As Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial continues to play out in court, his charges has prompted many folks online to give their two cents on the matter. The latest voice, however, was none other than President Donald J. Trump. And what he said might either enrage you or enthuse you.
Combs is currently on trial in New York City where he’s facing allegations of racketeering, transportation to engage in prostitution, and sex trafficking. If convicted, he could receive the max sentence of life in prison. But if the Bad Boy Records’ founder does find himself behind bars, he may have a chance to be pardoned all together— that is, if Trump decides to pardon him. Calls for the president to step in and help Diddy shirk his consequences have grown louder on social media for months on end and now the Commander-in-Chief is weighing in on it himself.
Speaking to a group of reporters on Friday, that notion was floated by the president while speaking in the Oval Office. While he didn’t come outright and give the suggestion an immediate yes or no, he did mention that he was aware people were talking about him potentially getting involved and that he would consider it.
“I would certainly look at the facts if I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me,” he said, per Deadline. “It wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
He would later go on to say that he wasn’t too much on top of what’s been going on with Diddy’s case, though he’d seen the extensive coverage and could look into it. He also noted that he and Diddy used to be friends way back when, but his political goals more than likely severed the ties they had.
“I’d look at what’s happening, and I haven’t been watching it too closely, although it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage,” Trump said. “I haven’t seen him. I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years. He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, sort of that relationship busted up.”
We like to think that our favorite bands will always be best of friends until the end of time. But R&B singer Omarion just dropped some bad news for all the millennial women who are still obsessed with B2K.
The R&B boy band from the 2000s is made up of members Omarion, Raz B, Lil’ Fizz and J-Boog. At one point and time, B2K practically ran the R&B world. With hits like “Girlfriend” and “Bump, Bump, Bump,” the chemistry between the four members was undeniable.
So when they reunited for a recent stop on the Millennium Tour, fans expected them to show up and out… and they did!
“Y’all give it up for B2K tonight…These are my boys for life,” Omarion said on stage before Raz-B added, “You already know we got your back.” This wasn’t the first time B2K reunited on stage. In fact, the quartet has made several appearances over the years. Despite this, Omarion revealed they aren’t as close as folks may think.
He told TMZ getting the band back together for a reunion performance was “simply a natural thing,” but that doesn’t mean the guys are close friends. It’s no secret B2K has had their ups and downs over the years. Let’s not forget when tensions rose after Omarion claimed the other members were throwing shots at him for losing his Verzuz battle against Mario. This led to Omarion even calling his ex-bandmates “backup dancers” in a now deleted Instagram post.
Fans know the beef between the group goes back decades. They initially split around 2004, inciting management issues and internal conflicts. So maybe it’s not shocking things are still weird between the four guys.
Omarion has been outspoken about feeling like an outside compared to the rest of the group. He previously told TMZ him joining B2K was always a point of contention because he was the last member.
As long as B2K continues to perform, then maybe hope is still alive for fans of the singing sensation. But in the meantime, Omarion clearly isn’t making any promises.
You wouldn’t think of a horror movie would spread Black joy. But “Sinners” is not just any horror movie.
You’ve seen it. (And if you haven’t, what are you doing? Stop reading this and go straight to the movie theater.) The film takes place in Clarksdale, Mississippi, but people who call that city home were not even able to watch it. There are no movie theaters in Clarksdale, so anyone who wanted to watch it would have had to drive either to Southaven, MS or Memphis, TN—both over an hour away.
In Clarksdale, there's limited transportation and no movie theater. The town inspired Sinners, but many can't travel to see it in theaters.
They created a petition to invite Ryan Coogler & team to host a public screening and experience the Delta.
Black folks were up in arms about that fact and Tyler Yarbrough, a community organizer in Clarksdale, wrote an open letter asking for the film to be shown in his hometown. Ryan Coogler, the writer and director of the film, urged Warner Brothers to find a way to show his film in the city.
The studio outfitted the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium with a big screen and projector for the screenings. There was not an empty seat at the first screening and the subsequent showings are all ‘sold’ out. (The tickets are free, but they are first come first serve.)
People showed up the film wearing homemade Sinners T-shirts, and though they were silent during the film, you could see some dancing at various points during the movie. Ryan Coogler, Miles Caton (who plays Sammie) and Ludwig Göransson (the composer of the film) were in attendance that first day and participated in a Q&A after the screening with a crowd that was overjoyed to see Hollywood royalty in their small city.
Photo by Sydney Grey
Many in the audience asked insightful questions about how much Canton knew about Clarksdale before he took the role of Sammie and what inspired Coogler to write the film. But some in attendance were so busy cheering after almost every sentence that it was difficult for the filmmakers to answer. They didn’t mind. Coogler repeatedly thanked the crowd for their enthusiastic in his distinctly Oakland, California accent.
Photo by Sydney Grey
The screenings are just the beginning. In addition to showing the movie once a day through the weekend, there are no fewer than five blues concerts planned. Sinners is not only a Black artistic achievement, it is also the source of Black joy for the people of Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Balloons were flying as smiling kids wearing graduation caps filled an Arkansas elementary school— that is until a brawl involving parents stole the shine from a kindergarten graduation. Now, the school district has pledged to hold every adult involved in the violent incident accountable.
A graduation is the last place you’d expect to see violence, but on Wednesday (May 28), adults attending a ceremony at Faulk Elementary School in West Memphis, Ark. got wild. Video of the incident was taken by Aleicia Evans and posted to Facebook.
In the clip, several adults can be seen engaging in a heated exchange before shoving began between two male attendees. From there, it didn’t take long for multiple women involved to start pushing and throwing punches. This led to a full out melee in the middle of the school hallway. It’s unclear what exactly led up to the fight.
Soon, wigs were ripped off and shirts were torn. Children in the back could be heard crying and begging for the fighting to stop while other adults in the crowd started leaving the scene. Eventually school staff were able to separate the culprits. But even though no serious injuries were reported, the school district has launched an investigation into the matter.
“We have our own camera system with sound, so we have gathered all that. Obviously, we are a small community, so we have the names. We’ve presented those names to the local law enforcement,” West Memphis School District Superintendent Eric Foister said. “They are now doing their investigative process, and we’ll just wait and see how the legal system plays out,” he continued.
So far, five adults have been identified in the brawl, according to Fox 13 News. “You come into our buildings and you put the safety and well-being of our students and staff in jeopardy? I’m going to hold you to the fullest accountability I can working with our local law enforcement. I’m going to press any and all charges that I can,” Foister promised.
The superintendent also banned the five individuals from the school, effective immediately. In a statement, the district said, “We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and secure environment at all of our schools.”
If you’ve been paying attention to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing federal sex trafficking trial, then you already know there’s been a lot of shocking twists and names dropped. But the latest name that’s been brought up might be one of the most surprising of all.
