Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial sees juror dismissed after ‘conflicting statements’

A juror has been dismissed from Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial after he was accused of giving inconsistent answers about his residency during jury selection

A juror in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial has been dismissed(Image: BANG Showbiz)

A juror in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial has been dismissed after over a month of the rapper’s high-profile federal trial on charges that include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, following concerns about his honesty.

Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey had raised issues last week calling for a dismissal due to a “lack of candour” from the juror.

Initially hesitant, US District Judge Arun Subramanian later determined the 41 year old male juror was not forthright about where he lived, having given conflicting statements regarding his residence in both the Bronx and New Jersey.

Judge Subramanian expressed reservations, commenting that he had “concerns about his candour and whether he shaded answers to get on and stay on the panel.”

Sean
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in court earlier this month(Image: REUTERS)

Jurors partaking in the trial, located in Manhattan, must be residents from the Southern District of New York, encompassing Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of the Hudson Valley.

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Subsequently, the judge ruled that the juror be relieved of duty, appointing an alternate— a 57 year old white architect from Westchester County — in his stead.

Combs’ defence team, however, objected to the removal; one of his solicitors, Alexandra Shapiro, considered it a “thinly veiled effort to dismiss” a Black juror, while fellow counsel Xavier Donaldson contended that this change would result in a less diverse jury.

The identities of the jurors – a mix of eight men and four women whose ages range from their 30s to their 70s – are being kept under wraps. In addition, six alternate jurors were picked comprising four men and two women.

Sean Combs, better known as the founder of Bad Boy records, has strenuously denied any involvement in crimes of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, pleading not guilty to all charges.

The potential penalties for these allegations are severe, with Combs facing anywhere from 15 years to a lifetime behind bars if found guilty.

Tensions rose earlier this month when the presiding judge gave a stark warning to Diddy during proceedings, admonishing him for an alleged attempt to communicate non-verbally with the jury by nodding at them during Bryana Bongolan’s testimony, a friend of his former partner Cassie Ventura.

With the jury absent from the courtroom over lunch, Judge Subramanian pointedly addressed Combs’ legal representative: “I was very clear there should be no facial expressions to the jury, and I could not have been clearer.

“There was a line of questioning where your client was nodding vigorously and looking at the jury … [This was] absolutely unacceptable.

“This can’t continue or I will give a limiting instruction you won’t like, or other measures including barring your client from the courtroom. Do you understand?”.

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Marc Agnifilo, who is representing Combs, assured the judge that such conduct would cease immediately.

Olamide Unveils Star-Studded Tracklist For 11th Album, Features Dr Dre, Wizkid, Others

Grammy-nominated Nigerian rapper and YBNL boss, Olamide Adedeji aka Olamide, has unveiled the official tracklist for his upcoming self-titled album, Olamidé, set for release on Thursday, 19 June 2025.

The 17-track project boasts an impressive roster of Nigerian and international artistes, reflecting Olamide’s enduring relevance and global reach. Featured acts include Nigerian megastar Wizkid, hitmakers Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, BOJ, and Darkoo.

Other collaborators include American hip-hop icon Dr Dre, Jamaican dancehall star Popcaan, British-Nigerian singer Daecolm, and DJ SPINALL.

“Big thanks to every beautiful soul that made this possible!!! #OLAMIDÉ Out 19th of June. Wabillahi Taofeek,” Olamide wrote on Instagram as he shared the full tracklist and album artwork on Monday.

The album includes previously released tracks such as ‘Kai’ and ’99’. Released on 29 April 2025, Kai sees Olamide reunite with Wizkid.

The song marks their first collaboration since their breakout hit ‘Omo To Shan’ in 2011. Wizkid appears twice on the album, which reaffirms their long-standing creative chemistry.

Wizkid

Just a week ago, Olamide gave fans another reason to get excited with the release of 99 featuring Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British singer Daecolm.

Produced by Willis, the song gave listeners a lively preview of what’s to come on the full album.

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Meanwhile, Asake’s appearance on 99 comes amid speculation of a rift between the two stars following his departure from YBNL to launch his label, ‘Giran Republic’, in February 2025.

His involvement in the album suggests a continued professional relationship with his former label boss.

Photo of Asake and Olamide

According to the official tracklist, other songs on the album include Billionaires Club, Free, Indika, Stronger, and Rain.

Rising talent Muyeez and FXRTUNE also make guest appearances.

