Plaintiffs in national class action believe Kalshi’s claims about superior odds compared to traditional sportsbooks are dubious
Suit says Kalshi clients are actually betting against the house, dispelling notion of a purported peer-to-peer model
Litigation claims Kalshi ran afoul of laws in California, Florida, and New York, among other states
A proposed class action lawsuit filed against Kalshi Wednesday in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York claims the prediction markets operator employs deceptive practices on sports event contracts and that the company is violating gaming and other laws in dozens of states.
A Kalshi advertisement. The company is facing a national class action suit alleging it employs shady sports betting practices. (Image: Kalshi)
Counsel for seven named plaintiffs claim that although Kalshi positions itself as a prediction market, it “operates an unlicensed sports gambling platform” — one that misleads consumers into thinking they’re betting against each other and getting better pricing than what they find with traditional sportsbooks. The litigation claims customers’ reality is far different than what Kalshi pitches.
Defendants Kalshi Trading LLC and KalshiEX, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Kalshi, operates as highly sophisticated ‘market makers,’ which bet against consumers when their bets stray from Kalshi’s internal projected odds,” according to the complaint.
Attorneys for the aggrieved parties also point out that Kalshi partners with hedge funds like Susquehanna International Group to take opposing sides of customers’ bets.
“Market makers operate using a model indistinguishable from House betting in other illegal sports betting that the law expressly prohibits,” according to the legal document. “While consumers may bet on either side of the House in any sportsbook, the House sets the betting line, and profits when consumers pick wrong. Kalshi’s market makers set the baseline. Upon information and belief, Kalshi coordinates directly with its market makers to set betting lines.”
Kalshi Is no Friend of Retail Traders
It’s widely known that Kalshi, which is facing mounting state-level legal opposition and losing some of those cases, charges fees to smaller retail bettors and traders while limiting or eliminating those costs for sharp bettors and market makers in exchange for the liquidity those market participants provide.
That’s one example of smaller bettors facing an uphill climb on Kalshi and data confirm that most market participants on the platform lose money. Some experts argue that the key to being consistently profitable on platforms like Kalshi is to identify markets that are mispriced. Sports event contracts, particularly those pertaining to popular sports such as football and basketball, are unlikely to be mispriced with any regularity because those are highly liquid markets.
Counsel for the proposed class action assert Kalshi clients are being duped into thinking they’re betting against peers when in reality they’re wagering against Kalshi itself, which is supported by market makers with superior technological capabilities.
“Consumers do not realize they are actually being tricked into betting against Kaslshi,” note the lawyers. “When consumers place bets on Kalshi, they face against money provided by a sophisticated market maker on the other side of the ledger.”
Kalshi Violating State Laws, Claim Class Lawyers
The proposed class action also asserts Kalshi violated myriad state laws, including California’s unfair competition law, various gaming laws in Florida, and New York’s general business law. Those are potentially meaningful claims because New York is the largest sports wagering market in the US and because, in Florida, that form of wagering is controlled by the Seminole Tribe and it’s permitted at all in California.
“By operating unlicensed sports betting, Kalshi has violated gambling laws, engaged in illegal deceptive activity, and unjustly enriched itself at the expense of tens of thousands of consumers,” the complaint says. “Accordingly, Plaintiffs on behalf of themselves and a Class of similarly situated individuals, bring this lawsuit to recover their wagers, as well as costs and attorneys’ fees.”
The suit was filed just days after reports surfaced indicating Kalshi’s valuation surged to $11 billion and a day after Robinhood Markets, which has been a major source of Kalshi volume, said it’s building its own prediction market platform.
Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy and illegal foreign lobbying, Billboard reports. Washington, D.C. federal judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly handed down the sentence on Thursday, November 20. Pras will serve 14 years out of a maximum 22, followed by three years of probation. Last month, he was also ordered to forfeit nearly $65 million to the U.S. government.
Pras was first charged with campaign finance crimes in 2019, though the case did not go to trial until 2023. He was accused of illegally funneling money from Malaysian fugitive Low Taek Jho (aka Jho Low) into former President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, and later attempting to influence President Donald J. Trump and his administration to end a Department of Justice investigation into Jho Low. During the trial, Leonardo DiCaprio was called as a witness due to Jho Low’s role in funding The Wolf of Wall Street.
Pras was eventually found guilty of all 10 charges brought against him, which included conspiracy to defraud the United States government and making foreign and conduit campaign contributions, one count of concealing material facts, and two counts of making a false entry in a record in connection with the conspiracy. He subsequently filed a motion for retrial, claiming that his attorney, David Kenner, had used AI to write his closing argument.
Last year, Pras suedMs. Lauryn Hill, blaming her for the cancellation of a planned Fugees tour. His new attorneys reportedly plan to appeal both his sentence and convictions in the criminal conspiracy case.
Like many early adopters, Benjamin Alarie was working with artificial intelligence well before it hit the mainstream. A business law professor at the University of Toronto, he founded the legal tech startup Blue J in 2015 with hopes of applying predictive AI to tax law.
But only a few years later, generative artificial intelligence—the segment of AI best exemplified by ChatGPT, Claude and other text-generating chatbots—was finally taking off. Users were buying in, private capital was flowing and what had once been a powerful but unflashy software segment was suddenly the center of a consumer-facing boom.
By then, Alarie told VentureBeat in a recent profile, Blue J had hit a ceiling, with revenue leveling off at around $2 million a year. So he made a high-stakes gamble and went all-in on the emerging genAI trend.
“Large language models seemed like a very promising direction,” Alarie says of his pivot. Blue J’s earlier tech, predictive machine learning, couldn’t answer every question users asked of it—“Which was really the holy grail,” the Blue J chief executive explains—leading customers to abandon the tool when it let them down.
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Says Alarie: “I had this conviction that if we continued down that path, we weren’t going to be able to address our number one limitation.”
Yet the generative AI boom offered a way out. After giving his team six months to get him a new product, and then honing the resulting system’s outputs over the last few years, Alarie says that by now he’s cut Blue J’s response time down from a minute and a half to just seconds, and more than quadrupled its net promoter score from 20 to over 80.