During her testimony on Thursday (May 29), Diddy’s former assistant “Mia” alleged numerous, heinous accusations against the Bad Boy mogul. Chief among them were allegations of sexual assault and violence, the latter of which she recalled a specific incident that involved both her, Diddy’s then-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura and the late singer Prince. But it’s not in the way you might think.
As she spoke, Mia said that she and Cassie were like “sisters” as they both worked with Diddy back at that time, but part of her job was to keep a close eye on the “Me and U” singer and her whereabouts. She recalled that one day, she and Cassie were cooped up at a hotel while Diddy was allegedly out with his children.
They then received a phone call from a friend who told them that there was a huge party happening at Prince’s house and that they should come. While they debated on whether or not to “sneak out” for a while, the two women ultimately decided to go and then hurry back before Diddy would know they were gone.
Prince has blown the Diddy case out of the water. He may be dead but he has been found to live on in his grave. Love you PRINCE. pic.twitter.com/Tuer5M8tIk
Once there, Mia and Cassie enjoyed their time there, witnessing the iconic “Kiss” singer perform and dance. However, their fun was cut short once they heard and saw that the now disgraced hip-hop mogul was also in the building. After seeing him, both ladies took off running from out of Prince’s home — unfortunately, Mia was the only one who allegedly escaped Diddy’s wrath. And it was there in the yard of a legendary singer like Prince, that Cassie was allegedly attacked but help eventually got to her.
“He caught up to her and had her on the ground,” Mia said per PEOPLE. “He started attacking her, but Prince’s security swiftly intervened.”
This story lines up mostly with Cassie’s own previous testimony where she recounted that she fell in the bushes but couldn’t remember whether or not Diddy had assaulted her at Prince’s home.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Ventura said at the time per PEOPLE before adding that she didn’t tell Diddy she wanted to go see Prince out of fear “he would say no.”
After the incident, Mia and Cassie went their separate ways and had two totally different experiences. While Mia was allegedly suspended without pay citing Diddy’s feelings that she was being “insubordinate” by attending the party, Cassie allegedly was severely beaten, got luggage thrown at her, and was called out her name.
Combs is currently facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could spend up to life in prison.
A family was torn apart after an eight-year-old girl was shot and killed by her own brother. After a devastating investigation, Southfield, Mich. police uncovered the motivation behind the murder, and now, justice has been served.
It’s been four years since Bailei Singleton was killed in her own home. When officials arrived to the Detroit-area apartment complex in January 2021, they found Singleton suffering from a gunshot to her head, according to FOX 2. Her brother, Gyasi Arnez Stribling, was just 20 years old at the time, but police quickly focused their investigation on him.
Southfield police said Stribling was being “uncooperative” when police arrived to the scene, according to WDIV. Police said he allegedly made up a story claiming his sister had been shot during an attempted robbery. According to officials, he also hid the gun used in the shooting. Police found the weapon nearby.
Singleton was rushed to a nearby hospital where she remained in critical condition after the incident. She died days later on Jan. 7, according to a media conference.
Stribling was arrested after the shooting. His charges were upgraded after the eight-year-old was pronounced dead. “I do not want this individual released. This was a heinous crime,” Police Chief Elvin Barren said. “It should not have happened and I’m confident in this case that this person will serve time in prison.”
He added the details behind the Stribling’s alleged motivation were “disturbing.” Later, it was revealed during his trial he shot his little sister because she was “talking back” to him, according to Law and Crime.
Last month, a jury found the now-24-year-old guilty of first-degree murder. “Bailei Singleton should still be here with us today,” Prosecutor Karen McDonald wrote in a statement. “Her murder was a tragedy for her family. It’s unconscionable that anyone, let alone an 8-year-old child, could be murdered by a relative and in their own home over the slightest of disagreements.”
She continued adding, “This case is, unfortunately, a reminder of how gun violence is a public health epidemic that can end a life in an instant.” On Tuesday (May 27), he was sentenced to 40 to 60 years behind bars, FOX 2. An extra two years were added for a felony firearm charge.
The internet is mourning the passing of Brian McKnight‘s estranged son Niko after a brave fight with cancer. Niko’s uncle and Brian’s brother Claude McKnight shared the heartbreaking news in a May 29 TikTok post.
“This morning I found out that my nephew, Niko McKnight, passed away. He’d been bravely battling cancer for the last two years or so and I have a lot of feelings right now,” he said.
Claude went on to pay tribute to the musician and photographer as “one of those amazing kids who was quirky and curious and ridiculously talented.”
Fans have been following Niko’s health journey since he shared his cancer diagnosis on Instagram in January 2024, captioning his post, “your boy got the big C • it’s beeen one hell of a ride so far but things are looking better now than they were before so cheers to that.”
Instagram/fiftyclicks
But some of those same fans are coming for his famous father for allegedly not making the most of the time they had together before his untimely death.
Niko was one of Brian McKnight’s two children he shares with ex-wife Julie McKnight. The “One Last Cry” singer made headlines back in April 2024 when he admitted on an Instagram Q&A session that he doesn’t claim his four oldest biological children, calling them “products of sin.”
Niko clapped back at his dad on social media, writing, “I’m evil. That’s wild: The guy who used to make me clean his used condoms out his bathroom at 15 before Lisa got home is calling me evil Fashoooooo.”
But his Uncle Claude made it clear to his over 25,000 followers that his post was all about his love for his nephew, adding that he wasn’t going to get into the details of the “drama” between Niko and Brian.
I’m devastated at my nephews passing. If you comment please do do in love, and NOT at what you may have heard about the relationship my brother had/has with his kids. Thank you 🙏🏾 #nephew#cancersucks#rip#love#family
“I don’t know exactly what was going on there. I know what I’ve seen. I know what I’ve heard from all parties involved, and I try not to judge,” he said. “I just try to be as loving to each person as I can be.”
Though it’s been months since Cardi B. filed for divorce from her hubby and Migos member Offset, it finally looks like some movement is being made. But you’ll never believe what the latest update entails and why it has folks on the internet laughing.
As we previously told you, the “Enough” rapper filed for divorce from Offset back in August 2024. She was reportedly seeking primary custody of their children, daughter Kulture (6) and son Wave (3). At the time of the filing, lawyers for Cardi alleged that their marriage dissolution was “not based on any one particular incident, it has been a long time coming and is amicable.”
However, in the months that followed, it’s been nothing but mess after mess as the former couple traded harsh words back and forth to each other via social media, dragging all their fans into their drama. Fast forward to February, the “Bad and Boujee” rapper filed a response to Cardi’s filing, asking for joint custody of the kids— but that their primary residence be their mother’s.
Now, according to court documents obtained by TMZ on Thursday, Offset has responded to the filing once again, only this time, he’s asking for spousal support. And while he didn’t ask for a specific amount, the very fact that he’s even asking sent the internet into a tizzy once the news was made public. Cardi herself even responded in a Twitter live session on Friday, saying that while she wasn’t initially going to say anything about the spousal support, she changed her mind after hearing Offset call into “The Breakfast Club” and allege that the “Bodak Yellow” rapper was trying “to take everything from him” so that’s why he’s seeking the money.
