Sean Combs sentenced to four years in prison for prostitution offences - Newstrends
Connect with us

Entertainment

Sean Combs sentenced to four years in prison for prostitution offences

Published

on

Sean Combs sentenced to four years in prison for prostitution offences

Music mogul Sean Combs has been sentenced to more than four years in prison, after a jury convicted him of prostitution-related charges in July.

The sentence, less than what prosecutors sought but more than Combs pushed for, comes after a trial earlier this year in which the rapper-entrepreneur was also acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering counts.

Earlier at the hearing, he had looked on as six of his seven children — the seventh, Love, is a toddler — made tearful pleas to the judge to let him return home.

“We know he isn’t perfect . . . but your honour, he is still our dad,” his 18-year-old daughter Jessie Combs told the judge.

Combs’ lawyers played a roughly 10-minute video showing clips of him playing with his children, raising money for charity and giving motivational speeches.

Prosecutor Christy Slavik said Combs had “not expressed remorse for the actual offence” that he was convicted of, transporting people for the purposes of prostitution.

READ ALSO:

“It’s clear that [Combs] doesn’t appreciate or understand the gravity of his criminal conduct,” she said, adding that he had booked a speaking engagement in Miami for next week.

“That is the height of hubris,” she said.

The trial this year, during which Combs’ former girlfriend Cassie Ventura described a violent and abusive relationship, had been the subject of a media frenzy and one of the music industry’s most high-profile reckonings with alleged sexual misconduct.

When the jury’s verdict was read out in July, Combs smiled and pumped his fists in celebration at being found not guilty of the more serious charges.

Combs has already spent more than a year at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he was sent while he awaited trial. Ahead of Friday’s hearing, Combs’ lawyers asked the judge to sentence him to no more than 14 months, which would allow him to be released soon after on the basis of time served.

Combs was the architect of a far-reaching business empire that included a partnership with drinks company Diageo, a record company, TV network and reality show. He settled a legal dispute with Diageo last year.

Combs’ defence lawyers said he had struggled with substance abuse, anger and anxiety in the past but his time in jail had been “life-changing” and he had “taken the time to achieve necessary rehabilitation . . . including getting clean of all substances”. He ran an educational course in jail called “Free Game with Diddy”, they said.

They submitted scores of letters in support of Combs, including from friends, family members and a handwritten note on behalf of a fellow inmate who said Combs had “inspired me” to “better myself”.

Another fellow inmate, the convicted Chinese businessman Miles Guo, said in a letter to the judge that Combs had asked him if they could create an AI platform together once they were released.

“Without minimising Mr. Combs’s conduct, this is in many ways a ‘sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll’ story,” his lawyers, led by Marc Agnifilo from the law firm Agnifilo Intrater, said in a filing.

Prosecutors had asked for an 11-year sentence, saying Combs had conceded that his past behaviour included “violence, domestic abuse, drug use and distribution, and bribery”.

They submitted letters including one from Ventura, in which she wrote: “Over the nearly eleven years we were together, Sean Combs would hit me, punch me, stomp on my face, pull my hair, and throw my body to the ground and against the wall” and said the sentence should reflect “the strength it took for victims of Sean Combs to come forward”.

Sean Combs sentenced to four years in prison for prostitution offences

Financial Times

Entertainment

Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere

Published

on

Awkward Moment At Iyabo Ojo Premiere As Funke Akindele Appears To Snub Toyin Abraham

Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere

Nollywood heavyweights Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham have ignited widespread conversation online following an alleged snub at a star-studded movie premiere hosted by Iyabo Ojo in Lagos.

The viral video from the event shows Abraham approaching a table where Akindele sat with Ojo and other guests. While some attendees acknowledged her greeting, Akindele appeared not to respond, maintaining a calm and composed expression throughout the brief interaction.

The clip quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many viewers interpreting the moment as a snub, while others argued it may have been a misunderstanding in a crowded and busy environment.

Reactions have remained sharply divided. Some critics described the perceived action as unnecessary at a public event, while supporters insisted that such moments can easily be misread, especially during high-profile gatherings.

READ ALSO:

The situation has also revived long-standing discussions about a possible Nollywood rivalry between the two actresses. Over the years, fans have frequently compared their box-office performances, particularly during cinema release periods, despite both stars maintaining professionalism in public.