He also credits a partnership with software giant OpenAI, which gives Blue J early access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence models in exchange for real-world feedback.
It’s all paid off for the company. VentureBeat reports that Blue J’s $122 million Series D, announced this summer, secured the legal tech startup a valuation over $300 million. More than 3,500 different organizations are reportedly on the firm’s client list, including several Fortune 500 companies.
“What once took tax professionals 15 hours of manual research to do can now be completed in about 15 seconds,” Alarie told VentureBeat. “That value proposition—we can take hours of work and turn it into seconds of work—that is driving a lot of this.”
The Los Angeles County sheriff’s department is investigating Sean “Diddy” Combs for sexual battery, NBC News and ABC News report. Deputy Alejandra Parra confirmed to Pitchfork that the department received a report from the Largo Police Department, in Florida, on Friday, November 14, and that the department’s special victims bureau will be investigating the allegations. The Largo Police Department is not also independently investigating Diddy, according to ABC News.
According to NBC News, the police report details an alleged 2020 incident involving Diddy and a male music producer and publicist. Diddy allegedly invited the man to a photo shoot at a Los Angeles warehouse. At the shoot, Diddy allegedly masturbated under a shirt, exposed himself, and asked the male producer and publicist to perform a sex act on him. When the man did not respond, Diddy allegedly threw the dirty shirt at him.
The next year, according to the reports, the man was back in Southern California for a project related to the photo shoot. While at a house, two men covered his head and took him to a room where Diddy allegedly yelled at him, called him a snitch, and sexually assaulted him. The alleged victim’s name is redacted in the police report.
In a statement to ABC News, Jonathan Davis, an attorney for Diddy, said: “As Mr. Combs’ legal team has repeatedly stated for over a year now, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a media circus. Let me make it absolutely clear, Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided—and not in the media—based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations.”
Diddy is currently serving a 50-month federal prison sentence after he was found guilty, in July, on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy and his legal team are appealing the sentence as the rapper serves time at the federal correctional institution at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He is participating in a drug abuse rehabilitation program that could help him get released from custody earlier than the projected date of Sunday, June 4, 2028.
The sexual battery investigation is separate from the federal criminal charges that were brought against Diddy. He is still facing numerous lawsuits related to allegations of sexual violence. Diddy has denied most allegations of wrongdoing.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support:
Peptides have become the latest must-have in the world of wellness and aesthetics. Marketed for everything from fat loss and muscle gain to anti-aging and libido, these powerful compounds are quickly finding their way into med spas, concierge clinics, and health optimization businesses.
For entrepreneurs, peptides represent a high-growth opportunity in a market hungry for innovation. They’re buzzy, in-demand, and often promise high margins. But beneath the surface, this industry is moving much faster than the infrastructure meant to regulate it. And for business owners jumping in, that gap creates more than just uncertainty; it creates real risk.
The rise of the peptide economy
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling agents in the body, triggering processes like fat metabolism, tissue repair, or hormone release. While some are FDA-approved for specific medical uses, many are being offered in wellness clinics for broader, more experimental purposes, often “off-label” or without formal approval.
Semaglutide, for instance, was approved for type 2 diabetes but is now widely used for weight loss. Others, such as BPC-157 or CJC-1295, are marketed for recovery, inflammation, and longevity, even though they haven’t received the same level of regulatory approval.
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For patients, peptides “promise” results that feel more advanced than vitamins and less invasive than surgery. For founders, the appeal is obvious: They tap into massive consumer trends, performance, longevity, and aesthetics, and allow clinics to differentiate their offerings in a saturated market.
A business opportunity moving faster than the rules
The demand is growing. But the rules are vague, and enforcement is inconsistent. The FDA has flagged concerns about certain peptides sold online. State regulatory boards differ on who can prescribe or administer them. And entrepreneurs sourcing these products often find themselves navigating a maze of inconsistent supplier quality, unclear liability, and shifting guidance.
It’s not that founders are intentionally cutting corners. In many cases, they don’t even realize the gray areas in which they’re operating.
What founders should know before offering peptides
Whether you’re a solo operator or scaling a national wellness brand, the same principle applies: Peptides can absolutely be part of a smart, strategic offering, but only if you’re clear-eyed about what you’re getting into.
Here are a few key points to consider:
1. Know what you’re offering. Not all peptides are approved, and most are being used off-label. Understand what that means for your business model, your staff, and your clients.
2. Source responsibly. Vet suppliers carefully. Look for licensed compounding pharmacies with this licensing documentation and transparency. Your product quality impacts your reputation and potentially your liability.
3. Get clinical guidance. Don’t make medical assumptions based on what’s trending online. Work with licensed professionals to create safe protocols, especially when using peptides as part of IV therapy, injections, or personalized treatment plans.
4. Educate your clients. Patients are drawn in by big promises. But the more transparent you are about what peptides can and can’t do, the more trust you’ll build. Clarity isn’t just ethical, it’s good business.
5. Build for sustainability. Peptides aren’t just a passing trend; they’re part of a larger shift in health optimization. But staying ahead means playing the long game. Short-term growth without infrastructure usually leads to burnout, blowback, or both.
The bottom line
Peptides represent one of the most exciting frontiers in wellness right now. They’re powerful, in-demand, and full of potential. But in many ways, this is still a Wild West moment, where innovation is outpacing oversight, and boldness needs to be matched with responsibility.
If you’re a founder in the wellness or aesthetic space, this isn’t a call to avoid peptides. It’s a call to approach them like any great opportunity—with ambition, but also with discipline.
Because the businesses that will lead this market forward won’t just be the ones chasing trends, they’ll be the ones building trust.
Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, a suspected mafia associate, along with several relatives, was among 14 individuals charged Thursday in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar illegal gambling operation in New Jersey that involved student athletes.
A Suspected Mafia Member Is Among the 14 Charged Individuals
Perna, who is allegedly from the Lucchese crime family, faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy, gambling-related offenses, and money laundering, according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Investigators claim that Joseph M. Perna oversaw a “nationwide network” of bookmakers, allegedly managed day-to-day by his son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, who is accused of supervising dozens of what authorities described as “subordinate agents.”
