Entertainment
Authorities searched Diddy’s property as part of the Andscape sex trafficking investigation
LOS ANGELES — In the first nine months of 2023. Sean “Diddy” Combs he performed triumphantly at the MTV VMAs, released an R&B album that received a Grammy nomination and courted the BET network.
However, several lawsuits filed late last 12 months raised allegations of sexual assault and rape against Combs – one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as a performer and producer.
Houses of the music tycoon in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal agents together with homeland security investigators and other law enforcement agencies. Officials say the searches are related to an investigation by federal authorities in New York.
The officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation. Combs’ attorney and other representatives didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Although Combs was embroiled in a single high-profile business dispute for part of 2023, it was a case brought by his ex-girlfriend and R&B singer Cassie this opened the door to other allegations of sexual violence. Combs denies the allegations.
It is unclear whether the search is said to any of the allegations raised in the lawsuit, including the woman’s allegation that Combs he raped her when she was 17.
Here are some things to find out about Combs and the investigation.
Who is Combs?
Combs is one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the last three many years. He built one of the largest musical empires, leading the way with several entities associated together with his famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy Award winner who has worked with many top artists, including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
The music mogul created the Sean John fashion clothing line, was related to a famous vodka brand and launched the Revolt TV network, which focuses on music and social justice issues aimed toward African Americans. He also produced a reality show for MTV.
In 2022, BET honored Combs with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his ability to shape culture throughout his profession.
Combs won a Grammy for his 1997 platinum album and single “I’ll Be Missing You,” a song dedicated to Notorious B.I.G., who died earlier this 12 months. He won one other Grammy for “Shake Ya Tailfeather” with Nelly and Murphy Lee.
Last 12 months, Combs released his fifth studio album, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Progressive R&B Album category in February, which he was not featured on. The album was his first solo project since topping the charts in 2006, which produced two top-ten singles: “Last Night” with Keyshia Cole and “Come to Me” with Nicole Scherzinger.
In 2004, Combs played Walter Lee Younger in a Broadway revival of the play, which was broadcast in a television adaptation 4 years later. He has also appeared in movies including and .
What caused the lawsuits?
In November, Combs’ protégé and singer Cassie sued him for years of sexual abuse, including rape. The lawsuit alleged that he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them.
Combs and Ventura began dating in 2007, and their relationship lasted on and off for over a decade.
The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, but lawsuits continued to be filed against Combs.
In a December statement, Combs said: “I did not do any of the terrible things I am accused of.”
Rebecca Blackwell
In February, the music producer filed a lawsuit alleging that Combs forced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs’ attorney, Shawn Holley, said of the allegations that “we have overwhelming, irrefutable evidence that his claims are complete lies.”
Combs’ other accuser was a girl who claimed the rap producer raped her 20 years ago when she was 17. The files detailed acts of sexual assault, battery and compelled drug use allegedly committed in the early Nineties by Combs, then a talent director for the promoter’s party and a rising figure in New York’s hip-hop community.
Any consequences of the lawsuits?
Last 12 months, Combs stepped down as president of his Revolt cable network amid allegations of sexual abuse.
Revolt announced Combs’ decision via social media. It is unclear whether he’ll return to the media company, which Combs said “has not previously had any operational or day-to-day role” at the network.
“This decision helps ensure that Revolt remains unwaveringly focused on our mission of creating meaningful cultural content and amplifying the voices of all Black people across the country and the African diaspora,” the network said.
The network was preparing to rejoice its tenth anniversary.
Combs also created a web based marketplace called Strengthen your global position featuring Black-owned brands. The curated marketplace site remains to be energetic but doesn’t display any products on the market.
What happened to Diageo?
Earlier this 12 months, Combs dropped a lawsuit filed last 12 months against Diageo as part of a settlement with the London spirits giant.
Combs said the company did not make promised investments in Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila, two brands Combs had promoted in the past, and treated them as inferior “urban” products. He too accused Diageo of racism.
In a lawsuit, Combs said Diageo executives told him that race was one of the reasons for limiting distribution to “urban” neighborhoods. Combs said he was also told that some Diageo leaders resented him for making an excessive amount of money.
In Diageo legal documents accused Combs resorting to “false and reckless” allegations “in order to extract additional billions” from the company.
After the lawsuit was filed, Combs’ fame suffered significant damage. After the lawsuit was withdrawn, Diageo became the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.
Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.
In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.
Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.
In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.
Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.
After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.
The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.
“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”
The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.
Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.
“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.
Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.
While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.
Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.
“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”
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Getty images
This is a cloudy day in Los Angeles, but the shining stars of the city brought light to the annual black Essence women in the Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza. At the 18th 12 months, the show we celebrated extremely talented and galvanizing distinctions, akin to Cynthia Erivo, Tyana Taylor, Raamla Mohamed and Marla Gibbs.
Before the event, Black Beauty took a red carpet. The Essence cover star, Tyra Banks, got here in a neutral rhythm – with voluminous hair matching her makeup. Meanwhile, each of the Cynthia Erivo nails found a press release – drawing black and white stripes with decorative greens. And, Teyana Taylor, in the most perfect shadows to eye shadows and lips, she had black, half -burned pixie cutting.
Then Laverne Cox arrived with chopped and cropped bob-made by Jodie Turner-Smith-with a round blush to animate her cheeks. Speaking of hair, Taraji P. Henson immersed his ends in the bleach, which consumed shine on nails, mouth and eyes. To close the carpet, the butt appeared in a brief, curled cut and a thick black French tip.
Below is the best beauty of Essence black women in Hollywood Awards.
Tyra Banks
Cynthia Erivo
Teyana Taylor
Laverne Cox
Jodie Turner-Smith
Taraji P. Henson
Silence
Nzyda Nash-Betts
Fish
Crystal Stewart
Danielle Brooks
Karrueche Tran
Zoë Kravitz
Meagan Good
Tia speech
Tasha Smith
Yvette Nicole Brown
Jackie all the time
Dominique Fishback
Kandi Burruses
Muni long
Storm Reid
Ryan Destiny
Danielle Pinnock
Arnold in China
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