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Tag: Cassie Ventura

  • Sean Diddy Combs Challenges 50-Month Mann Act Sentence

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    Combs’ lawyers say the trial judge imposed the longest sentence ever recorded for prostitution cases by relying on coercion allegations the jury unanimously rejected

    Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs asked a federal appeals court to overturn his prostitution-related convictions or order his immediate release, arguing that Judge Arun Subramanian unlawfully punished him for crimes a jury explicitly rejected, according to a newly filed appellate brief spearheaded by powerhouse attorney Alexandra Shapiro.

    Credit: US COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT

    Combs is serving a 50-month federal prison sentence following a mixed verdict in July 2025 in Manhattan. Jurors acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking charges but convicted him on two lesser counts under the Mann Act for transporting “consenting adults across state lines” for prostitution.

    In the 84-page brief filed with the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Combs’ lawyers argue the district court essentially ignored both the jury’s verdict and a 2024 amendment to federal sentencing guidelines by relying heavily on “acquitted conduct” (allegations of coercion and criminal enterprise that jurors unanimously rejected) to increase his sentence.

    “Not guilty means not guilty,” the brief states, citing guidance from the US Sentencing Commission that bans judges from using acquitted conduct to enhance punishment. Defense attorneys had argued Judge Subramanian acted as a “thirteenth juror,” imposing the longest sentence ever recorded for comparable Mann Act convictions despite the absence of force, fraud or coercion findings by the jury. According to the filing, Combs would ordinarily have faced a sentence of roughly one year for the prostitution counts.

    The appeal also asks for a reversal of the convictions, arguing the conduct at issue involved consensual, adult sexual encounters that were staged, filmed and later viewed; activity they say is protected by the First Amendment as “amateur pornography.”

    During the 7-week-long trial, prosecutors alleged Combs used his wealth, influence and inner circle to coerce longtime girlfriends Casandra Ventura and a second woman identified as “Jane” into sexual encounters with male escorts. Jurors heard testimony, viewed text messages and videos, which prompted their rejection of claims of coercion, fraud and racketeering.

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    The appeal has been expedited because Combs has already served more than a year in custody, which is longer than the average sentence for similar offenses. His attorneys argue that if the convictions are not overturned, the appeals court should at a minimum order his immediate release and remand the case for resentencing limited strictly to the conduct the jury found proven. Federal prosecutors have not yet responded publicly to the appeal. The Second Circuit has not announced when it will hear oral arguments. Check back with Los Angeles Magazine for new developments.

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    Lauren Conlin

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  • Aubrey O’Day Reacts To Diddy Sentencing With Chilling Warning – Perez Hilton

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    Aubrey O’Day has a chilling message following Diddy’s sentencing.

    Friday brought big news in the wild, shocking, and emotional case of Diddy. He was officially sentenced to 50 months (four years and two months) of prison time after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in July. At the time, he was controversially acquitted on the far more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

    Each prostitution charge carried a maximum of 10 years in prison, so in comparison to the 20 total years Diddy was up for, he got off light. Cassie Ventura has been vocal about her reaction, and now Aubrey is making her voice heard.

    Related: Kim Kardashian & Kris Jenner Slap Ray J With Lawsuit Over RICO Allegations

    The 41-year-old, who was formerly a part of the Diddy-mentored girl group Danity Kane and has been open about her condemnation of the disgraced artist, took to X (Twitter) on Friday to react to the sentencing news. In a lengthy post, she warned up-and-coming artists in the industry:

    “Let this serve as a cautionary reminder to young and aspiring individuals pursuing their dreams. The true warning is not that a jury may doubt your testimony, nor that a court’s sentencing guidelines may fail to reflect the years of suffering you endured.”

    She continued:

    “The real warning is this: the moment someone in a position of power oversteps your boundaries or demands more than is legitimately required of you, walk away and do not look back.”

    The Damaged singer continued:

    “No dream, however bright, can outweigh the pain and exploitation that may follow if you remain. Too often, those who misuse their power, even when exposed, face far fewer consequences than the harm inflicted upon their victims. Protect yourself at the first sign of coercion or impropriety. If something feels wrong, trust that instinct and remove yourself from the situation.”

    She concluded:

    “Your well-being is worth more than any opportunity.”

    What a powerful message.

    What are your reaction? Let us know in the comments down below.

    [Images via Aubrey O’Day/X & MEGA/WENN]

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    Perez Hilton

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  • Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to 50 months in prison for prostitution-related conviction

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    New York (CNN) – Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months, or just over four years, in prison for his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

    Federal District Judge Arun Subramanian announced the decision on Friday, Oct. 3, saying “a substantial sentence must be given to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability.”