The charges follow a federal indictment issued last month that named alleged Lucchese associates, along with members of other crime families, in connection with multimillion-dollar fixed poker games. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones were also charged in relation to the alleged operation. Billups’ attorney has denied any involvement on his client’s part. Rozier also denies participation, and his attorney said he “looks forward” to contesting the case. Jones entered a not-guilty plea in court last week.
New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice director Theresa L. Hilton said in a statement that authorities were alleging that a member and associates of the Lucchese crime family were running a sophisticated sports betting operation. According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, betting operations allegedly involving student athletes, as well as offshore gambling websites, “systematically enticed individuals to place bets” totaling $2 million between 2022 and 2024, with the money distributed throughout the criminal network.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that, despite the expansion of legal betting, gambling continued to be a mainstay among members and associates of organized crime. He also stated that although locations and methods had evolved, illegal gambling, which also includes sports betting, remains a persistent issue that authorities would continue to prosecute.
Platkin emphasized that responsible gaming helps protect individuals. He added that any college students of legal age who are in New Jersey are permitted to gamble on their phones through lawful platforms, but should not engage in gambling through operations backed by organized crime, which he described as his “parental advice.”
K-pop group NewJeans have announced that they will return to record label Ador following a prolonged legal dispute. In a statement to Pitchfork, Ador—an imprint of Hybe—said that members Hyein and Haerin had “decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract.” The group’s other members, Hanni, Danielle, and Minji, subsequently confirmed that they would be returning to the label as well, BBC News reports.
Hanni, Danielle, and Minji shared that their decision was made “after careful discussion” and “was relayed late as one member is currently in Antarctica, but as [Ador] is not responding at the moment, we are inevitably announcing this through a separate statement.” They added, “We will continue greeting you with sincere music and performances.”
NewJeans first announced their intention to split from Ador last year, after the dismissal of label CEO and the group’s mentor, Min Hee-Jin. Its members then accused the label of mistreatment, with singer Hanni alleging multiple instances of workplace harassment. NewJeans also attempted to rebrand to NJZ in an effort to work around their exclusivity deal with Ador; however, a Seoul court ruled that the group had failed to prove significant negligence on the part of the label.
At a concert last March, NewJeans announced that they would be indefinitely pausing all band activities. In June, a South Korean high court ruled—in a decision that was upheld by a Seoul district court last month—that the group would have to honor their seven-year contract with Ador, which extends through 2029. At the time, a legal representative for NewJeans told Rolling Stone that the group planned to appeal October’s ruling.
Ador’s statement to Pitchfork continued, “[Ador] is committed to providing its full support to [Haerin] and [Hyein] to ensure the seamless continuation of their artistic endeavors. We request the warm support from the fans and respectfully urge you to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members.”
A New Jersey Superior Court judge has ruled that a lawsuit accusing BetMGM of changing the rules of a high-profile casino contest as it was ongoing will proceed. The court rejected the gambling company’s efforts to have the case dismissed, meaning that the court action will proceed as normal. This development only adds to the bad news for the platform, which will soon undergo its second transformation.
BetMGM Allegedly Favored a High-Rolling Patron
Judge Danielle Walcoff denied BetMGM’s motion to dismiss the complaint filed by Laurence Murk, a Franklin Lakes resident. The plaintiff alleges that the company manipulated its “2 Million Dollar Super Series” promotion in favor of a high-rolling patron. This newest ruling means that Murk’s accusations of fraud, breach of contract, and violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act will advance to discovery.
In May 2021, Murk took part in BetMGM’s month-long online casino event, which promised a $500,000 bonus and daily free spins to the top player on a leaderboard based on total wagers. The lawsuit alleges that Murk, who is paralyzed from the waist down, devised a plan to stay ahead, betting roughly $1.5 million over a couple of months to remain ahead.
However, on May 11, the determined bettor suddenly lost his leadership position. Out of nowhere, a new player, known simply by the username “Broker,” appeared at the top of the leaderboard, having scored an unbelievable 800,000 points overnight. Murk suspects that BetMGM staff added those points to Broker’s account and allowed him into the promotion even though he had not played the qualifying games.
The Judge Pointed to Inconsistencies in BetMGM’s Conduct
Murk argues BetMGM’s conduct was deceptive and unlawful, arguing that the company induced him to keep gambling without intending to deliver on its promises. Murk also alleged that when he questioned the leaderboard modification, BetMGM attempted to confuse state regulators. However, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) declined to intervene, classifying the dispute as a promotional issue.
Left to his own devices, Murk opted to pursue the case privately. Court documents allege that BetMGM may have placed Broker into the promotion as a one-time courtesy due to his high-roller status. The plaintiff argues that BetMGM did not provide notice of any rule change permitting this action. His legal team also insists that the general terms and conditions did not apply to the specific contest.
Judge Walcoff pointed out that Broker’s inclusion without informing players and BetMGM’s lack of evidence that the plaintiff agreed to contest-specific terms presented sufficient reasons to deny dismissal. If Murk wins, he could claim more than $2.5 million in compensation, including lost promotional prizes and projected earnings.
Universal Music Group (UMG) and Udio, an artificial intelligence (AI) developer focused on music, have reached an agreement in last year’s copyright infringement lawsuit, which UMG, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and the Recording Industry Association of America brought against Udio and Suno. At the time, UMG accused Udio of copyright infringement on an “almost unimaginable scale” and training its AI models on the label’s recordings. A press release from UMG states that the two companies will now “collaborate on an innovative, new commercial music creation, consumption, and streaming experience,” as Billboard notes. The deal also includes a compensatory legal settlement for UMG.
UMG’s lawsuit against Udio was focused solely on infringement of the company’s sound recordings; the new agreement has established a licensing framework for UMG’s sound recordings as well as songs and publishing assets. Participating UMG artists and songwriters will receive financial compensation for the training of AI models and for its outputs. The new collaborative platform launches in 2026, and UMG artists and songwriters can opt in to participate. Songs created using Udio’s current model will be “controlled within a walled garden,” fingerprinted, and filtered before the new effects go into place.
