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Sources say feds are searching the homes of Sean “Diddy” Combs as part of a sex trafficking investigation

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NEW YORK (AP) — Two properties owned by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were searched Monday by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement agencies as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

It is unclear whether Combs was a goal of the investigation. The officials weren’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations said it “has initiated law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with the assistance of HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners.”

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A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment.

Law enforcement officers stand at the entrance to a property belonging to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, Monday, March 25, 2024, on Star Island in Miami Beach, Florida (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Messages to Combs’ lawyers and other representatives searching for comment weren’t immediately returned.

A police line was arrange around a Los Angeles home in the affluent Holmby Hills neighborhood near Beverly Hills. KABC-TV’s helicopter footage shows a group of agents wearing vests indicating they were from the Department of Homeland Security gathered in the backyard of a home near the swimming pool. A command post was arrange outside the home, and agents continued to come back and go several hours after the search began.

There were several of them sexual assault trials brought against Combs in recent months.

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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.”

She was Combs’ protégé and girlfriend R&B singer Cassie, sued him in November, alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. The lawsuit said he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them. The case was settled the day after it was filed.

Combs’ other accuser was a woman who claimed the rap producer raped her twenty years ago when she was 17.

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The Associated Press doesn’t typically name individuals who say they’ve been victims of sexual abuse unless they arrive forward publicly, as Cassie did.

In a December statement, Combs said: “I did not do any of the terrible things I am accused of.”

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer representing Cassie and one other woman who sued Combs, said in a statement Monday: “We hope this is the beginning of a lawsuit that holds Mr. Combs accountable for his depraved behavior.”

It is unclear whether the search is said to any of the allegations raised in the lawsuit.

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Combs is one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the last three a long time. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he built one of hip-hop’s largest 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.

Combs created the Sean John fashion clothing line, launched the music-focused television channel Revolt and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.

Law enforcement officers drive a vehicle down a street near a Los Angeles property owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs after a raid by federal law enforcement on March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

His latest album, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” was released last 12 months, days after Combs was honored at the MTV VMAs. It was nominated for best progressive R&B album at February’s Grammy Awards, where the rap mogul was not in attendance.

In the years since stories about the movie mogul broke, the entertainment industry has been suffering from a regular stream of allegations of career-ending sexual misconduct Harvey Weinstein began the #MeToo movement in 2017. Weinstein and star of That ’70s Show. Danny Masterson each of them is serving prison sentences following rape convictions. Dozens of civil lawsuits have been filed against distinguished figures.

It’s not the music industry that has faced a reckoning as much as the singer and producer R. Kelly is serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing young fans, seven women sued the hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons claiming he raped them, and two women sued the Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler alleging sexual assault.

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WeinsteinMasterson and Kelly are appealing their convictions, and Simmons has denied all charges against him. One lawsuit against Tyler was dismissed, and he’s contesting the other.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Seven questions we have before Sean “Diddy” Combs “begins the federal process

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After the official stage of selecting the jury, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Day in court is just around the corner.

On Monday, April 28, a whole lot of New Yorkers began the questionnaire process to find out their impartiality in the federal process “United States against Combs ” NBC News Reported.

The 55-year-old disgraced musical tycoon is in the face of many federal allegations, including racketeers, sexual trade and transport as a way to become involved in prostitution, resulting from many lawsuits that were filed against him. The amazing variety of complaints started to appear in months since he decided against him civil lawsuit by his ex -girlfriend and singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in November 2023.

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The next phase of the selection process of the jury, which might be carried out in person, will start on Monday, May 5, in court Daniel Patrick Moynihan in Manhattan. Opening declarations are to begin on May 12. The federal process is to last from eight to 10 weeks.

Since the initial notification of Cassie, which was settled only a day after its assembly, there have been many alternative allegations from many alternative parts of the rapper’s past, not to say a whole lot of gossip and growing around. Numerous documentaries and real crimes They also added to the conversation.

At this point, a lot of us can wander away in the noise of understanding how we came above all and what exactly are the tests. Many questions surround the attempt, including the technique to watch it (if possible), which is to be there and more. Below we return to clarify exactly how we came and say what to anticipate from the trial.

What are Diddy’s fees?

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After the federal raid of Combs’ Los Angeles, Miami and New York, Diddy real estate was arrested on September 16, 2024 and is in the face of 5 federal allegations: tribute conspiracy, based on the allegations of prosecutors that the tycoon was led by a criminal enterprise to consolidate the assault; Two allegations of sexual trade, because he’s accused of forcing women to take part in sexual files with sex employees and drug -powered sex events “; and two cases of transport as a way to become involved in prostitution, resulting from the claims that he transported two women on state lines for prostitution.

What about all other accusations?

In addition to the trial, Combs are in the face of countless other processes and allegations, accusing him of improper behavior, abuse, rape and assault. Tony Buzbee, a lawyer from Texas, known for coping with loud lawsuit about sexual assault against powerful men (including a recent lawsuit value $ 50 million submitted against Shannon Sharpe), is involved in several trials against Diddy. He said that over 100 men and women from throughout the United States filed lawsuits against the rap tycoon or intended.