    The judge noted that this is “hard time” away from Combs’ family, but also noting Combs will have a life after prison.

    The judge said outpatient treatment and mental health programs were warranted. Subramanian also ordered Combs to serve five years of supervised release.

    Combs’ lawyers had argued he should be released almost immediately, asking the judge to sentence him to no more than 14 months including time served. Prosecutors said he should’ve faced more than 11 years in prison.

    Sean “Diddy” Combs becomes emotional as his children go to the podium to make impact statements during his court sentencing on Friday. Credit: Jane Rosenberg / Reuters via CNN Newsource

    Combs was found guilty of two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution in July but was acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have led to a life sentence.

    Subramanian said Cassie Ventura and “Jane” have “been through abuse and trauma that most of us cannot imagine.”

    Subramanian thanked the victims for coming forward and said “I want to say first we heard you.”

    “To Ms. Ventura, Jane, and the other victims here who came forward, I can only say — your families are proud of you and your children, when they’re old enough will be proud of you, and I am proud of you for telling the world what really happened,” Subramanian said.

    “You were speaking to the millions of women out there who have been victims but feel invisible and powerless and had to suffer in silence,” he said. “You told those women and the world that violence behind closed doors doesn’t have to stay hidden forever. The number of people who you reached is incalculable.”

    Arick Fudali, a lawyer who represents others who have filed lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, said he hope’s today’s sentencing encourages other victims to come forward.

    Law enforcement officers stand guard outside the court after Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Friday. Credit: Jeenah Moon / Reuters via CNN Newsource

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    Lauren del Valle, Nicki Brown, Kara Scannell, Elizabeth Wagmeister and CNN

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  • Sean “Diddy” Combs Faces 11 Years as Government Urges Judge for Harsh Sentence

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    Criminal Defense Attorney Arthur Aidala calls the prosecution’s request “strikingly heavy-handed”

    P. Diddy has been held without bail since his September arrest on federal human trafficking charges. 
    Credit: Elizabeth Williams via AP

    The federal government is pushing for a sentence exceeding 11 years for Sean “Diddy” Combs, plus a $500,000 fine, following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act. The sentencing is set for Friday, October 3rd, before Judge Arun Subramanian, after Combs was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, in July. Each Mann Act charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years; however, it was initially believed that prosecutors would be asking for no more than 63 months.

    Los Angeles spoke exclusively to Arthur Aidala of Aidala, Bertuna and Kamins, Criminal Defense Attorney for high-profile clients like Harvey Weinstein, Lawrence Taylor and Steve Bannon. Aidala tells us, “After decades of handling cases in the Southern District of New York, I can say that while the prosecutors’ recommendation of more than 11 years is strikingly heavy-handed given the offense for which Combs was convicted, it is not at all surprising. They want to put the judge in a position that if he sentences Mr Combs to far less than the prosecutor’s request, the judge will seem out of step with judicial norms.” He also added that “The prosecution in their oral arguments to the judge will lean heavily into one of the factors the judge must take into consideration, and that is general deterrence. They will be asking the judge to send a message to society that violating these laws comes with severe consequences and the judge must send a message with a significant sentence.”

    In an extensive 189-page sentencing memorandum submitted late Monday, the US Attorney’s office described Combs, 55, as “unrepentant” and urged a sentence of at least 135 months. The filing emphasized Combs’ alleged use of violence and intimidation, stating, “The defendant engaged in abusive conduct that instilled fear in others.” They also state, “Now, faced with the repercussions for his actions, the defendant casts himself as the victim. He is not the victim.”

    There are also letters or Victim Impact Statements from former employees and associates, including Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, “Mia,” Capricorn Clark, and Chef Jordan Atkinson.

    Ventura, in her letter, says, “I still have nightmares and flashbacks on a regular, everyday basis, and continue to require psychological care to cope with my past. My worries that Sean Combs or his associates will come after me and my family is my reality. I have in fact moved my family out of the New York area and am keeping as private and quiet as I possibly can because I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up about his abuse at trial. As much progress as I have made in recovering from his abuse, I remain very much afraid of what he is capable of and the malice he undoubtedly harbors towards me for having the bravery to tell the truth.” In November of 2023, Ventura was awarded $20 million in a civil suit she brought forth against Combs.

    A former assistant, identified as “Mia” during the trial, ends her letter with a simple plea to the judge: “Please help us.”