“The new subscription service will transform the user engagement experience, creating a licensed and protected environment to customize, stream, and share music responsibly, on the Udio platform,” reads the press release. Billboard reports that users can create mashups, remixes, and tempo changes to existing, licensed works; swap vocals with UMG artists’ voices who opted in to the program; and can only listen to the creations within the service.
In a statement, Udio co-founder and chief executive Andrew Sanchez said, “This moment brings to life everything we’ve been building toward—uniting AI and the music industry in a way that truly champions artists. Together, we’re building the technological and business landscape that will fundamentally expand what’s possible in music creation and engagement.”
UMG chairman and chief executive Lucian Grainge added, “These new agreements with Udio demonstrate our commitment to do what’s right by our artists and songwriters, whether that means embracing new technologies, developing new business models, diversifying revenue streams or beyond. We look forward to working with Andrew who shares our belief that together, we can foster a healthy commercial AI ecosystem in which artists, songwriters, music companies and technology companies can all flourish and create incredible experiences for fans.”
Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents they are legally protected from prosecution and local officials cannot arrest them.
Fox News host Will Cain questioned Miller during an Oct. 24 interview. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Cain said, “talked about interfering with, arresting, ICE agents in Illinois.”
Cain asked Miller under what federal authority the Trump administration could arrest Pritzker if the governor tried to arrest ICE agents.
“To all ICE officers, you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties,” Miller said. “And anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony.”
Miller said his answer applied to any local or state official “who conspires or engages in activity that unlawfully impedes federal law enforcement conducting their duties.”
The day before Miller’s comments Pritzker signed an executive order establishing the Illinois Accountability Commission to document federal law enforcement actions and refer possible law violations to local and state agencies for investigation. Chicago is the latest target in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, and agents have arrested more than 3,000 people there.
Pritzker acknowledged in an Oct. 16 interview that “federal agents typically have federal immunity, but they’re not immune from the federal government holding them accountable and responsible.”
His statement is less sweeping than Miller’s and Pritzker noted that the federal government can prosecute federal agents.
Immigration agents, like other law enforcement officers, have broad protections when conducting official duties. That doesn’t mean they can’t be held legally accountable if they break state or federal law.
“Federal officials are not categorically immune from state criminal prosecution, even while on duty,” Bryna Godar, attorney at University of Wisconsin’s State Democracy Research Initiative, wrote in a July 17 report.
When contacted for comment, the White House pointed PolitiFact to an Oct. 23 letter U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote California officials.
“The Department of Justice views any arrests of federal agents and officers in the performance of their official duties as both illegal and futile,” Blanche wrote.
He cited several federal laws and provisions including the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause. The clause limits when states can prosecute federal agents who break state law, but it does not act as blanket immunity, legal experts said.
Miller’s statement is “wrong on its face,” Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown University constitutional law professor, wrote in his Oct. 27 newsletter.
The federal government can prosecute immigration agents who break the law
Federal immigration agents can’t break the law with impunity.
In 2024, a federal judge convicted and sentenced to federal prison a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent for using excessive force against two people at the southern border. Department of Homeland Security watchdog offices investigated the case.
The federal government has cited its power to hold agents accountable in court arguments. After a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a 15-year-old Mexican boy at the southern border in 2010, the Justice Department said in a 2019 Supreme Court brief that the federal government investigates allegations of excessive force by agents “and may bring a federal criminal prosecution where appropriate.”
Non-government organizations also can sue the federal government for its agents’ actions. Several groups in Chicago, including journalism organizations, sued the Trump administration saying federal agents are using “a pattern of extreme brutality in a concerted and ongoing effort to silence the press and civilians.”
In that case, federal District Judge Sara Ellis ordered immigration agents not to use tear gas and other riot control tactics unless people are posing an immediate threat. If the agents are going to use tear gas, they are required to give a verbal warning first.
After reports that agents weren’t following the court order, Ellis ordered Gregory Bovino, the senior Border Patrol official overseeing the federal immigration actions in Chicago, to meet with her every weeknight to report all confrontations officers have with the public. (After this story published, a federal appeals court temporarily paused Ellis’ order.)
Vladeck wrote that even if the Trump administration does not investigate or prosecute immigration agents who might have broken the law, it doesn’t mean the federal government doesn’t have the power to do so.
Pritzker said his state’s commission seeks to document actions that could be prosecuted in the future.
State governments aren’t barred from prosecuting federal agents
State governments also can prosecute immigration agents if they break state law. However, there is a limitation known as supremacy clause immunity which comes from the U.S. Constitution’s clause that says federal law supersedes conflicting state laws.
Protections against state prosecution for federal agents date back to an 1890 Supreme Court decision. David Neagle, a U.S. marshal assigned to protect a Supreme Court justice, shot and killed a man who assaulted the justice. California arrested Neagle and charged him with murder. The Supreme Court ruled that the state couldn’t prosecute Neagle because he was carrying out official duties.
Generally, federal agents are protected from state prosecution if their actions were authorized by federal law, and if the actions were “necessary and proper” for agents to fulfill their duties.
A federal court ruled in 1990 that a customs agent was immune from state charges for speeding while driving during a drug operation. The agent acted under U.S. laws and was justified in concluding speeding was necessary to fulfill his duties, the court said.
But a U.S. marine wasn’t given immunity in 1990 after he killed a person in a car accident while he was driving in a military convoy in North Carolina.
“In short, while Supremacy Clause immunity grants federal officials a partial shield from state prosecution, that immunity is not absolute,” Godar wrote.
Contrary to Miller’s statement, Vladeck wrote, it’s not a felony “for local or state authorities to arrest someone who they have probable cause to believe committed a state crime.”
If a state brought charges against federal immigration agents, the court would have to determine whether an officer reasonably would have thought the actions were necessary to carry out federal duties.
“That’s a generous standard, to be sure,” Vladeck wrote. “But it is by no means a get-out-of-prosecution-free card.”
Our ruling
Miller said, “To all ICE officers, you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties.”
Immigration agents, like other law enforcement officers, have broad protections when they’re conducting official duties. But they’re not immune from prosecution if they break state or federal law.
The federal government can and does prosecute federal officers who break the law.
States can’t prosecute agents for breaking state law if the agents were acting under the reasonable confines of their official duties. But those restrictions aren’t absolute.