Cardi denied trying to take everything, saying that she was willing to give back the gifts he gave her and split the payments he made on their house in Atlanta. She also called him a “b*tch,” “mentally disturbed,” and said that the only thing she’s ever asked him to do was spend time with their children as she’s been footing all of their bills alone for the last year.
As the news began to circulate on social media, some folks thought it was downright distasteful for him to try to get money from Cardi to essentially keep funding his lifestyle. Others felt it was comical on the grounds that this move proved how broke he really was.
Offset asking for spousal support is INSANE when he was cheating on that lady. Go get a job! What happened to MEN that GO TO WORK?!?pic.twitter.com/vz62wPCyjG
“Offset asking for spousal support is INSANE when he was cheating on that lady. Go get a job! What happened to MEN that GO TO WORK?!?” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
“Asking for spousal support and joint custody but want the kids to live primarily with Cardi?? Make it make sense. Offset is a very unserious ‘man,’” said another.
Added one other user, “Imagine you cheating on me for yearsssss in a marriage and think you gon get spousal support! Bitch those bad and bougie checks better feed your lifestyle! Offset is a BUM!”
One other user wrote, “WOW…Offset Asking For Spousal Support has to be, the Weakest Shit, I’ve ever heard. he actually topped writing a diss track on his own Wife. It’s just Certain shit Men Shouldn’t Do, it’s Double Standards in life, life will never be equal or Fair, Men shouldn’t ask for alimony.”
It seems getting stabbed 14 times hasn’t slowed Tory Lanez’s attempts to clear his name. Now, his team has released what they call “suppressed evidence” from his case involving Megan Thee Stallion in the form of a new website.
36hourslater.com was designed to track what exactly went down after the Texas rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete, was shot in 2020. “Truth becomes clear when the facts come to light,” the site reads. “Through Megan Pete’s own words, police records, and expert analysis, the facts suggest Tory Lanez did not fire the weapon and tried to stop the conflict.”
As we previously reported, Lanez– real name Daystar Peterson– is serving out a 10-year sentence for shooting Pete. It’s been nearly five years since the incident happened, and since then Pete and Peterson’s legal teams have gone back and forth in court. Lanez’s most recent move comes just weeks after he was stabbed by a fellow inmate at the California prison where he’s serving time.
Since the beginning, Lanez has maintained his innocence, despite a court finding him guilty and Megan herself saying Lanez was the one who shot her. The website just further exacerbates his claims of innocence, including shocking revelations that were never revealed to the public until now.
The website contains never-before-heard audio where the prosecution’s key witness, a man named Sean Kelly, told cops he saw one woman– identified as Pete’s ex-best friend, Kelsey Harris– angrily get out of the rear passenger side of a Cadillac Escalade and open the driver-side door to confront the other woman, who we now know was Megan Thee Stallion.
Kelly said a catfight broke out between the two women while Lanez stayed in the backseat. That’s apparently when gunshots rang out and Lanez allegedly got out the backseat to try to control the situation, according to the rapper’s lawyers.
Another key point Lanez’s team mentioned on the website is the gun linked to the shooting was tested, and officials found only 0.01 percent of the DNA on the gun matched the “Say It” singer, meaning “there is no way Tory fired the gun five times.” Female DNA was found, and Harris allegedly tested positive for gunshot residue, but her DNA was never tested against the gun, according to Lanez’s lawyers.
JauQuan Smith– Lanez’ bodyguard, who was driving the Escalade– gave cops a sworn statement about breaking up the fight between Harris and Pete. He said despite his involvement, he didn’t see who fired the gun.
Lanez’s website continued to detail inconsistencies in Meg’s past statements on Instagram Live and even to Gayle King. Several videos were also posted with the “WAP” rapper admitting she stepped on broken glass during the police stop and was not shot.
In response to the website, Meg’s lawyer Alex Spiro said in a statement, “Tory Lanez’s team can’t keep a story straight. Last week, they argued that Kelsey Harris shot Megan and now, they’re claiming that Megan only stepped on glass.” He continued, “They continue to rehash old evidence from trial and re-package it as new information to desperately sway public opinion.”
In January, a judge granted Pete a restraining order against Lanez after claiming he was harassing her from behind bars.
President Donald Trump gave Larry Hoover, the former leader of notorious Chicago-based gang Gangster Disciples, a glimmer of hope this week when he announced the commutation of his federal sentence. But both men have to get through the Illinois governor first…and he’s not going.
As the Chicago Sun-Times reported, Governor JB Pritzker’s office says Hoover “needs to continue serving” his state sentence and would need to petition the state’s Prisoner Review Board, which makes parole decisions and recommendations for clemency. But the odds are not on his side, as the board has been turning down his requests since the 1970s.
President Trump’s commutation only guarantees Hoover’s release from federal prison. The former gang leader who was convicted by the state of Illinois in 1973 on murder charges still faces a sentence of up to 200 years in the state.
Hoover, 74, was convicted in 1997 on charges of running a criminal enterprise from prison, He was serving six consecutive life sentences in a federal supermax prison in Colorado before Trump’s May 28 announcement came. But while some are celebrating Hoover’s commutation — including the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, who thanked the president in a May 28 post on X for “Freeing Larry Hoover” — the reality is a lot more complicated than that.
According to NBC News 5 Chicago, community leaders in the city have already appealed to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board to offer clemency to Hoover, who they say has been reformed during his time behind bars.
“I think if the Prisoner Review Board looks at the totality of this situation, I think that they will make a recommendation for the governor to provide a clemency to Mr. Hoover,” said state Senator Willie Preston. “I understand folks on both sides some who quite frankly felt a lot of pain, but also those who can believe in the power of redemption.”
Alice Marie Johnson, President Trump’s “pardon czar,” who learned about Larry Hoover’s case from Kanye West and Drake at their 2021 “Free Larry Hoover” concert, has also called for the governor to consider giving him a second chance at freedom.
“This man has been in solitary confinement for almost 30 years, not having seen daylight, not having had human touch,” she told TMZ. “This is not ceremonial, this is a step towards the door. They’re now working on hoping that the governor of Illinois will have the same mercy President Trump had upon Larry Hoover.”
The third week of the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial has kept the drama high and the allegations of his character on blast. Testimony from his former assistant probably brought the most damning revelations of Diddy’s character to date.
Testifying under the name “Mia,” his former assistant of eight years rattled off a list of allegations Thursday (May 29) that are worthy of a trigger warning, including several claims of sexual assault and violence. Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Mia testified yesterday that Diddy sexually assaulted her several times.
Let’s take a look at some of the most frightening things she shared on the stand.
Bunk Bed Assault
Mia said she was awakened by Combs sexually assaulting her. While sleeping on the bottom of a bunk bed, she was jolted awake by “the weight of a person” on top of her.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser asked her if she had wanted to have sex with Combs, to which Mia said, “No,” and added, “It was very quick.”