What did Diddy say?

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Combs contradicts all allegations in a civil lawsuit against him. Talking with BBC NewsHis lawyers said: “Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and integrity of the trial.”

The statement added: “In court the truth will win: that Mr. Combs never sexually attacked or trade anyone – a man or a woman, an adult or minor.”

Cassie resigns from anonymous testimony in the Sean trial

Is Cassie expected at his process?

Filing a Cassie catchment in a civil court almost two years ago was settled outside the court the day the day after its assembly. Diddy issued an apology after a physically recording leaked, which physically attacks her in the hotel corridor. However, this led many other accusers to the allegations, including those with the participation of minors that led federal investigators to a proper investigation in the potential case. The singer, who can also be a victim 1 in court documents, will testify in court under her full name.

The judge of the American District Arun Subramanian will chair the case in the southern district of New York, People magazine Reported. The COME Defense Team, led by Marc Agnifilo, includes Teny Geragos, the daughter of the famous lawyer Marek Geragos, known for representing the Menendez brothers, amongst others.

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Georgian prosecutor Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thuga in his loud tribute process, also recently joined the Combs defense team.

Several US lawyers assistants, including Maurene Ryan Comey, daughter of former FBI director James Comey, conducts the prosecutor’s office. Maureen Comey chased Ghislaine Maxwell in her sexual trade process.

It will end up whether the sons of Combs Justin, Christian (Combs) and Quincy (Brown), who participated in previous court hearingsmight be present.

Where is Diddy now?

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From the time of arrest on September 16, 2024, Diddy was behind bars at the Metropolitan Airesent Center in Brooklyn in New York, waiting for the trial. Many attempts to his lawyers exempt from Bond and strict guidelines failed because prosecutors are anxious about his ability to influence the case.

How much is he struggling?

If he’s convicted of racketeers, Diddy is prison. Meanwhile, if he found him guilty of two allegations of sexual trade, he’s in the face of a further not less than 15 years. Transport for the purposes of prostitution fees features a maximum judgment of 10 years.

Will the process be broadcast on television?

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Cameras and electronic devices are often not allowed during court proceedings, so it’s unlikely to be broadcast, Vulture Reported. Although the media is not going to be allowed in the courtroom, they will report outside.

Kanye West drops a controversial song with his daughter North West and Sean

(Tagstranslate) Cassie (T) Sean Combs

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Kendrick Lamara and “Not Like Us” lessons – a year later

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At the top of March 2025-I used to be just greater than a month ago-I used to be asked for a party for a newly broken 7-year-old. When I asked the boy’s mother if there have been any special requests for songs, the just one she could take into consideration was Kendrick Lamara’s “Not Lame”, a song that for my part just isn’t possible to surprise in history, since the song defining 2024. It was time in my life when Kendrick Lamar’s song dressed. “Squabble Up” from the most recent album of Lamar, “GNX”, the album The Rapper, currently gives live shows within the United States and Canada from SZA to sold -out stadiums. Kendrick Lamar is currently one among the best artists on the planet.

In May 2024, my children knew Lamara only by name; Now they know his catalog and argue about who can call essentially the most songs in it. A year after Lamar dropped “Not Like Us”, one of the crucial virulent and dance records DISS of all time, the whole lot is feasible for Lamar. For Drake, the recipient of this eating and dance record Diss … eh, not a lot. Who would think that?

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“Not Like Us” was released on May 4, 2024 and It wasn’t even the one song released by Lamar that day. What began kind of, with the hospitable verse of Lamar on the longer term and “Like that this” (March 22), led to the discharge of Drake “Pushs” (April 13), and then “Taylor created freestyle” (April 19), after which for my part is the actual best record in the entire form, “Euphoria” (April 30). Then got here the fluurry: Kendrick dropped “6:16 in La” on May 3, and then Drake released “Matters Family” later on the identical day.

Very shortly after Drake dropped this record, Kendrick returned to “Meet The Grahams” (within the early May) of the group’s absolute darkest record, then dropped his record, “Not Like Us” later that day. What a difference a day. Drake will drop “The Heart entitled 6”, but to be honest, no person cared. Damage was caused; Kendrick, Drake, with “Not Like Us”, catchy bop with quote lines, wildly repetitive accusations and a section of connection and answers, which I mean, if you happen to need a plan, tips on how to recognize one among the best acts on the planet, Kendrick jumped and showed (Folks).

This song led to the entire concert, called Amazon, called “Pop out: ken & friends” in Juneteenth (June 19, 2024), where Drake had all night dedicated to his face, assisted by Dr. Dre and most LA celebrities, which also doubled as some Unity Unity program in Los Angeles.

July 4 Video for “Not like us” I fell, transferring the “jumping” motif to latest, heavy levels of Compton. This film has over 330 million views, which seems … low. The success of the identical song meant that the machine appears in Super Bowl … In February 2025 you saw. I saw it. This is essentially the most regularly viewed show of the Super Bowl in history. And even if you happen to have not watched it in real time, definitely obviously I watched the video replay; The performance on the YouTube NFL website currently has over 120 million views.