The statement contains an element of truth; federal immigration agents have some immunity from state prosecution. But the protections aren’t as sweeping as Miller made them sound, giving a different impression. Federal agents can and have been prosecuted by states.
We rate Miller’s statement Mostly False.
UPDATE, Oct. 29, 2025: This story was updated to include an appeals court decision that happened after publication.
Drake is hoping to revive his lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) that a federal judge threw out earlier this month. The musician and his legal team filed a notice of appeal today (October 29) in a New York federal court.
When reached by Pitchfork, a spokesperson for Drake said, “This confirms our intent to appeal, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing that filing in the coming weeks.” Representatives for Universal Music Group did not immediately respond to Pitchfork’s request for comment.
Drake filed his lawsuit against UMG in January, alleging that the music corporation “waged an unrelenting campaign” to promote “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar’s famous diss song that he believed to be defamatory. UMG had asked for the complaint’s dismissal, arguing that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated.”
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ostensibly agreed with UMG, ruling that “the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts.”
After almost four years of speculation, a New Jersey court filing has revealed that Playtech was the company behind the damaging 2021 report that sought to discredit live casino giant Evolution. The disclosure marks the culmination of a protracted legal struggle during which Evolution tried to expose the mysterious client of private intelligence firm Black Cube. This organization produced and distributed the contentious report.
Evolution Proved the Initial Report Was False
According to Evolution, senior Playtech executives, including CEO Mor Weizer, communicated directly with Black Cube during the preparation of the report. The document alleged that Evolution’s products were being used in blacklisted jurisdictions. These assertions briefly wiped billions from Evolution’s market value and triggered regulatory scrutiny in multiple markets.
US state regulators and the New Jersey Superior Court later confirmed that the report lacked any factual basis. Meanwhile, Evolution claimed the accusations were intentionally fabricated, stating that the firm behind the report had purposefully manipulated interview material to fit a false narrative.
According to court records, Black Cube agents used deceptive methods during their investigation, pretending to be prospective business partners or investors to contact current and former Evolution staff members. Some of these meetings were covertly recorded, edited, and presented as proof in the report. Interviewed individuals later complained that their comments had been either misrepresented or completely distorted.
Playtech Could Suffer Significant Consequences
On Tuesday, Evolution released a statement that strongly condemned Playtech’s involvement, calling it a deliberate attempt to gain a competitive advantage by damaging the competition’s reputation and business standing. According to Evolution, Playtech paid Black Cube more than £1.8 million ($2.41 million) for the operation.
Playtech’s exposure could carry significant legal and financial consequences. Evolution has already declared its intention to seek substantial damages for defamation, trade libel, and interference with business relations. Immediately after the revelation, Playtech shares plummeted 39%, erasing £400 million ($536 million) of market value. This development is strikingly similar to the effects suffered by Evolution after Black Cube’s report.
We are confident in our legal position and look forward to finally holding Playtech and its accomplices to account for the significant harm they have caused.
Evolution statement
Evolution announced it was ready to pursue every available avenue to hold Playtech, Black Cube, and their affiliates accountable. With all parties involved in the report revealed, the lawsuit can proceed in earnest, with Playtech as an additional defendant. The immediate questions revolve around whether shareholders were informed of the risks associated with this type of campaign.
Grégoire Auzoux, the CEO of Crésus Casino, along with another individual, has been charged with operating an illegal gambling operation and is currently in custody. The professional poker player was apprehended and later released by French anti-organized crime police in mid-September after his offshore site was accused of catering to the French market.
Grégoire Auzoux Charged With Running an Illegal Gambling and Money Laundering Scheme
Investigations uncovered fund transfers exceeding EUR 100 million ($117 million) between 2022 and 2025, with authorities suspecting money laundering through the business. On October 9, Auzoux and another individual were presented before a judge in Paris and faced charges including illegal gambling, involvement in an organized crime group, unlawfully providing online gaming, and money laundering.
We reported earlier that the companies behind the website are said to have generated nearly EUR 1 billion (around $1.17 billion) in revenue over the past five years. Some of the companies involved in Auzoux’s online casino operations include Casino-Prive, Lucky 8, Jackpot Bob, and Olympe Casino.
It should be noted thatAuzoux and his alleged accomplice were not the site’s owners, as previous reports had indicated, but rather the operational masterminds behind the operation. Hired in 2021, the CEO earned a substantial EUR 70,000 (around $82,000) per month. During a raid on his residence by Cypriot police, authorities discovered not only large sums of cash but also EUR 90,000 (approximately $105,000) in cryptocurrency, which authorities say was used in money laundering schemes.
Jake Pollard, citing anonymous sources, reported on the Gaming&Co Substack today that Auzoux’s downfall stemmed from “hubris” and “arrogance.” According to the sources, Auzoux proceeded to launch a second site after the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), the regulatory body responsible for protecting citizens from unlicensed operators, ordered the blocking of the Cresuscasino.com domain.
How Was the Investigation Conducted?
The investigation, which forms part of broader Europol efforts targeting cross-border cybercrime, dates back to July 2024. It began when dissatisfied players alerted ANJ about Cresus Casino. What followed resembled a digital cat-and-mouse chase.
Although Cresus was officially registered in Cyprus and Curacao, it quickly escalated by creating multiple mirror sites. When authorities blocked cresuscasino.com, the operators swiftly launched a clone site and sent SMS messages with links to French users. Web traffic analysis provided the key evidence: nearly 100% of the site’s visitors came from French IP addresses, with the site receiving over a million visits each month.
According to a Eurojust press release, the organization emphasized that, due to the cross-border nature of the online gambling site’s activities, cooperation between authorities was vital in dismantling the gambling network. As a result, searches were conducted in Cyprus and Malta, hearings were held, and asset freezes were implemented, all facilitated by Eurojust’s support.
The United Kingdom has arrested an individual believed to have ties to a GBP 8 million sports betting scheme. While the man remained unnamed, officials noted that he might have participated in fraud related to the matter.
The Man Was Released on Bail
The man in question was described as a 37-year-old man, whose name remained undisclosed for legal reasons. The London Metropolitan Police officials explained that the arrestee is believed to be connected with Rory Campbell’s failed betting fund.