“Don’t remember how it ended, but I remember he wouldn’t leave a job unfinished, so whenever he was satisfied is when it ended,” Mia testified.
Forced Oral Sex
While packing Combs’ bag at his Los Angeles apartment, Mia claimed she was forced to perform oral sex on him.
“Next thing I look up, he’s standing right in front of my face,” she said. She struggled to speak as she described the alleged assault.
“I was just frozen,” she testified.
Assault on Private Jet
Mia testified Combs also assaulted her in the bathroom on a private jet. She stated that after using the bathroom, she opened the door to find the music mogul standing outside, who then proceeded to push her back in the bathroom and take advantage of her.
The former assistant said she could not recall the details but she remembered “trying to squiggle out of it.”
“I couldn’t say no to him about a sandwich,” Mia said. “I couldn’t say no to him for anything.”
Spaghetti Tossing Incident
In another instance, Mia claimed that Combs threw a bowl of spaghetti her way.
After a long day of working with no breaks and while on her period, Mia had to go to the room to change her tampon which apparently upset Combs.
“He went on a really humiliating rant in front of everybody,” she said. “There was blood dripping down my leg and I said, ‘I’m on my period. I just need to change my tampon.’”
According to Mia, following her pleas, Combs threw a bowl of spaghetti at her, narrowly missing, and cursed at her, telling her to leave his house. She claimed she was later suspended from her job without pay.
The former assistant also said in separate cases he had thrown an ice bucket on her head and thrown her into a pool.
Stealing Her Phone and Threatening Her Privacy
After accusing Mia of walking close to him, Combs took the former assistant’s phone and ran.
Mia claimed that she “threw off my heels” and chased after the music mogul barefoot but he then slammed the bathroom door on her hand several times.
“He bolted right past me, down the stairs and to the streets,” Mia said of Combs, whom she saw at a recording studio later in the day. That’s when Mia testified Combs told her, “I sent all your naked photos to my phone so that I got something on you if you got something on me,” per her testimony. Mia said Combs said it in an “almost like bullying” tone.
Mia stated she had no nude pictures and that Combs was lying about sending anything to his phone.
As part of his most recent clemency actions, President Donald Trump commuted the federal sentence of one of the most notorious crime bosses in history. Larry Hoover has been locked behind bars since the ‘70s, and despite Trump’s clemency agreement, he won’t be getting out anytime soon.
Outside of rapper Rick Ross’ reference to the gang leader in his song “B.M.F.” (I think I’m Big Meech, Larry Hoover), most folks don’t know much about Hoover or the Gangster Disciples— one of Chicago’s most powerful gangs. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the now 74-year-old gangster and his complicated history with law enforcement.
Founding the Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciples (GDs) were founded in the mid ‘60s by Hoover and David Barksdale— known as King David. Initially, the GDs were the result of a merge between the Black Disciples and Supreme Gangsters gangs of Chicago, according to reports. After Barksdale death in 1974, Hoover took over.
The gang soon grew from a ragtag team of young Black men to almost 30,000 members in Chicago alone, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Today, the Gangsters Disciples are represented in at least 35 different states, raking in $100 million in estimated annual revenue.
Murder of Pooky Young
Over the years, police linked the GDs to countless murders, robberies, extortions and drug crimes across the country. So when the state of Illinois decided to go after the gang, Hoover ultimately became the face of the enterprise.
In 1973, Hoover was convicted for the murder of 19-year-old drug dealer named William “Pooky” Young, according to court documents. He was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in prison, which many advocates argued did not justly fit the crime committed.
State prosecutors saw Young’s murder as the only time they’d be able to stick Hoover with crimes connected to his gang. So once they saw an opportunity to finally stop the crime boss, they threw the book at him.
"I would love to actually be able to hold my father."
Larry Hoover’s son speaks out after Donald Trump commuted his father’s federal sentence, which released Larry Hoover from federal custody, and reveals they’re trying to reach out to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to let him… pic.twitter.com/je3digEUXb
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 29, 2025
Federal Sting and Conviction
Despite being behind bars, Hoover was still calling the shots as the head of the GDs. This led to a joint investigation by Illinois correctional officers and the FBI and ATF in 1995.
Federal sentencing for Hoover came in 1998. He was convicted on charges alleging he helped operate a widespread nationwide drug operation through the Gangster Disciples. So with conspiracy, extortion and money laundering charges, Hoover was sentenced to three life sentences.
Since then, he has been housed in solitary confinement at the supermax prison in Colorado where all furniture is made of poured concrete, according to NBC Chicago. This is the same prison where Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is located.
Kanye West’s Connection to Trump, Hoover
The 74-yer-old felon might have one man to thank for the president finally hearing his case. Chicago rapper Kanye “Ye” West began a campaign to #FreeLarryHoover in 2021. He even planned a benefit concert with Drake as a special guest.
WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR OUR DEVOTED ENDURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FOR FREEING LARRY HOOVER
Ye gave Drizzy his props, writing on X “Thank you Drake for for helping to bring Larry Hoover home.” He continued thanking Trump saying, “WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR OUR DEVOTED ENDURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FOR FREEING LARRY HOOVER.”
Although Hoover’s federal sentence is commuted, he still has to serve out his 200-year sentence in Illinois. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Hoover’s request for early release last year. The board won’t hear his case for another four years.
It appears things may be on the up and up when it comes to the relationship between comedian Mo’Nique and her estranged son Shalon Jackson. But unfortunately, some people online aren’t too convinced of their rekindling.
As we previously reported back in Feb 2024, Jackson had some pretty incredulous and harsh words for his mom following her viral interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. At the time, he claimed that his mother’s sentiment of praying to universe to fix their relationship was a false narrative because they both were aware of the fact that their relationship had been estranged for years as she has allegedly had no interest in him as her son for a while now.
Jackson also said that his mother admitted to not being the best mother growing up and shared, though she does a good job at acknowledging where she fell short, she’s yet to fully take accountability for it. Additionally, he revealed that he learned how not to love from the example his actress mother set.
“Faith without work is dead and neither one of us care to put forth any effort to reconcile with the other. We are ‘separate’ as she put it because she doesn’t care to be my mother any more than I care to be her son. Neither one of us have had the desire to reach out to the other in a very long time and I don’t think that either of us anticipates that feeling ever returning,” he said.
Back then, Mo’Nique failed to give a full response to Jackson’s words, opting instead to “watch it play out” as she would be shown to be on the right side of things, much like she was in her previous legal battles. Her husband Sidney Hicks also chimed in at the time, revealing that they helped Jackson out monetarily with his first child and helped him purchase a new car—despite his inferences that his mother and Sidney weren’t in good-standing with him.