Olamidé will be Olamide’s 11th solo studio album and follows his 2023 project Ikigai, which featured songs like Metaverse, Hello Habibi, and Uptown Disco, the latter a collaboration with Fireboy and Asake.

Olamide shares tracklist for his 11th album

Prior to that, he released ‘UY Scuti,’ ‘Carpe Diem,’ and the joint EP ‘Unruly.’

Lily Allen returns to social media as cosy ‘date’ snaps with James Norton send fans wild

Lily Allen has returned to social media after she was spotted looking cosy with actor James Norton, with the pair said to be ‘enjoying each other’s company’ over the weekend

James Norton and Lily Allen seen getting cosy post-David Harbour split(Image: EROTEME.CO.UK)

Singer Lily Allen has posted on social media for the first time since being spotted looking cosy with British actor James Norton. The mum-of-two, whose marriage to Stranger Things star David Harbour ended earlier this year, looked happier than ever as she spent some time with the Happy Valley actor over the weekend.

Lily, 40, and James, 39, were spotted enjoying each other’s company over the weekend, sparking rumours of a budding romance. The Smile hitmaker looked radiant in a black mini skirt and white t-Shirt as she spent time with James at the Lido Festival in East London on Saturday.

James, who recently became single after parting ways with his model girlfriend, is also rumoured to be on Raya, where he has reportedly matched with Lily. The two were spotted at the festival, opting out of the VIP section to enjoy acts like Charli XCX among the crowd with cans on non-alcoholic beer.

james and lily in a crowd
James Norton and Lily Allen mingled with the general public at the festival (Image: EROTEME.CO.UK)
James and lily at the bar
The pair looked comfortable in each other’s company(Image: EROTEME.CO.UK)

At one point, Lily was seen leaning into James, and the two appeared to be at ease with each other, with James visibly giggling at her antics. Festival-goers were reportedly doing double takes upon spotting the pair together as they sipped on alcohol-free beverages.

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Following the snaps circulating online, Lily returned to social media on Monday afternoon – but failed to address the rumours she has a new man in her life. The singer-turned-actress instead used her Instagram Stories to promote the latest instalment of her BBC podcast series with Miquita Oliver, Miss Me?

Earlier in the day, Instagram’s very own Gossip Girl DeuxMoi shared a message from a fan that was at the Chari xcx afterparty that claimed “Lily Allen [was] getting very cosy with James Norton”. “Good for Lily especially after that drama with David,” one Instagram user penned in the comment section, with another adding: “Alright Lily. What a rebound.”

James and lily watching a performance
Onlookers said the pair appeared to be on a date(Image: EROTEME.CO.UK)

Lily admitted she struggled in the wake of her split from American actor David after the former couple called it quits in December, ending their four-year marriage.

Rumours swirled earlier this year that David had been unfaithful during their marriage, with claims of him being seen on a celebrity dating app while still wed to Lily. David has yet to respond to the allegations of infidelity or using a dating app during his marriage.

In a candid admission during a live podcast recording at the Hackney Empire in London back in March, Lily reflected on the split and confessed to the audience, “I am not over it.”

James and Lily walking through a field
Lily is yet to comment on the rumours (Image: EROTEME.CO.UK)

She further revealed, “I am sort of running away. Maybe I will have a nervous breakdown.” Meanwhile, David has also opened up about his personal struggles, admitting to having let himself go “physically and emotionally.”

His comments came shortly after he confirmed the split by appearing without his wedding ring on the red carpet at the Thunderbolts premiere. When questioned about the split, David initially responded with a mere “Oh boy,” but later explained his decision to remain tight-lipped, citing his desire to protect the people involved and the reality of his life.

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In an interview with GQ Magazine, David expressed his reluctance to engage with the surrounding hype, which he believed was based on “hysterical hyperbole.”

Nicola Peltz blows kisses and rolls her eyes at ‘incompetent men’ amid Beckham rift

Actress Nicola Peltz has issued a very cryptic post as she rolled her eyes and blew kisses alongside lyrics slamming ‘incompetent men’ amid her ongoing feud with the Beckhams

Nicola Peltz chose to include some very brutal lyrics alongside her latest social media post as the Beckham feud rumbles on. The actress, 30, has been locked in a family fallout with her famous in-laws that all came to a head when she missed David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations.

She has received the loyal support of her husband Brooklyn Beckham, 26, as he is now said to have stopped responding to messages from his family. Brooklyn has been keen to declare his love for Nicola throughout the scandal, despite snubbing David’s birthday, his knighthood and Father’s Day.

Nicola also failed to share any message to her father-in-law as she instead paid tribute to her own dad Nelson Peltz. In her latest upload, Nicola shared a short clip of herself blowing kisses to the camera and rolling her eyes.

Nicola Peltz
Nicola blew kisses at the camera(Image: nicolaannepeltzbeckham/instagram)

However, it was her choice of song that caught attention. She decided to play Sabrina Carpenter’s latest track Manchild and chose to play the lyrics: “Oh, I like my boys playing hard to get.

“And I like my men all incompetent. And I swear they choose me, I’m not choosing them.” In what could be seen as another dig at her in-laws, Nicola shared a gushing tribute to her own dad just hours before.

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She shared a series of photos throughout the years with her dad Nelson alongside a touching caption. Nicola wrote: “Happy Father’s Day to the greatest dad in the world I am so lucky to be your daughter I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for always being my constant support I love you beyond words. Happy Father’s Day dad.”

As Victoria and David appear to be extending olive branches through their social media, Brooklyn recently shared a picture of a tattoo that could be perceived as a tell-tale sign about where his loyalties lie. The image shows the tattoo on Brooklyn’s upper back that is based on a note Nicola, 30, wrote to him before their wedding in April 2022.

Tattooed in a stylish calligraphy font, it reads: “My forever boy. Read this anytime you feel anxious. I want you to know how deeply loved you are. You have the kindest heart I’ve ever met and hope I never go a day without your love. I think you are so incredible. Just know we can get through it all together if you breathe slow and trust. I love you beyond. Love always, your future wifey.”

She has been locked in a feud with Brooklyn’s parents David and Victoria(Image: INSTAGRAM)

In another show of support to Nicola amid the ongoing drama, Brooklyn shared photos of them on a motorbike. The caption read: “My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you’re the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby.”

On Monday, Romeo’s recent ex girlfriend Kim Turnbull spoke out for the first time since she because caught up in the feud. Kim found herself at the centre of it all when she was blamed as the reason Brooklyn and Nicola didn’t attend David’s birthday celebrations.

It was claimed Brooklyn and Nicola didn’t like Kim or her “intentions” with younger brother Romeo. There were also reports she once dated Brooklyn, which she furiously shut down.

Kim declared: “I’ve avoided speaking on this topic to prevent adding fuel to the fire, however it’s come to a point where I feel the need to address it so I can move on. I will not continue to receive harassment or be embarrassed on the basis of lies, to fit a certain narrative.”

She continued: “I have never been romantically involved in ANY capacity at ANY point with the person in question. Nothing between us has occurred further than a school friendship at age 16.” Kim ended with a plea: “I would like to remove myself from the ongoing conversation and set the record straight for the sake of everyone involved.”

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Chelsee Healey supports dad of baby daughter as he faces jail for drug-dealing operation

Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey watched from the public gallery at Manchester Crown Court as the father of her 15-month-old daughter, Eddie Raindford, faced jail

Chelsee Healey appeared at Manchester Crown Court where she sat in the public gallery (Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Chelsee Healey attended court to watch the father of her 15-month-old daughter were he was due to be sentenced for his role in a ‘wholesale’ drug-dealing operation. The Dancing On Ice star, 36, had tried to keep his identity under wraps from fans as she only revealed his first name.

She attended Manchester Crown Court on Monday, where Eddie Rainford, 32, and another man named Jay Boyd appeared. The Hollyoaks actress, who plays Goldie McQueen, previously called Rainford “The One” and “marriage material”.

The case was adjourned after judge Peter Horgan said the pair they were likely facing an “immediate custodial sentence.” He has been held on remand at HMP Forest Bank to await sentence.

Chelsee Healey
Chelsee watched from the public gallery(Image: STEVE ALLEN)

Chelsee appeared shocked as she watched from the public gallery, according to Daily Mail. In January, Rainford pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug between November 2022 and September 2023.

It came just four days after Chelsee was eliminated from ITV’s Dancing on Ice. Chelsee appeared to hint at the tough time as she became the first celebrity to leave the ice skating competition.