Officials elaborated that the man in question was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
London’s Metropolitan Police added that the man was eventually bailed pending further inquiries.
Campbell’s Scheme Sought to Multiply Investors’ Money by Making Lucrative Bets
As mentioned, the man is believed to have had ties to the sports betting syndicate of Rory Campbell, the son of Alastair Campbell, a Tory Blair-era spin doctor. Rory Campbell swayed investors with promises of a robust mathematical model that could give him an edge over other bettors, allowing him to place lucrative bets.
The scheme attracter many veteran investors, some of whom were no betting slouches either. Campbell senior also backed his son’s initiative. In total, roughly 50 people invested between GBP 10,000 and GBP 500K in the scheme. Overall, Campbell’s syndicate managed to collect GBP 8 million.
In 2023, however, investors encountered difficulties withdrawing their money even though the fund insisted that they had made an average return of investment of 8% a year. Campbell reassured investors that everything was okay and that they could receive their funds in full by the end of July 2024. However, Campbell later changed that, telling them to expect a return of roughly 50-65%.
In December 2024, Campbell claimed that the scheme had collapsed as sportsbooks in Asia had refused to pay out his winnings. Shortly after that, investors reached out to the police. One civil case against the scheme’s mastermind sought to retrieve the GBP 266K plaintiffs had invested, although reports say that it only managed to retrieve a fraction of that money.
Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, shared what New York Attorney General Letitia James told him after she was indicted on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The federal indictment of James has thrust the topic of prosecutorial independence into the national spotlight and reignited debate over concerns of possible politicization of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). James, who earned national attention for her successful civil fraud case against President Donald Trump in 2023, now finds herself facing allegations of bank fraud and making false statements, brought by a newly appointed Trump prosecutor.
Lawmakers and legal experts say the case highlights growing concerns about the use of federal power for perceived political retribution amid a broader erosion of longstanding judicial norms. Some Republicans, meanwhile, argue the case brings long overdue accountability to a high-ranking official. The high-profile indictment comes as both major parties accuse each other of weaponizing the justice system, compounding doubts surrounding its integrity among Americans.
What To Know
While speaking with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Friday, Mamdani was asked about his conversation with the state’s attorney general. Mamdani said, “She told me, ‘Don’t worry about me.’ And I think that’s just indicative of what she means to so many New Yorkers.”
“She is somebody who has put the city, the state, the people of it first, and frankly that’s why Donald Trump is persecuting her. It’s because of the fact that she looks at everyone in the state, everyone in this country as being held to the same standards of the law. And she held Donald Trump to that same law,” Mamdani continued.
“And he couldn’t take the audacity, that he would have that applied to him,” Mamdani added. “And so, what we’re seeing is the weaponization of justice and it’s one that’s looking to make an example of the attorney general, but it’s one where we will have her back through every step of the way.”
On Thursday, Lindsey Halligan, recently appointed by Trump as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, secured a federal grand jury indictment against James. The indictment alleges that James misrepresented the use of a Virginia property on a 2020 mortgage application, claiming it was a secondary residence to obtain more favorable terms, when it was allegedly used as a rental.
Newsweek reached out to the press office for the Eastern District of Virginia via email Friday night for comment.
What People Are Saying
Mamdani, on X Thursday: “New Yorkers know Attorney General James for who she is: a champion for justice who fights relentlessly for the people. Donald Trump knows her only as an obstacle to his corruption. No one should be surprised that Donald Trump is employing fascist tactics—prosecuting his opponents, weaponizing the federal government, and attacking the very fabric of our democracy. And Trump should not be surprised when millions of Americans stand up to his authoritarianism and his greed. If Trump wants to leverage baseless charges to visit political retribution on New York’s Attorney General, he’ll have to go through New Yorkers first. Tish James has had our back, time and again. We have hers.”
Abbe Lowell, attorney for James,in a statement Thursday:“We are deeply concerned that this case is driven by President Trump’s desire for revenge,” adding, “When a President can publicly direct charges to be filed against someone—when it was reported that career attorneys concluded none were warranted—it marks a serious attack on the rule of law. We will fight these charges in every process allowed in the law.”
Scott Jennings, former adviser to President George W. Bush, on X Thursday: “Allow me to quote Letitia James directly: ‘When powerful people cheat to get better loans, it comes at the expense of hard-working people.’ There was no outrage from Dems about Tish’s political prosecution of Trump — but now that the shoe is on the other foot, it’s a crisis.”
What Happens Next
James is set to appear for arraignment in Virginia on October 24.
If convicted of bank fraud or making false statements, the penalties could include up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines for each count, the DOJ says.
Ulises Dávila, 34, a former Mexico youth international and captain of Macarthur FC who was named A-League Men Player of the Year in 2021, has pleaded guilty in an Australian court to his involvement in a profitable match-fixing scheme.
Dávila Pleads Guilty to Fixing Yellow Cards
Dávila was alleged to be the mastermind behind a betting scheme in which he and two teammates from Macarthur FC intentionally received yellow cards to influence betting outcomes. The charges stemmed from six matches played in Australia’s top-tier soccer league during the2023 and 2024 seasons.
The former Macarthur FC captain pleaded guilty to facilitating and engaging in conduct intended to corrupt the outcome of a betting event. Prosecutors at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court dropped eight other charges against him, including allegations that he led and took part in a criminal group.
What Led to This?
During a match against Sydney FC on December 9, 2023, Macarthur players Ulises Dávila, Clayton Lewis, and Kearyn Baccus each received yellow cards. Dávila was booked for time-wasting by kicking the ball away, Lewis for pushing an opponent in the chest, and Baccus for a reckless tackle.
According to statements agreed upon by Lewis and Baccus, bets had been placed on Macarthur receiving at least four yellow cards during the match. Winnings from these bets, placed through a gambling site, totaled more than AUD 200,000 (around $132,000). Dávila allegedly paid Lewis and Baccus AUD 10,000 ($6,600) each for their involvement in the scheme.