Now, over a year and some change later, Jackson is walking back him comments and formally apologizing to his mom for the hurtful comments her made. In an over four-minute long video posted on social media, Jackson began by expressing gratitude over the patience and grace that his parents gave him at the time. He went on to describe the videos he made last year as a “betrayal” and talked about how much better things are between him and his famous mom.
Mo'Nique’s son records a video apologizing to his mother, Mo'Nique, for going off on her in a series of videos back in 2024, and calls his actions a betrayal to the family, admitting that he had a mental health condition at the time.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 29, 2025
“Making those videos a year ago was a betrayal against our family. And I have to take full accountability for it…I made them and I shouldn’t have. Period,” he said in part.
He went on to say that the “Precious” star and Hicks were justified in addressing his mental health issues at the time and that he only took issue with it because he didn’t like it. Jackson apologized for any furthering of the narrative that his mother was difficult to work with and thanked others at the time who told him to stay quiet and deal with his familial issues privately.
“I owe it to my family to make this apology public due to the fact that I made our family business public. Though the road to family redemption is hard, I’m looking forward to it,” he said as he began to close.
Jackson ended his video by showing photos of him and his child hugged up on Mo’Nique and Hicks. The “Almost Christmas” star also posted a series of photos with Jackson on het official Instagram page with the simple caption: “GRATEFUL.”
But while that may be sweet, some people on social media weren’t too quick to believe their reconciliation, with some feeling as if it’s just a money grab while others felt like it was forced and prompted by his parents.
“Begging Mommy For The [money bag emoji],” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
Another commentator added, “Mo’Nique behind the camera holding the cue cards.”
“It’s the reading the script for me. You could have just called your Mom and apologized,” wrote one other user.
However, there were some that took Jackson’s words as geuine and applauded him for taking this big step.
“Instead of criticizing his apology delivery, how about we congratulate him, Mo’Nique, Sydney, and the family for getting back together? We need more Black family togetherness being shown,” one user wrote.
Added another, “They sat[sic] let the apology be as loud as the disrespect. It was entertaining to people to see him bashing his mom online now everyone talking about call her and get offline. Nah he not wrong for this public apology. You only got 1 mama! Honor her!”
If you have a Gemini in your life, you already know that from May 21 to June 20, it’s all about their birthday. They’ve been waiting all year to celebrate, and if you’re lucky enough to be in their inner circle, they expect you to come along for the ride.
People born under this air sign are usually natural charmers who are known to be the life of the party. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself under their spell without a warning. But they can also be known to give it to you straight, so be prepared to hear what they have to say with no filter.
Since they have a whole month to celebrate, here are some things you better know before you find yourself involved with a Gemini.
They’re the Life of the Party
If you’re having a party, make sure you have at least one Gemini on the guest list. Known for being charming and witty, you better believe they’ll find a smooth way to insert themselves into the conversation…and keep everyone in the room hanging on to their every word.
Good luck catching a Gemini off guard. They take that quick wit and charm with them everywhere they go and are known for their uncanny ability to adapt in almost any situation.
Gemini may be the sign of twins, but it doesn’t mean they’re two-faced. In fact, you can always count on them to keep it all the way real. And when they’re speaking their mind to you, get ready for all of the smoke.
One thing about Gemini, they love to debate. So if you’re dealing with one and they aren’t saying anything, you should definitely be worried that they’d rather be elsewhere.
“They love talking, debating, bouncing ideas around,” says TikToker @legendaryjoy. “But if their responses are short, dull or very dismissive, that is a clear indication that that Gemini do not like you.”
They Need Their Space
Although Gemini have no problem engaging with others, they still need to have a little time for themselves. So be warned, don’t roll up on the Geminis in your life without calling first, you just might be interrupting their “me time.”
Naturally curious, Gemini are going to have the answer. And if they don’t, they will spend hours trying to find it. They love asking questions and showing off what they know to everyone around them.
Gemini always have their minds on their money. Known for being great at multitasking, they’re not afraid of hard work and almost always have some kind of serious side hustle going on.
You Can’t Keep Them in One Place For Very Long
A Gemini’s curiosity can also be the thing that makes them want to make changes in love and in life. They can get restless, so don’t expect them to stay at a job or in a relationship that doesn’t stimulate them.
Gemini love fashion almost as much as they love learning new things. For that reason, they stay on top the trends and are not afraid to experiment with new and different styles – to match their personality du jour, of course.
According to Astrologyzone.com, Gemini women are some of the best at accessorizing, so prepare to be impressed by their collection of shoes and handbags.
This air sign is usually associated with colors like light green and yellow, but contrary to popular belief, you’ll be hard pressed to find a Gemini who actually likes wearing such a bright color.
“Yo why is Gemini always yellow? My favorite colors are black, green, and purple,” wrote someone on TikTok.
According to Zodiacsign.com, when looking for love, Gemini are most compatible with Aquarius, another air sign who can fulfill their need for information and smart conversation.
“Aquarius will give Gemini so much mental stimulation and the conversation will be so deep that it takes two people to understand just how deep an Aquarius can get,“ said @marc_solo on TikTok.
If you’re in a romantic relationship with a Gemini, be ready to put in that work. According to @iamspencetaylor, loving a Gemini is about “being present, playful and mentally available every single day.“ But don’t worry, your hard work will be rewarded in the form of an amazing partner who is extremely loyal.
But Don’t Make Them Repeat Themselves
When you’re loving a Gemini, one of the worst things you can do is not listen when they’re telling you what they need. If you don’t believe us, ask @iamspencetaylor, who says “They don’t like repeating themselves.”
“I really HATE repeating myself, I’m intentional in communication. I sit and think about every angle and only relay it to you once I have clarity, why the hell wouldn’t you hear me first time? 😭🤣,” cosigned someone in the comments.
If Mother Nature could smile, she’d be beaming right now. After five long years, Atlanta native Julian Brown has launched an innovation as powerful as it is sustainable. Declaring a war on waste, this self-starter is working to turn pollution into power with his company, Naturejab — and he’s just getting started.
This revolutionary process didn’t happen overnight. The 21-year-old nature-lover began working with his hands at a young age with an affinity for building and taking things apart. Intrigued by hands-on discovery early on, it’s no wonder he’s grasped the mechanics of Pyrolysis, recycling plastic waste into a fuel he calls “Plastidiesel.” If we’re on our way to destroying that Texas-sized island of trash floating in the ocean called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (yes, it has a name), then sign the planet up…expeditiously.
What Is Pyrolysis?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pyrolysis is a technology which allows one to convert biomass to a liquid product using temperatures at or above 500 °C in the absence of oxygen. This intense thermal energy is what’s being used to deconstruct waste, rendering the remains a cleaner source of energy which can be used for fuel.
“The very issue we have is the production of plastic,” Brown, 21, told The Root. “The reason why recycling hasn’t been done is because it hasn’t been profitable. But now, we are able to make a product of super high value out of something that otherwise is just seen as waste.”
ASAP Labs Testing
Brown isn’t just tooting his own horn either. The entrepreneur recently returned from a trip to Vancouver, Washington for the purpose of testing his recycled diesel with some heavyweights in fuel testing, ASAP Labs. While some claimed his alternative energy was “horrible fuel” that would “destroy engines,” his samples passed with flying colors on May 22, showing more favorable results than its industry competitors. Boom.
“It looks like it definitely burned cleaner,” an employee at ASAP Labs confirmed in a documentation of the fuel’s results Friday. “It appears that this diesel probably burns cleaner than typical diesel.” While the lab employee admitted he was skeptical, he revealed they run thousands of tests, and “the results don’t lie.”
“Someone protect this man. Pioneering true renewable energy,” one fan responded in the comment section. “Glad I get to live at the same time [as] this man. Truly a marvel of his craft and the future,” a second added. “Good, KEEP GOING! Now you gotta get the solar situation figured out!,” a third added, and they aren’t wrong.
It’s going to take some coin to keep this sustainability train chugging, and he’s calling on anyone willing to jump on board to support his solar-powered operation. “Help me invent the world’s first continuous, solar, microwave pyrolysis reactor of plastic waste!” Brown’s call-to-action reads. “I will create alternatives to gasoline and diesel while destroying plastic for > $1 a gallon!”
The Importance Of Hands-On Skills
The Tennessee born visionary began welding at 17 years old in high school, and encouraged the importance of hands-on skill and trade work. It’s these skills that gave him the tools he needed to create the technology that could change the world as we know it.
“In order to build a plastic into a fuel reactor, you need to know how to weld,” Brown told The Root. “It’s great to have these skills because they can be used in your personal life, just as much as they can in business.”
“Beyond all I do, I really want the impact to go far beyond anything physical,” Brown said. He added that we as an entire species would progress in every type of issue if we found it within us to find a solution, together. “If we immediately give up in our own minds before we even begin to find a solution, then how are we gonna get anywhere?” he asked. “Instead, we should come at it from a mindset of ‘How can this be done’ instead of ‘Can this be done.’”
Fueling The Future
According to Julian Brown, as long as he’s around, “there will be no such thing as plastic waste — only untapped energy.” With sky-high ambition rooted in his childhood and a deep sense of gratitude for how his journey has unfolded, Brown is stepping into his purpose on the world stage. And we’re here for it.
“When I was five years old, I told my mom that I was gonna create something that would change the world,” he recalls. “It’s always been within me — I just never knew what it was gonna be.” Now, he knows. And the world is sure to benefit from these next-level achievements.
The historic manhunt for the remaining inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail continues as only two men are still on the loose. On May 16, 10 men pulled off a successful jailbreak from Orleans Parish Justice Center, and in just under two weeks, more than 20 people, including eight of the inmates, have been arrested.
Although the race to find Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey is still ongoing, what’s interesting about the case is the help all 10 escapees got to pull off the biggest prison break in Louisiana history. From a grandmother getting involved to the violent crimes each inmate was originally charged with, The Root is taking a closer look at all the lives affected by the ingenious escape.
Kendell Myles
Screenshot: X
The 20-year-old was the first to be taken back into custody after escaping from OPJ. But interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Myles escaped from a jail. Back in 2022, Myles escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth, according to WWLTV. He was indicted on attempted murder and carjacking charges after allegedly shooting a man then jacking his car, according to WDSU. He was apprehended in the French Quarter after a brief foot chase, according to officials.
Robert Moody
Screenshot: X
Just hours after Myles’ arrest, Moody was taken into custody again. The 21-year-old was booked on weapons and drug charges. After escaping, he was found in the New Orleans neighborhood of Central City following a caller’s Crime Stoppers tip, according to FOX 8 New Orleans. By the time police caught up to Moody, he had a brand new wardrobe, wearing BAPE and Nike brands.
DKenan Dennis
Screenshot: X
Like Moody and Myles, Dennis didn’t make it too far before being caught. The third escapee was apprehended the same day he escaped from OPJ. Dennis, 24, was arrested near Chef Menteur Hwy. and Dale Street. He was booked on multiple illegal weapons charges, extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery, and theft charges, according to WDSU.
Gary Price
Screenshot: X
On Monday (May 19), the 21-year-old was arrested by police. According to reports, Price had been hiding out at a vacant home on Good Drive. “Price will ultimately be transported to a secure state facility outside of the area,” state police said Monday. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder, simple assault, criminal damage, domestic abuse and battery and assault with a weapon, according to NewsNation.
Sterling Williams
Screenshot: La. Office of the Attorney General
Williams worked as a maintenance worker at OPJ before he was arrested on Tuesday (May 20). As we previously reported, police said Williams shut off the water to the cell where the inmates escaped. Although a simple move, Williams’ actions allowed the inmates to pull a toilet from the wall, helping them run free. The 33-year-old, is being held at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center on 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office charges. He claims his life was threatened if he didn’t help the inmates.
Corey Boyd
Screenshot: X
Boyd was caught on May 20, according to reports. The 19-year-old is facing serious charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, obstruction of justice and threatening a law enforcement officer, according to NOLA.com. Boyd was one of three people charged in connection with the death of a man who caught the group robbing cars.
Cortnie Harris
Screenshot: X
We reported on Friday (May 23), Harris was arrested for allegedly helping the inmates. Police say she spoke with one of the inmates before their escape and drove two of the escapees around New Orleans to avoid the police. “The idea that they’re bringing this hell— this fresh hell to your doorstep means that they don’t care,” Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said of anyone offering help to any of the escapees.
Corvanntay Baptiste
Screenshot: X
Similarly to Harris, Baptiste was arrested for her role in helping an escapee, Boyd, once he got back into the real world. She was charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Boyd get food. “Someone had to provide that access, and that help… is a crime,” DA Williams continued.
Connie Weeden
Screenshot: X
That same day (May 23), a third woman was arrested for helping another inmate. Weeden was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. WDSU reported Weeden allegedly contacted Jermaine Donald— her grandson and one of the escapees— before and after his escape. She allegedly wired him cash through a digital wallet app.
Emmitt Weber
Screenshot: New Orleans Police Department
The 28-year-old was arrested on May 24 after accusations he helped two inmates after they escaped. He’s been charged with accessory after the fact of simple escape.
Jermaine Donald
Two men who broke out of a New Orleans jail were recaptured by police after a high-speed pursuit in Huntsville, Texas, on Monday. The two escapees, Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald, were taken into custody and charged, the Huntsville Police Department said.
Donald was caught in Texas on Monday (May 26). As we previously reported, the 42-year-old was originally facing illegal carrying of a weapon and second-degree murder. He and another inmate, Leo Tate, were captured together after a “high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies.”
Leo Tate
Screenshot: X
The 31-year-old was already facing second-degree murder charges and attempted second-degree murder charges after a 2018 shooting where 19-year-old was killed and a 16-year-old was sent to the hospital, NOLA.com reported. Tate accepted a plea deal and was ultimately convicted of obstruction of justice and sentenced to 10 years behind bars. Now, Tate was charged with “outstanding warrants for aggravated escape and escape from custody, we previously reported.
Lenton Vanburen Jr.
Screenshot: X
Also on Memorial Day (May 26), Vanburen was apprehended by police in Baton Rouge, La. The 27-year-old was arrested in 2021 following a deadly shooting, according to New Orleans police. By the time police obtained a warrant for his arrest, Vanburen was already in custody at OPJ on armed robbery charges. He pleaded not guilty in 2022.
Lenton Vanburen Sr.
Screenshot: X
Lenton Vanburen Sr. was given a $1 million bond after being accused of helping his own son escape. The 48-year-old was also given a $2,500 bond for a theft charge, according to WDSU.
Tyshanea Randolph
Screenshot: X
The 27-year-old was accused of helping Vanburen after he escaped. According to reports, she was charged with accessory after the fact.
Angel McKay
Screenshot: X
Another woman, McKay was accused of helping Vanburen following the jailbreak. According to police, she was charged with accessory after the fact.
Casey Smith
Screenshot: X
Smith, 30, was accused of helping at least two escapees hours after their escape, according to NOPD. Officers arrested Smith before she admitted to helping the fugitives’ drive around the city. Smith was booked on accessory after the fact to simple escape.
Antoine Massey
Screenshot: Fox 8
Massey is one of only two remaining escapees. He has a long history of successfully escaping custody dating back to 2007, according to CNN. He’s reportedly escaped from detention facilities three times, and he’s cut off his ankle monitor twice. “There isn’t an ounce of this man’s history that doesn’t say ‘escape,’” Matt Dennis, an employee with the company that operates the monitors told WDSU. The 33-year-old was arrested on charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation and the theft of a car in 2024, according to New Orleans police . Massey was also charged with violating his parole.
Diamond White
Antoine Massey enjoyed his Memorial Day weekend as he continues to mock authorities and update fans with new his look. pic.twitter.com/QvaHVgdLQs
The 21-year-old was accused of helping Massey after he escaped. According to reports, she was charged with principal to aggravated escape and obstruction of justice.
Derrick Groves
Screenshot: X
Before escaping from OPJ, Groves was convicted of the 2018 killing of two people, Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, during Mardi Gras, according to the Orleans Parish DA’s office. According to WDSU, Groves was found guilty of two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder. He is still on the loose.
A Georgia grand jury declined to charge a white woman who fatally shot her Black boyfriend. But Black social media is not responding how one might expect it to in this situation.
Hannah Cobb was arrested in February and charged with involuntary manslaughter after an incident in which she shot her boyfriend, Telvin Osborne, in the chest. According to police, the couple had allegedly been drinking when Cobb went to the master bedroom to check and clean her firearm and accidentally fired a fatal shot toward Osborne, as she said.
Multiple reports later revealed, the couple got into a heated argument after leaving the club, allegedly over Osborne’s infidelity. The confrontation escalated, ultimately ending in the shooting of Osborne.
Following the exoneration, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office made a post on Facebook stating that violent protests regarding the decision would not be tolerated. But though many in the Black community are obviously saddened by the loss of one of its own, some social media users have expressed mixed reactions since Osborne apparently routinely scolded Black woman on his social media profile.
X user @blackdetta highlighted past posts on Osborne’s account in which he praised White women and denounced Black women, including stating that he would rather sleep with a dog than a Black woman.
This one hurts because this is my man's family but I still gotta tell the truth
Ole boy telvin was on some coon shit with his praise of the white womens
This is just like that nigerian dude that got poked up by his white "blessing" then we found all the "akatas"
“In my honest opinion, I don’t care. Because Mr. Telvin Osborne had said a whole bunch of disgusting things about Black women,” he emphasized. “He also had tweets saying, if it ain’t snowing, he ain’t going blah, blah, blah. He even said that he would unalive for his girlfriend, who was a YT woman. He did indeed get unalived by his girlfriend, who was a YT woman. And that’s why I don’t care.”
Others, including X user @BLKLiberation84 are using this entire case as a teaching moment for Black men who hate on Black women possibly due to a lack of self love and past trauma.
Let this Telvin Osborne killing be a lesson to all the self-hating men and women of the Black community. You come out here on social media or in the real world proclaiming how much you hate the people of your community and, in his case, his hate of Black women, please know we… pic.twitter.com/eOyvnhajLu
A disturbing video shows the moment a DoorDash delivery driver approached the door of who he thought was the hungry customer he was looking for until he realized too late that it wasn’t. What happened should strike fear in the hearts of all gig service employees.
The 24-year-old DoorDasher who just moved to the U.S. from Guinea-Bissau got lost on a rural road in Chester, Orange County, ABC7 reports. His battery was also dying as he tried to make his delivery, so he asked for help before completing his stop to make sure the food got to the right place.
The report says a neighbor directed him to the home of John Reilly, a New York town official, and their interaction was intense to say the very least. Doorbell camera footage caught the whole scene. The DoorDasher walked up the door and knocked. When Reilly answered the door, the delivery driver asked if he was holding his order.
“No. Get off my property,” the official allegedly barked back, per the report.
However, as the DoorDasher turned his back to return to his vehicle, the report says Reilly began shooting at him. “Go!” the town official shouted before firing additional shots as the man drove away. The delivery driver was struck in the back as he tried to make it to his vehicle, per New York State Police. On his way out the neighborhood, he stopped by another home begging for help.
Relatives told ABC7 he stopped at a gas station before driving home to Middletown which was miles away. They said he collapsed before being rushed to the hospital. Luckily, he lived. The incident was so bizarre, the police even agreed that he didn’t pose a threat.
“There’s nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions; he’s just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery,” said New York State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek via The New York Post.
Reilly has given no suggestion that he would step down from his role as highway superintendent. The Town Board also said they have no say in what they can do with him moving forward. However, he still got slammed with charges of first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. He was booked into Orange County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Week three of what’s expected to be a six to eight week federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs shocked the world. The disgraced mogul is in a fight for his life after being charged with racketeering and human trafficking. And as his trial continues, many are convinced it’s these testimonies from witnesses that will bury Combs for good.
From went was found during the federal raids to gruesome details of Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura’s alleged abuse, witnesses at Diddy’s trial paint a scary picture of the disgraced mogul. The descriptions of the horrors many either witnessed or experienced is shocking. We will warn you of the graphic and brutal nature of the following content. Take a look for yourself.