    Combs’ legal team argued for a lenient sentence of no more than 14 months, noting that he has already served 13 months in custody after being denied a $50 million bail. They claimed his reputation in music, fashion, media, and other industries has been irreparably damaged. What is Aidala’s prediction? “The defense, on the other hand, will argue that the jury acquitted him of the most serious charges and that our system is designed to ensure he is not punished for crimes of which he was found not guilty. They will contend that a sentence of time served is sufficient—both to specifically deter Mr. Combs from reoffending and to serve as a general deterrent to society. My informed view is that the judge will likely land somewhere between these two extremes.”

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    Sentencing is set for 10 AM EDT on Friday, October 3rd.

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    Gary Smith

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  • Kim Porter’s Dad ‘Disgusted’ By Video Of Diddy Abusing Cassie – Now Wonders What His Daughter Experienced While Dating Rapper! – Perez Hilton

    Kim Porter’s Dad ‘Disgusted’ By Video Of Diddy Abusing Cassie – Now Wonders What His Daughter Experienced While Dating Rapper! – Perez Hilton

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    The father of Kim Porter spoke out about the video of her ex, Diddy, brutally abusing Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel back in 2016.

    In an interview published with Rolling Stone on Friday, Jake Porter shared that, like so many of us, he was extremely “disgusted” by the shocking surveillance footage released last month that backed the allegations she made in a now-settled lawsuit. He told the outlet:

    “You can say I was disgusted with the video, and I wouldn’t treat my enemy like that. It was despicable. I couldn’t believe it. I was in Vietnam, and I wouldn’t do that to my enemy.”

    Related: Howard University Revokes Diddy’s Honorary College Degree — And Returns HUGE Donation!

    Although Jake never witnessed Diddy physically harming Kim before her sudden death from pneumonia in 2018, he now cannot help but “wonder” what she possibly experienced behind closed doors in light of the assault toward Cassie. Sadly, we’ve heard about the alleged abuse Kim suffered at the hands of Diddy in the wake of the video. The musician’s former bodyguard previously claimed he saw him attacking women “around for or five times,” including Kim and Cassie. Awful. Two sources claimed to Rolling Stone last month that Diddy physically abused Kim. Former Bad Boy rapper Mark Curry even told the outlet:

    “I remember Kim used to go through a lot of stuff. If you live around them, you get to see the toxic relationship.…  I think every relationship he had that I experienced around him was like that.”

    Jeez. We cannot imagine how hard it must be for the father to have so many unanswered questions about what happened to Kim. One thing Jake does know, though, is that he has a “different outlook” on the rapper, who is being sued for similar claims of abuse, assault, and trafficking. The 78-year-old dad added:

    “I didn’t know he could stoop that low. I imagine it surprised a lot of people. I wouldn’t even do a dog like that. My heart goes out to Cassie.”

    According to Rolling Stone, Jake declined to answer many questions about the situation. However, he did mention that Kim genuinely loved Diddy. For those who don’t know, the model and the music mogul dated on and off from 1994 to 2007. Kim ended things with Diddy for good when she found out he fathered a secret child while she was pregnant with their twin daughters. While the actress loved Diddy during their relationship, her dad noted she “just couldn’t live with” the Bad Boy Records founder in the same house in the end:

    “I think he was a very jealous person. They both loved each other. Kim’s love was legitimate. Puffy’s love, I don’t know what he calls love, you know what I mean? I really don’t think he has any idea what love is.”

    Reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments below.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/. 

    If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like to learn more about resources, consider checking out https://www.rainn.org/resources. 

    [Image via Drew Altizer/WENN, Derrick Salters/WENN, FayesVision/WENN]

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    Perez Hilton

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  • Howard University revokes Sean Combs’ honorary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement

    Howard University revokes Sean Combs’ honorary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement

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    (CNN) — Howard University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to revoke the honorary degree given to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, saying he is “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.”

    The university will also return Combs’ $1 million contribution and terminate a $1 million pledge agreement from the Sean Combs Foundation, the Board said in a statement Friday.

    “Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the Board said in the statement.

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    CNN

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  • Howard University rescinds Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ honorary degree, citing video of him attacking Cassie Ventura

    Howard University rescinds Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ honorary degree, citing video of him attacking Cassie Ventura

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    Howard University trustees on Friday voted to rescind an honorary degree granted to Sean “Diddy” Combs, citing a recently surfaced video of the hip-hop mogul repeatedly attacking Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.

    Trustees of the Washington, D.C., university also disbanded a scholarship in Combs’ name and terminated a 2016 “gift agreement” in which Combs had contributed $1 million through his foundation, according to a university statement. His foundation’s future financial pledges have also been canceled.

    The university, which Combs attended, said the vote “to accept the return … of the honorary degree conferred upon him in 2014” was unanimous.