In September, Lewis and Baccus were given good-behavior bonds and avoided conviction, with the magistrate describing them as being “right at the bottom of the scheme.” They said they became involved at Dávila’s urging, describing him as not only the team captain but the mastermind behind the scheme. All three players were suspended and eventually had their contracts with Macarthur FC terminated.
Macarthur FC had previously released a strongly worded statement highlighting what it described as serious deficiencies in the integrity processes within Australian football. The club asserted that the existing systems were insufficient to protect teams from risk and lacked the necessary responsiveness to handle issues of such scale. It called for an urgent and comprehensive review and reform of integrity protocols to ensure the long-term protection of the sport.
Drake’s federal lawsuit against his own record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), for their involvement promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” is officially over after a federal judge threw it out on Thursday (October 9), reports the Associated Press. In her ruling, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas stated that the song is a series of opinions, not defamatory allegations, and listeners were aware of such.
“Although the accusation that Plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about Plaintiff,” wrote Judge Vargas.
In the lawsuit, Drake also claimed the popularity of “Not Like Us” was to blame for attempted break-ins to his Toronto residence and a security guard getting shot. The single artwork depicts an aerial view of his mansion from Google Maps and overlaid with “more than a dozen sex offender markers,” which Judge Vargas said were “obviously exaggerated and doctored.” She added, “No reasonable person would view the image and believe that in fact law enforcement had designated thirteen residents in Drake’s home as sex offenders.”
After the lawsuit was thrown out yesterday, Drake’s legal team released a statement, saying, “We intend to appeal today’s ruling, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it.”
UMG shared their own update following the ruling, stating: “From the outset, this suit was an affront to all artists and their creative expression and never should have seen the light of day. We’re pleased with the court’s dismissal and look forward to continuing our work successfully promoting Drake’s music and investing in his career.”
Billionaire media mogul Richard Desmond has called on a court to lean on the side of “generosity” in evaluating a GBP 1.3 billion (approximately $1.58 billion) damages claim against the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC). This is a sum that would likely be covered by taxpayers if he prevails in the legal battle.
Richard Desmond Seeks GBP 1.3 Billion in Damages from the UKGC
Lawyers representing Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell investment firm and his lottery bid vehicle, the New Lottery Company (TNLC), argue that the Gambling Commission committed “manifest errors” during the complex and opaque competition process for Britain’s largest public sector contract. The 10-year licence was awarded in 2022 to Allwyn, a newly formed company ultimately owned by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek, which has operated the National Lottery since 2024.
If successful, the payout could have a major financial impact on both charities and taxpayers, as the compensation would come from a lottery fund designated to support good causes. If the award exceeds the available funds, which are believed to receive around GBP 30 million (approximately $36.4 million) per week from lottery ticket sales, the shortfall would likely be covered by taxpayers.
TNLC alleges that the Gambling Commission gave feedback to rival bidder Allwyn at a stage in the process when it should not have, calling this a “very serious breach” of the competition’s rules.
Speaking of Allwyn, it is also participating in the case, effectively aligning itself with the Gambling Commission. The company has a vested interest in defending the outcome of the bidding process, as its reputation could be damaged if Desmond’s legal team succeeds in persuading the judge that Allwyn should not have been awarded the license.
While the UKGC sought a settlement with Desmond’s Northern & Shell PLC, the issue continued, and a bitter case opened this week. At the High Court, Desmond’s legal team told Mrs Justice Smith that the bidding process was fundamentally flawed on multiple grounds, and argued that the competition should have been rerun after the terms of the contract were changed post-award.
UKHC Responds
The Gambling Commission has defended its handling of the licensing process, describing it as robust and thorough. In legal submissions, the regulator argued that Desmond’s bid was “fanciful” and performed “extremely badly” in what it called a rigorous competition.
Sarah Hannaford KC, representing the commission, dismissed Desmond’s claim, seeking damages for potential earnings TNLC might have made if the process were rerun as “hopeless.” She told the court it was “extremely unusual, if not unique, for a bidder who lost so spectacularly to argue that it should have won,” adding that TNLC’s belief it could have succeeded with more detailed early feedback was merely “wishful thinking.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.
Source: Sean “Diddy” Combs – Picture / Sean “Diddy” Combs – Picture provided by Canva
U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced the disgraced music mogul to 50 months behind bars, per NBC News.
Following his highly publicized trial, prosecutors sought an 11-year, three-month prison term for his Mann Act conviction, while the defense was trying for a 14-month sentence, which would amount to time served.
Combs, 55, was taken into custody in September last year. His sentence will include the year-plus he has already spent behind bars.
The long-running Diddy sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution case has finally been wrapped up. According to CNN, sentencing recommendations from the defense, prosecution, and probation departmentsdiffered tremendously.
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As previously reported, in July, Combs was convicted on two counts of transporting women for prostitution under the Mann Act, specifically for the transportation of former girlfriend Jane and the transportation of ex-girlfriendCasandra “Cassie” Ventura. Each charge carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Federal prosecutors were pushing for a sentence of more than 11 years, arguing that Combs physically and emotionally abused girlfriends and employees over the course of many years, all while showing no remorse for his actions.
His defense team, on the other hand, asked for no more than 14 months, including time already served. They strongly believed that the judge should disregard any testimony or evidence tied to charges Combs was acquitted of, including allegations that he coerced victims.
If the judge sided with the defense, Combs could have been released from federal custody almost immediately. Meanwhile, the court’s probation department recommended a sentence between 70 and 87 months. Earlier today, the judge stated there’s no clear reason to stray from those guidelines.
Here’s everything that’s happened throughout the case.
November 2023 – Cassie filed a lawsuit against Combs.
Source: Taylor Hill / Getty
On Nov. 17, 2023, Cassiefiled a lawsuit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, accusing Combs of rape, sex trafficking, drug abuse, coercion, and repeated violence over the course of their decades-long relationship.
The next day, Combs quickly settled the lawsuit, with terms kept confidential.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura said in a statement at the time. “I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Combs added, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best.”
But the lawsuit was just the tip of the iceberg. Soon, several other alleged victims brought additionalcivil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, forced drugging, and abuse during past relationships with the hip-hop mogul.
March 2024 – Sean “Diddy” Combs’ homes in LA and Miami were raided by Homeland Security.