Adding to the intrigue, social media users resurfaced past exchanges between the actresses, suggesting that the incident may reflect deeper tensions. However, others have cautioned against drawing conclusions from a short clip.

Following the controversy, reports indicate that Abraham unfollowed Akindele on Instagram and shared a now-deleted post hinting she may stop greeting her colleague publicly. This development has further fueled online debates and speculation.

Despite the growing buzz, neither Akindele nor Abraham has issued an official statement addressing the incident.

As discussions continue, several fans and commentators have called for restraint, urging the public not to escalate tensions or turn the situation into online hostility.

Ultimately, the episode highlights how quickly celebrity moments can trend online, shaping narratives and fueling conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Streamer Peller Escorted Out of Alake of Egbaland’s Palace in Abeokuta

Published

on

Nigerian TikTok sensation and streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller

Streamer Peller Escorted Out of Alake of Egbaland’s Palace in Abeokuta

Popular Nigerian streamer Habeeb Hamzat, professionally known as Peller, was recently involved in a tense incident during a visit to the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta.

Hamzat, who is on a nationwide streaming tour to engage fans and explore new locations, reportedly faced an unexpected reception upon arrival at the palace. A video circulating online captures a voice, believed to belong to a palace chief, expressing displeasure over how the streamer, his entourage, and associate Tunde Perry entered the palace grounds. Their conduct was described as inappropriate for the royal environment.

As tensions escalated, other palace chiefs intervened, making it clear that the visit could not continue. Hamzat and his team were informed that the monarch would no longer receive them and were promptly asked to leave. The streamer quickly exited the palace, urging his crew to follow as the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

This incident follows a similar controversy during Hamzat’s visit to the Oba of Benin palace, where one of the monarch’s wives and some chiefs were reportedly reprimanded. The Benin Traditional Council has since summoned Hamzat to appear before it over allegations of discretion and visiting the palace without prior approval.

Streamer Peller Escorted Out of Alake of Egbaland’s Palace in Abeokuta

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Nollywood Actress Declares Love for Ibrahim Chatta, Offers to Pay Her Own Dowry

Published

on

Nollywood actress Nollywood Actor, Ibrahim Chatta and Nollywood Actress Adelowo Abimbola Caroline
Nollywood Actor, Ibrahim Chatta and Nollywood Actress Adelowo Abimbola Caroline

Nollywood Actress Declares Love for Ibrahim Chatta, Offers to Pay Her Own Dowry

Nollywood actress Adelowo Abimbola Caroline has sparked widespread reactions after publicly expressing her admiration for fellow actor Ibrahim Chatta, revealing she would even pay her own dowry if given the chance to marry him.

The actress made the candid statement during an interview with FeelrightNews TV, where she spoke about her personal life, career journey, and experiences in the Nigerian film industry. Her declaration has since drawn attention from fans and industry observers, particularly due to its boldness.

During the interview, Adelowo recounted her upbringing in Northern Nigeria, describing how her early life shaped her worldview and determination. She also discussed her entry into Nollywood, noting that her passion for acting fueled her persistence despite initial challenges.

She emphasized the role of mentorship in her career, acknowledging Funsho Adeolu as a key figure in her professional development.

However, it was her remarks about Ibrahim Chatta that captured widespread attention. Adelowo described her feelings for the actor as profound, adding that she would be willing to take an unconventional step to demonstrate her commitment.

“I love him so much,” she said. “If he would permit me to be a wife in his home, I would even pay my own dowry just to show how much I love him.”

Her comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some fans praised her boldness, others debated the cultural implications of a woman offering to pay her own dowry. In many Nigerian cultures, dowry is traditionally the responsibility of the groom and his family, symbolizing respect and commitment to the bride’s family. Adelowo’s statement, therefore, challenges conventional norms and has fueled conversations about evolving societal expectations and gender roles.

Despite her admiration for Chatta, the actress stressed that career paths and personal desires do not always align. She said her focus remains on her work and growth within the industry.

“I truly wish he could be my boss, but in life, we go where our journey leads us,” she reflected, showing acceptance of her current circumstances.

Nollywood Actress Declares Love for Ibrahim Chatta, Offers to Pay Her Own Dowry

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending