handed a third term as Chinese president.
AFP
Headline
US Commits $32.5m To Support Food Security In Nigeria
Published
18 hours agoon
September 3, 2025By
Editor
The United States Government has committed $32.5m to the United Nations World Food Programme to support food and nutrition assistance for hundreds of thousands of people affected by conflict in Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, the funding will enable WFP Nigeria to reach approximately 764,205 vulnerable individuals in the Northeast and Northwest regions of the country.
These areas have been severely impacted by ongoing insecurity and displacement, with millions struggling to access necessities.
The assistance package includes general food distributions as well as targeted nutritional support.
READ ALSO:Ghana’s President Sacks Chief Justice Over Corruption Allegations
Among the beneficiaries are 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, and 43,235 children who will receive specialised nutrition support through electronic food vouchers, according to the statement.
“World Food Program Nigeria, with US Government’s contribution of $32.5m, will provide food assistance and nutrition support to internally displaced persons across conflict-affected areas.
“With the US Government’s donation, the World Food Programme Nigeria will provide food and nutrition assistance to 764,205 beneficiaries across Northeast and Northwest Nigeria.
“This includes complementary nutrition top-ups for 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls and 43,235 children through electronic food vouchers,” the statement read.
READ ALSO:Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty In US To $405,000 Romance Scam Against American Women
On December 18, 2024, PUNCH Online reported that the United States Agency for International Development has denounced recent media reports misrepresenting US agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, stating that its programmes operate transparently and align with the country’s laws.
In a statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria, USAID highlighted the significant achievements of its agricultural collaboration with Nigeria, which it claimed has supported over five million Nigerian farmers since 2019.
The agency maintained it has boosted food production and strengthened rural economies across the country through its efforts.
- Three Killed In Lagos Masquerader Festival Clash
- Smokers Risk Cardiac Arrest, Expert Warns
- PHOTOS: Xi, Putin, Kim At Beijing Parade As China Flaunts Military Might
- Xi, Putin Discuss Immortality, Organ Transplants At Beijing Parade
- FirstBank’s Digital Banking Channels Suffers Downtime
- JUST IN: Tinubu Begins 10-day Vacation, Departs Abuja For Europe
- JUST IN: Ex-soldiers Resume Protest Over Unpaid Benefits
- EFCC Arrests CEO Over ₦2bn Ponzi Scheme
- 20-year-old Mother Buries Newborn Alive
- NYSC Pays Arrears After Two-month Break
Trending
- News4 days ago
BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead
- Metro4 days ago
Drama At Benin Motor Park As Pastor Chase Away Colleague, Claims Exclusive Preaching Rights
- Metro3 days ago
JUST IN: Ex-AGF Malami’s Convoy Attacked In Kebbi [PHOTOS]
- News3 days ago
JUST IN: Doctors Issue 10-day Ultimatum, Threaten Strike
- News5 days ago
Shock As Adeleke Employs Roadside puff-puff Hawker As Govt House Chef
- News3 days ago
JUST IN: FCT Head Of Service Is Dead
- News4 days ago
FG Unveils Revised Curriculum For Basic, Secondary, Technical Education
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: BBNaija Season 7 Winner, Phyna, Loses Sister, Ruth Otabor After Accident
- News3 days ago
VIDEO: Motorists Stranded As Bridge Fails On Lagos-Benin Expressway
- Politics5 days ago
Wike Gives Update On Rivers Emergency Rule Expires Date