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During her exit, she took the moment to brand pro partner Andy Buchanan as “amazing” and expressed that she “couldn’t have done it without him”. She added: “I feel, personally, there’s been a lot going on with me that I’ve been struggling with, so I couldn’t completely focus. I’m just really grateful, I’ve had the best time.”

Chelsee also shared a heartfelt message with her fans, posting pictures of herself in her Dancing On Ice glam. Alongside the post, she penned: “Had so many messages about Dancing on ice Thankyou Everyone for the Support.”

She continued: “Just know i am where i need to be. Just a little context of how i have been feeling with the 2 videos, I have had a lot to deal with and God Knew i needed to just take time for Myself and Be at home With My Girls. A Smile can sometimes Hide a thousand Feelings.”

Chelsee Healey
Chelsee shared her baby girl with Rainford(Image: chelseehealey/Instagram)

A few weeks later, Chelsee decided to tell her fans that she had a miscarriage while she was a contestant on Dancing On Ice. She said that she felt “blessed” to already be a parent to daughters Coco, seven, and Cookie, one, but the “grief still feels enormous”.

Chelsee shared: “I haven’t been able to talk about this until now, because it’s been too painful. I hope by sharing it now it can help other women going through something similar. Been so anxious to post.

“Whilst committed to DOI and the busy training schedule, to our shock we discovered that I was pregnant. Within weeks of finding out this news, before me and my family could allow this news to sink in and digest it, I suffered a miscarriage.

“Understandably this really did devastate me and hit me deeply, finding out this news and then having it taken in such a short proof of time is an awful lot to deal with. I know I am beyond blessed to have two beautiful daughters but the grief still feels enormous.

“I am grieving for the little soul I carried momentarily who I’ll never get to meet, the sibling that my girls will never get to have. The child that will forever leave my heart curious with the ‘what ifs’. And it is painful.”

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She concluded her post: “A gentle reminder that we never know what someone else is going through or how their pain maybe hurting them. To all of you, I am sending my love.”

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at the Miscarriage Association. You can call them on 01924 200799 or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk

Sam Fender and Dan Burn: The dream double act for singer’s final gig in Newcastle

Fender told the crowd that his three-night run at St James’ Park, seen by 150,000 fans, had been the ‘best weekend of his life’

Dan Burn on stage

Geordie superstar Sam Fender was joined on stage by his hero ‘Big Dan Burn’ for the last hometown gig of his world tour. Fender told the crowd that his three-night run at St James’ Park, seen by 150,000 fans, had been the ‘best weekend of his life’.

For his final night, he had some special guests, including the Newcastle United and England star Dan Burn. The giant defender arrived with the Carabao Cup in his hands to a hero’s welcome from the 50,000-strong crowd. He was a hero on Tyneside after scoring the Toon’s opening goal in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool in March.

Fender gave Burn, 33, a hug before the pair raised the trophy to cheers from the fans. Burn left the stage but then came back to say: “Thank you mum and dad” before he departed once more.

England star got on stage with the singer at St James Park on Sunday night
Dan Burn on stage with Sam Fender(Image: Jeremy Armstrong)

There were then a number of special guests, including Fender’s elder brother Liam on keyboards. The singer’s former guitar teacher Phil Martin also made a guest appearance, and a random 17-year-old fan plucked from the audience.

There was a montage of childhood photos of the band on the giant stage screen to mark Father’s Day, including a snap of Fender with his dad Alan, an electrician turned music teacher who was a huge influence on his career.

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The North Shields born singer and Martin stood side by side for a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town”.

Easington Colliery Brass Band then appeared for ‘Remember My Name’ from the People Watching album, dedicated to the star’s grandparents.

The view from back stage in Newcastle
Fender on stage at St James(Image: PA)

At the end of the show, with a finale of fireworks and flames shooting through the night sky, Fender asked the crowd to donate to the charity Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres).

The singer is supporting their work in Gaza, describing their medics as ‘real life heroes’.

He told the crowd that he could not believe it was his fifth show at St James, the home of Newcastle United. “I never thought that I would say that,” he added. “I want to just to take that in.

“Thank you for the best weekend of my life.” His two shows in June, 2023, attracted around 100,000 fans and were credited with boosting the local economy by around £15m.

Dan Burn made his Wembley cup final appearance and then had another dream come true when he was called up for England after getting some tips from the son of Jack Charlton.

The People Watching Tour is moving to Silverstone on July 3, then the US, Canada and Australia. *https://www.msf.org/donate

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