    “Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the statement continued. “The university is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”

    Friday’s decision is the latest setback for Combs, and comes as federal prosecutors in New York are considering whether a Homeland Security Investigations probe into alleged sex trafficking should result in criminal charges.

    In the 2016 video, obtained and published by CNN last month, Combs is seen chasing, kicking, dragging and hurling a glass vase at Ventura, who was his girlfriend at the time. The video seemed to confirm at least some of the physical abuse allegations against the singer detailed in a lawsuit filed in November — accusations Combs had denied.

    That lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In it, Ventura alleged that Combs “became extremely intoxicated and punched” her in the face, “giving her a black eye” during an attack in March 2016.

    In a video statement posted on Instagram days after the video’s release, Combs said, “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”

    “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”

    Federal prosecutors are preparing grand jury subpoenas for witnesses to testify in the sex-trafficking investigation against Combs, according to a source familiar with the matter.

    Investigators have already interviewed several witnesses and told them to be prepared to testify, the source said, though it remains unclear when that testimony will occur or how far federal officials are in determining whether to bring charges. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing.

    Combs has not been charged with any crime and has denied any wrongdoing. The probe was launched after three women, including Ventura, accused him of rape, assault and other abuses dating back three decades.

    In March, investigators searching Combs’ Holmby Hills mansion emptied safes, dismantled electronics and left papers strewn in some rooms, sources told The Times.

    Combs’ lawyers have strongly criticized the federal probe, calling the searches of his homes “militarized” and a “witch hunt.”

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    Richard Winton

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  • Diddy Is Subject Of Secret NYPD Investigation – Are They Looking For MORE Alleged Sexual Assault Survivors? – Perez Hilton

    Diddy Is Subject Of Secret NYPD Investigation – Are They Looking For MORE Alleged Sexual Assault Survivors? – Perez Hilton

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    [Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

    It would seem Cassie Ventura is just the start of Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ problems.

    As we covered, the singer, who dated the rapper for a decade until 2018, filed a bombshell lawsuit on Thursday (obtained by The New York Times and other outlets), in which she claimed she’d been trapped in a “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking” at the hands of the music mogul. The allegations are truly gruesome and include alleged rape, among other things.

    While Diddy’s rep was quick to deny the accusations made by his ex-girlfriend — claiming she was really just out for money — it would appear there’s more legal trouble for the Last Night artist.

    According to TMZ on Thursday night, the 54-year-old artist is apparently the subject of a secret New York Police Department criminal investigation. Law enforcement sources told them there is an open case at the department with the name “Sean Combs” on it. It’s unclear if Cassie or someone else made the criminal complaint, and details are incredibly hard to find since the active case file has been “locked” — meaning it’s a super sensitive investigation and access has been restricted.

    Related: Will Smith Believes He’s ‘Target Of A Smear Campaign’ Amid Rumors

    When pressed further about the investigation, the NYPD suggested it has tons of similarities to Cassie’s lawsuit, saying in a statement:

    “The NYPD takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously, and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so we can perform a comprehensive investigation, and offer support and services to survivors.”

    Whoa. It sure sounds like they are actively looking for other alleged victims of sexual assault. Maybe now that the 37-year-old model has gone public with her allegations, other alleged victims of the Grammy winner will speak out?

    Interestingly, TMZ went ahead and contacted other jurisdictions Cassie mentioned in her suit, like Miami, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles. They all gave the same reply: no police report has been filed about Cassie or Diddy, and there’s no investigation. That said, back in 2016, per the outlet, Beverly Hills cops were called to the scene of a breakup argument between the couple. A domestic incident report was taken but there was never any legal action started.

    Because some of her accusations could rise to a federal crime, the outlet even checked with federal law enforcement sources, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of NY and the FBI, both of which turned up nothing. So for now, it would seem Diddy’s only been pulled into the one NYC case (plus Cassie’s filing).

    Diddy’s lawyer is still clapping back at the lawsuit, though, telling the outlet that most of Cassie’s claims would be barred from criminal prosecution based on the statute of limitations. Her rape claim could still be pursued in California, if she filed a complaint in the state — which she hasn’t so far. But this might not be entirely true…

    The singer-songwriter’s case is being brought under the Adult Survivors Act, a law in New York that allows sexual abuse victims to file civil suits even after the expiration of the statute of limitations. Per the NYT, the one-year window to bring cases under this law ends next week, and Cassie was very open that’s why they filed the suit in the nick of time, saying alongside the suit:

    “After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships. With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”

    So, Diddy’s not getting out of this that easily. Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Let us know (below)…

    If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like to learn more about resources, consider checking out https://www.rainn.org/resources. 

    [Image via WENN & Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube]

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    Perez Hilton

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