Source: MEGA / Getty
In March 2024, properties owned by Combs in Los Angeles and Miami wereraided by Homeland Security agents. According to Page Six, the Miami raid uncoveredwhat FBI agents described as “a slew of weapons, several boxes of high-heeled heels typically worn by exotic dancers and lingerie, bottles of baby oil and lubricant, and various bags filled with narcotics.” Meanwhile, the Los Angeles search revealed a similar scene, an “array of weapons” along with a staggering 200 bottles of baby oil and 900 bottles of lubricant, reportedly found scattered throughout the home, including in Combs’ bedroom.
May 2024: Video of Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2016 surfaces.
Source: Gotham / Getty
On May 17, 2024, CNN released surveillance footageshowing Combs physically assaulting Cassie during a 2016 incident that closely mirrored the allegations outlined in her November 2023 lawsuit.
The video showed the former singer and mother leaving a hotel room and walking toward an elevator before Combs, wearing only a towel, chased after her. He grabbed her by the neck and threw her to the ground. As Cassie lay motionless, Combs was seen violently kicking her and then walking away with her purse and suitcase.
September 2024 – Diddy was indicted.
Source: Getty / General
Months later, on Sept. 16, 2024, he was arrested in New York on a federal indictment charging him with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs pleaded not guilty.Multiple bail requests were denied.
May 2025 – The Diddy sex trafficking and racketeering trial began.
Source: The Washington Post / Getty
The rapper and hip-hop icon’s trial officially began May 5 in federal court in Lower Manhattan, led by Judge Arun Subramanian. Jury selection occupied the early days, and opening statements beganMay 12. Over the next several weeks, testimony was heard from alleged victims, employees, experts, and others, with the prosecution presenting evidence such as videos, travel logs, and witness accounts.
Prosecutors opened the trial by alleging that the Grammy-winner used his fame, power, and wealth to operate a criminal enterprise that enabled his so-called “freak offs,” drug-fueled sex parties involving both paid sex workers and unwilling participants. They claimed Combs used violence, intimidation, and coercion to force victims—including his ex-girlfriend Cassie—to participate in these disturbing encounters.
Some of the most significant testimony came early in the Diddy trial. LAPD officer Israel Florez, who previously worked in hotel security, was the first witness to take the stand. He testifiedabout being on duty at the Intercontinental Hotel in March 2016, the day surveillance footage captured Combs dragging and kicking Cassie in a hallway.
Later, another witness, Daniel Phillip—a male stripper—testified that he was paid thousands of dollars to perform sex acts with the songstress while Combs watched. He recounted an incident from around 2012 or 2013, describing how Combs allegedly became enraged when Cassie didn’t respond to him immediately. According to Phillip, Combs threw a liquor bottle at her and then dragged her by the hair into a bedroom, where he appeared to physically assault her. Phillip said he was too afraid to intervene, especially with Combs’ bodyguards present.
But the most devastating testimony came from Cassie herself. As reported by NewsOne, during the first week of the trial, she gave a harrowing account of the years of alleged abuse, control, and humiliation she suffered while in a relationship with the hip-hop mogul. She painted a chilling picture of what life was like behind the glamorous façade, recounting not only the physical assaults but also the psychological torment of being forced to participate in the infamous “freak offs.”
“He would smash me in my head, knock me over, drag me, kick me, stomp me in the head if I was down,” Cassie testified at the time of the abuse she endured.
The “Me & U” singer claimed that after one particularly brutal assault in 2008, Combs made her recover in isolation at a hotel. In another haunting moment, Cassie said she wore sunglasses to a red carpet premiere to hide the bruises left on her face. She also described the toll these encounters took on her health, stating that she developed frequent urinary tract infections from back-to-back “freak offs,” to the point where antibiotics no longer worked.
July 2025 – Diddy found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Source: LEONARDO MUNOZ / Getty
After three days of jury deliberations, a verdict was delivered July 2 for the Diddy sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force/fraud/coercion charges, but guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act. His sentencing was scheduled for Oct. 3.
September 2025: Cassie pens a heartbreaking letter to the court ahead of sentencing, “I’m so scared.”
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
As previously reported, ahead of the Oct. 3 sentencing hearing for the Diddy sex trafficking and racketeering trial, Cassie once again pleaded with the court, detailing the years of abuse and psychological manipulation she fought through while with Combs. In a powerful three-page victim impact statement obtained by Rolling Stone, she expressed not only the trauma of her past but also the fear she continues to live with today.
“I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up,” she wrote, making it clear that Combs’ release would not just be a legal outcome; it would be a threat to her safety and that of other victims.
“For four days in May, while nine months pregnant, I testified in front of a packed courtroom about the most traumatic and horrifying chapter in my life,” she added. Today, she says she lives “as private and quiet as possible,” constantly looking over her shoulder, fearing what could happen if Combs walks free.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison and pay a fine of $500,000, the maximum possible, after being found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. (That sentence adds up to just over four years, but the 14 months he has already served in prison will be deducted.) Today in Manhattan’s Federal District Court, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian outlined his reasoning behind the substantial length, citing the need “to send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability.”
“The Court has to consider all of your history here. A history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case, which shows that you abused the power and control over the lives of women who you professed to love,” said Judge Subramanian. “The court is not assured that if released these crimes will not be committed again.”
“To Ms. Ventura and the other brave survivors that came forward, I want to say first: We heard you. I am proud of you for coming to the court to tell the world what really happened,” added Judge Subramanian after issuing the sentence. “Mr. Combs, you and your family are going to get through it… You will have a chance to show your children and the world what real accountability, change, and healing [can look like].”
Before the sentencing was determined, Diddy rose at the defense table to give a 12-minute statement, reports The New York Times. “One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle is having to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” said Diddy. He apologized to Cassie Ventura and her family “for any harm or hurt that I’ve caused her, emotionally or physically.” He also apologized to former girlfriend Jane, saying, “I brought you into my mess.” Diddy then apologized to all victims of domestic violence, his family, and his children, and referred to his conduct “disgusting, shameful, and sick.” “No matter what anybody says, I know that I’m truly sorry for it all,” he concluded.