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I believe it might be safely said that “not like us” modified the whole lot. Sure, before this beef with Drake (we’ll soon reach him), Kendrick was already one of the crucial respected artists in hip-hop, let alone musical. He is the one rapper who received the Pulitzer Award (thus far), won 22 Grammy Awards – five, of which he won in 2025 for “Not Like Us” – not less than two separate books written about him from an analytical perspective by two very respected journalists, and his song “Alight” is the song Black Lives Matter Ruch. He will succeed beyond the wildest imagination of most rappers, but “not like us” turned Kendrick into a different way.

“Not Like Us” turned him into a pop star, whose songs live at the highest of the charts; Currently, his song “Luther” from Shans is the primary song within the country and He has been for 10 weeks. Kendrick does things that Drake once did, aside from doing it without creating songs, which after all are to hit the highest of the hits. Quoting Jay-Z from his song “Come and Get Me” from 1999, Kendrick didn’t crossover, “brought suburbs to the hood.” A year later, Kendrick Lamar appears in Gatorade advertisements, which might not seem shocking a year ago, but now seems obvious. His vulgar with Drake and ultimately the discharge of the song, which took over the complete conversation resulting in the album, which became a right away classic, modified Kendrick, a year later, into a certified pop sensation. Kendrick has at all times been a transcendent artist, but now he’s in a rare atmosphere of each transcendent and business.

Kendrick Lamar becomes the first hip-hop artist who will land three albums in Billboard Top 10 at the same time

There can be Drake, which for my part is now and will at all times be one of the crucial sold artists on the planet. He has … a year; Much longer than I believe he (or anyone) expected, but he went. But so long that Drake had his back against the wall and such a non-hop way was illuminating. Shortly after dropping the “GNX” Lamar Drake, he began proceedings in motion, which might find yourself suing his own label – Universal Music Group (UMG) – contributing to the undeniable fact that they effectively overstated “they don’t like us” for profit on the expense of Drake. Remember, Drake and Kendrick are on the identical label.

In the movement, which a year ago, which never seemed prone to me from Canadian Teflon, now feels the best as possible karen hip-hop, and very intruder, which Kendrick accused him, a costume that can’t shake (yet). I even have never had a problem with Drake’s music, because Drake at all times made hits and like Kendrick, I like Drake, who makes me dance within the club. But now I don’t love Drake as a man; It seems small and small and like a sore loser. I’m not alone in it. Drake’s Cool has long gone. There is a guy who can release music – the album from Partynextdoor on Valentine’s Day, that even he would need to admit that he didn’t hit the identical – but he doesn’t move the needle anymore. He is Drake with all distinctions, no cultural trace. In fact, it isn’t any longer like us.

I do not know what is going to occur next to Kendrick Lamar. At the moment he’s on the longest lap of the victory of all time, reaching heights, I bet that even his own team didn’t realize that he was available to him. At the moment there may be Barry Bonds with the Home Run record; He was already entering Galeria Sław, but now he’s talking to one of the best to do that, jumping a few of those that believed that their gaps were cemented. Everything is subjective and that is what hip-hop is for, what to argue, analyze, enjoy and dance. Regardless of how you chop it, I bet that nobody could predict how one song could make Kung Fu Kenny’s profession look a year later.

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Now, if you happen to forgive me, I even have to do the trick while my son asks “television” within the automobile, not only because he likes to shout “mustaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”,, “loved” the whole lot I wanted was a black big nation, being rational, give them what they ask for “uh …”.

What a difference annually.


(Tagstranslate) @Ap

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Kendrick Lamar leads with 10 nominations for the American Music Awards 2025 nomination

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The nominations for this yr’s American Music Awards have been released, and Kendrick Lamar leads with the most nominations in various categories. Nominated for “Artist of the Year”, “Album of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and more, Lamar won 10 nominations in eight different categories, especially for his explosive song “Not Like Us” and his album “GNX”.

With three victories AMA behind the belt, Billboard He reports that Rapper Compton could also be associated with music legends Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most winning awards for a yr, if he wins in all eight categories.

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However, Lamar shouldn’t be the only black artist that hosted this yr’s nominations. Shabozey follows the seven nomination and Sha (currently on the route with Lamar to their “Grand National Tour”) with six. Others noteworthy black artists, resembling Doechia, Glorilla, Tyler the Creator, Usher and more received nominations.

Meanwhile, Shabozey’s “Where I Winder ID, it is not where I’m going”, and “Cowboys Carter” Beyoncé is nominated for the category “Favorite Country album”, emphasizing a small step in the diversification of the genre. Last yr, having each breaking records in the national category, the singers of “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “A Bar Song (tips)” are appropriately applying for favorite men and women’s artists.

2025 AMA is to happen live with Las Vegas on May 26. Live emission at 20:00 ET/17 PM PT on CBS, the prize show will even be available to observe through Streamer, Paramount+.

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(Tagstranslate) American Music Awards (T) Beyoncé

(*10*)This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

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