‘Mia’
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: People wait in line to enter the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial at Manhattan Federal Court on May 21, 2025 in New York City. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty on all counts, which include a racketeering charge alleging the hip-hop pioneer was the leader of a sex crime ring that included drug-fueled sex parties through the use of force, threats and violence. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
On Thursday (May 29), Diddy’s former assistant “Mia” alleged Diddy was abusive and violent. The woman, who wanted to keep her identity private, told the story of when she and Ventura sneaked out of their hotel and into a party at Prince’s house. They two friends were having a great time until the Bad Boy mogul spotted them, prompting Ventura to run and try to hide from him. As we previously reported, Diddy caught up to them about both women paid. Mis said she was suspended without pay citing insubordination, and Ventura allegedly was beaten, got luggage thrown at her and was called out her name.
Capricorn Clark
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 27: Ex-assistant Capricorn Clark leaves after testifying in the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking trial at Manhattan Federal Court on May 27, 2025 in New York City. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty on all counts, which include a racketeering charge alleging the hip-hop pioneer was the leader of a sex crime ring that included drug-fueled sex parties through the use of force, threats, and violence. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)
After she was mentioned in rapper Kid Cudi’s testimony, Capricorn Clark took the stand Tuesday (May 27) to spill more tea on the prosecution’s kidnapping accusation against Diddy. She said he came to her apartment one morning with a gun before telling her, “‘Get dressed, we’re going to kill [Kid Cudi],’” Combs continued, according to Clark. Combs was allegedly “irriate” after discovering Ventura was in a romantic relationship with the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper. So, he allegedly forced Clark into his Cadillac Escalade that morning and drove to Cudi’s house. On another occasion, Diddy accused her of stealing jewelry from him and forced her to take a lie detector test five days straight. “‘If you fail this test, they’re going to throw you in the East River,’” Clark recalled being told.
Cassie Ventura
Photo: Getty Images Nicholas Hunt
The world was waiting to hear what Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Ventura, would say about her alleged abuser. At eight months pregnant, Ventura took the stand and shared shocking details about the nature of her relationship with Diddy. According to her, the hotel footage of Diddy dragging her in 2016 occurred right after one of his alleged “freak offs.” She also revealed she received a $20 million settlement following her 2023 lawsuit against Combs. “I’d give that money back if I never had to have ‘Freak Offs,’” an emotional Ventura said on the stand. “If I never had to have ‘Freak Offs,’ I would have had agency and autonomy. And I wouldn’t have had to work so hard to get it back.”
Cassie’s Mother, Regina Ventura
Photo: Getty Images John Lamparski
Shortly after her daughter’s testimony, Regina Ventura took the stand against Diddy. As we previously reported, Regina said Combs contacted her, demanding $20,000 in “recoup money” for the funds he supposedly spent on Ventura. This led to Regina and her husband taking out a home equity loan to pay Combs. She sent the money to the disgraced mogul, but it was then wired back to her.
Dawn Richard
Photo: Getty Images Jemal Countess
Before the trial started, former Diddy protégé Dawn Richard said she witnessed Diddy abusing Ventura, but she added gruesome details once she took the stand. According to her, Diddy once tried to hit his girlfriend with a skillet, punched her in the stomach and even asserted his control of Ventura through her music career. “‘I own you…when I’m ready for you, you’ll do,’” Richard said, quoting Combs. “And it was always wait, wait, wait for her. She had to wait her turn.”
Sharay Hayes, The Punisher
Photo: Getty Images Scott Gries, Instagram
Sharay Hayes, an exotic dancer who goes by “The Punisher,” told the court he had multiple sexual interactions with Diddy and Ventura. According to him, he was hired to perform sexual acts with Ventura while Combs watched. Shockingly, Hayes revealed Combs would give him and Venture orders to perform, but then he began having performance issues. “Me, personally, a sexual scenario with a woman’s partner present actively giving directions was not the norm for me, so it created some discomfort that could affect my performance,” Hayes said in court. After that, he wasn’t asked to return for another alleged freak-off, as The Root previously reported.
Gerard Gannon
Photo: Getty Images MEGA/GC Images
Special Agent Gerard Gannon is one of multiple federal agents expected to testify in court. According to Gannon, he was on the scene when Diddy’s Miami mansion was raided last year. When news broke of the federal raids at Combs’ mansions in Los Angeles and Miami, many speculated what exactly agents found. Now, we know. In court, Gannon revealed the feds found AR-15s, loaded magazines, sex toys and lube, according to TMZ. He also testified that the serial numbers on the discovered weapons were scratched off.
David James
Photo: Getty Images Romain Maurice
David James, who worked for Combs as his personal assistant from 2007 to 2009, was overcome with emotion while telling the court what it was like to work for the Bad Boy mogul. As we previously reported, James testified he was instructed to buy baby oil, Astroglide lubricant and condoms for Diddy’s freak-offs. He also said once, he saw Ventura asleep in bed while a man with “long hair” was also in the room. At the time, James said Diddy was in the shower, and although he was confused, he never asked questions about what he saw.
Daniel Phillip
Photo: Getty Images Allen Berezovsky
Daniel Phillip— a former manager of a male revue show for women— testified that Ventura paid him to perform sexual acts with her in front of her “husband,” who Phillip identified as Combs, The Root previously reported. That’s when he dropped a bombshell revelation. “Cassie was actually the one that asked me to urinate on her,” Phillip said on the stand. “She asked me if I had ever done that before, she told me to do it. Apparently I was doing it wrong, because they both told me.”
Kerry Morgan
Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola
Kerry Morgan, Ventura’s ex-best friend, made it clear her testimony only came as an obligation to a federal subpoena. She continued on the stand that she moved on with her life and “away from all these people and the problems.” She went on the detail several instances when Combs was violence towards Ventura. Morgan tried to get involved, urging Ventura to leave Diddy, but that’s when things took a scary turn. “He came up behind me and choked me and then boomeranged a wooden hanger at my head,” Morgan testified. After that, she distanced herself from Ventura and Diddy, we previously reported.
Dawn Hughes
Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez
Since Ventura’s bombshell lawsuit against Diddy, many have wondered what would lead Ventura to stay with Diddy after allegedly suffering years of abuse. A forensic psychologist took the stand breaking down a list potential reasons for this, The Root reported. Hughes is a “blind expert,” meaning she doesn’t know the details surrounding Combs’ relationship with Ventura. On the stand, she cited trauma bonding, financial dependency, a loss of recollection and more reasons for why someone like Ventura, who’s young musical career was in the hand of Diddy, didn’t walk away sooner.
Kid Cudi
Photo: Getty Images Michael M. Santiago
Rapper Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi took the stand on Thursday (May 22) testifying that Diddy blew up his car. This was corroborated by Ventura’s previous account, as we previously reported. The rapper told the courts in 2012, he was notified that his car had been set on fire. A month before that, Diddy allegedly broke into the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper’s house, leading him to break up his brief romantic relationship with Ventura. According to her, their romance made Combs “irate.” Eventually, Diddy and Kid Cudi had a one on one meeting. That’s when he said the disgraced mogul denied having any involvement with his car blowing up. Cudi also testified Ventura confided in him about the physical abuse but not the sexual abuse she allegedly suffered under Puff.
