Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Diddy Faces Avalanche of Sexual Abuse Claims, Attorney Reveals

 

Attorney Tony Buzbee announces that he is representing 120 accusers alleging sexual abuse by Sean "Diddy" Combs during a press conference in Houston on Tuesday.
Attorney Tony Buzbee said Tuesday that he is representing 120 people, including 25 minors, who accuse
hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs of sexual abuse. The allegations span more than two decades, and Buzbee warned that other well-known figures are implicated. "You can't hide skeletons in the closet forever," he said.

Buzbee said the alleged abuses occurred at various events, including private parties and industry gatherings. He said drugs, including the horse tranquilizer xylazine, were often involved. "Ninety percent of the assaults involved drugs," Buzbee said. "Victims reported being lured into situations where they were drugged and then sexually exploited."
The attorney, known for representing victims in high-profile cases such as the Astroworld tragedy, said many accusers were seeking opportunities in the entertainment industry.

The accusations against Combs, 54, follow his arrest by federal agents in mid-September on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. Combs, who remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Erica Wolff, has called the allegations "meritless" and part of a "reckless media circus." Wolff said Combs "categorically denies any claim of sexual abuse, including against minors."

Buzbee said he plans to file individual lawsuits, not a class action. "This conduct has spanned more than 25 years, with some incidents dating back to 1991," he said. He noted that most cases will likely be filed in New York and California, where "look-back windows" allow for lawsuits involving sexual abuse outside the typical statute of limitations.

Among the allegations is that of a 9-year-old boy who was allegedly assaulted by Combs during an audition at his Bad Boy Records office in Manhattan. "This individual was sexually abused, allegedly by Combs and several others, in the promise of a record deal," Buzbee said.

Buzbee said his clients, a mix of men and women, reported being subjected to violent and degrading sexual acts at parties hosted by Combs, including his "White Parties" and "Freak Off" events.

Buzbee said he is working to corroborate the accounts and has received evidence in the form of photos, videos, and texts. Some victims have spoken with the FBI.

Wolff reiterated Combs' intention to "prove his innocence" in court. "Mr. Combs looks forward to establishing the truth based on evidence, not speculation," she said.

Buzbee said the lawsuits will be filed in the next 30 days. He warned that the list of defendants will include "high-profile names, corporate entities, and individuals who enabled or turned a blind eye to the abuse." He said, "The names we are going to reveal will shock you."

Combs' next court appearance is pending.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

John Amos, Emmy-Nominated Actor of 'Roots' and 'Good Times' Fame, Dies at 84

John Amos as James Evans Sr. on the set of the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom "Good Times."
 John Amos, the acclaimed actor best known for his roles as the stern but loving father on the 1970s sitcom "Good Times" and as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries "Roots," has died. He was 84.

Amos died of natural causes Saturday in Los Angeles, his publicist Belinda Foster said.

His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, released a statement via email: “It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned. He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold…and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV dad. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”   
Amos found his calling in acting, beginning with roles on 1970s shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," where he played weatherman Gordy Howard, and "Sanford and Son." However, his stardom soared with his role as James Evans Sr. on "Good Times." The CBS sitcom, which aired from 1974 to 1979, became a cultural touchstone, portraying one of television's first Black two-parent families.
In 1977, Amos made history again with his role as Kunta Kinte in the Emmy-nominated miniseries "Roots." Based on Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the series was a ratings phenomenon and earned Amos critical acclaim. “I knew that it was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint,” Amos said in a 2021 interview with Time magazine. “It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities.”

Over the years, Amos continued to leave his mark with roles in films such as "Coming to America" and its 2021 sequel, "Die Hard 2" and "Uncut Gems." He also made notable appearances on TV shows like "The West Wing," "Hunter," "Men in Trees" and "The Ranch."

Amos was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2020.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Justin Johnson Found Guilty in Rapper Young Dolph's Killing

Justin Johnson
Justin Johnson, the man charged in the killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon today. The jury's verdict came after just under four hours of deliberation.

Born Adolph Thornton Jr., Dolph was fatally shot at Makeda's Homemade Cookies on Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021. His death sent shockwaves through the Memphis community and beyond, with many mourning the loss of the 36-year-old rapper who was known for his philanthropy as much as his music.

Johnson, 24, received an immediate sentence of life in prison after the verdict was read in Shelby County Criminal Court.

During closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams underscored the weight of evidence against Johnson, stating, "It's not 1981 anymore ... It's hard to keep a secret. It's hard to hide your actions. And it's even harder to hide who you know."


The prosecution's case heavily relied on video and photo evidence, including footage that investigators claimed showed Johnson at key locations before and after the shooting. Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman called a former Memphis Police investigator to explain how investigators used surveillance footage to identify Johnson as a suspect.

The defense, however, maintained Johnson's innocence. "He didn't kill Adolph Thornton Jr. He didn't conspire to kill Adolph Thornton Jr.," defense attorney Luke Evans said during his closing argument. Evans argued that Johnson was not the man depicted holding a firearm in the surveillance video captured at the scene of the shooting.

Johnson's co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, also charged with first-degree murder, testified against him on the first day of trial, admitting to his role in the killing. Smith's testimony played a pivotal role in the prosecution's case, as did the testimony of Johnson's half-brother, Jermarcus Johnson, who had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in October 2023. Jermarcus Johnson's cooperation with prosecutors further cemented Justin Johnson's connection to the murder.


While Johnson did not testify in his own defense, the trial highlighted a web of conspiracy, with another defendant, Hernandez Govan, alleged to have ordered the hit on Dolph. However, Govan did not take the stand, despite defense attorney Evans anticipating his testimony.

The case had faced delays since Johnson and Smith were initially set to go to trial on June 3, 2024. The trial was postponed after the defense requested more time to review evidence. A change of venue was also granted in February 2024 due to extensive local media coverage, with an outside jury being brought in to hear the case.

With Johnson's conviction, attention now shifts to the remaining defendants. Smith and Govan are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty last year, faces a sentence of six to 12 years in prison.

Slider[Style1]

Trending