Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs’ legal team make bombshell request for mistrial over ‘misconduct’

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team have requested a mistrial of his case as he currently remains on trial for charges including racketeering and sex trafficking by force

Diddy’s legal team have called for a mistrial(Image: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team have requested a mistrial after the end of week three’s proceedings.

The music mogul, 55, is currently on trial in New York after pleading not guilty to charges including racketeering and sex trafficking by force. Now, his lawyers have made a second attempt to have proceedings declared invalid, claiming “prosecutorial misconduct”.

In a letter sent to Judge Arun Subramanian on Saturday, June 7, the defence allege “the government has presented testimony that it knew or should have known was materially false related to its allegation that Mr. Combs dangled Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016.”

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Sean Combs’ case is currently in court(Image: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)

The note, which was seen by PEOPLE, went on: “Accordingly, to avoid an unfair conviction in this case the Court should grant a mistrial.”

The Bad Boy Records founder’s team also argued his ex-girlfriend Cassie’s testimony, in which she claimed to have witnessed the musician dangle Bryana from a balcony, was “demonstrably false”. They said this was due to text messages allegedly showing she only learned of the supposed incident afterwards.

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The letter continued to argue: “The incident, as alleged, is disturbing and powerful evidence, and the government has used it to depict Mr. Combs in an extremely negative light, as an angry and dangerous man who terrified Ms. Ventura and her friends.”

The lawyers also argued the prosecution presented photos of Bryana’s alleged injuries from the incident, which were said to have been taken on 26 September 2016 in Los Angeles, even though “the government has long known” Combs was in New York City between 24-29 September that year.

The defence also claimed the prosecution “repeatedly attempted to disrupt” their line of questioning when they tried to “expose the perjury upon cross-examination.”

“All of this was highly improper and exacerbated the harm caused by […] the perjured testimony,” the letter continued. “The balcony incident is just one example of prosecutorial misconduct during this trial.”

At the end of May Combs’ lawyers requested a mistrial after prosecutors asked Lance Jiminez, an arson investigator from the Los Angeles Fire Department, if fingerprint evidence related to the bombing of Kid Cudi’s car had been destroyed and who could have authorised the decision.

At the time, the rapper’s lawyers argued the line of questioning could potentially hint that their client was able to buy his way out of trouble. However, the judge denied this appeal and said the questions were not prejudicial to the case.

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The case is set to continue on Monday. Combs’ ex, who took to the stand under a pseudonym, is continuing with her testimony.

The case is expected to last six weeks.

Justin Bieber shares video with Chris Brown as his posting spree sparks concern

After Justin Bieber shared an Instagram post with a cryptic caption about ‘transactional relationships’, some of his fans urged him to seek help as they expressed concern for him

Justin Bieber often shares his thoughts and feelings on social media(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Justin Bieber’s fans have expressed their concern for the singer after he admitted that he is “tired of transactional relationships” in a new post on social media. The Baby singer shared a series of statements on Instagram today, including a cryptic caption alongside two black-and-white selfies.

He wrote: “Tired of transactional relationships. If I have to do something to be loved, that’s not love.” Amid his posting spree on Instagram, the Peaches hitmaker also shared a video of controversial singer Chris Brown.

In the footage shared on Justin’s Instagram Stories, Chris can be seen dancing and randomly yelling. Brown, who was released from a UK prison on bail last month, is set to perform in Amsterdam this evening. Justin captioned the video of Brown with the word “mood”.

Chris Brown dancing. Caption 'mood'
Justin Bieber shared this with his followers on Instagram(Image: justinbieber/instagram)

The father-of-one, who shares little Jack Blues with his wife Hailey Bieber, also seemed to reflect on his emotional exhaustion in an additional post – and many of his followers took to the comment section to express concern. “Someone needs to do a wellness check. He is NOT OK,” one wrote.

Someone else described Justin as “the Britney Spears of our generation” while a fan assured him: “You are loved by us, the real beliebers.” One more urged Justin to “get help” saying: “Bro stop posting and get help I’m serious.”

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One reflected: “Love is transactional, that’s the point, that’s real love. Love is not supposed to be unconditional, unless it’s your child. You can’t love someone who doesn’t give you anything to love them for. This post sounds like it’s coming from a 20-year-old, not from someone who is in their 30s with a wife and kid.”

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He also posted a blurry photo of himself(Image: justinbieber/instagram)

A fan added: “Your son loves you unconditionally. He doesn’t know you’re THE Justin Bieber! He just knows you as Dad, and for him that’s enough!” Someone else defended Justin by saying: “To the people in the comments being negative: Justin has been venting and sharing his feelings on his social media for years now.

“It’s really honorable to see a person of his caliber be so open with his thoughts. It takes a strong person to admit to the world that some days are harder than others. Stop shaming him for sharing. He’s a raw and vulnerable human who goes through the motions like the rest of us. Let him share and be real. It makes him admirable.”

Sharing more reflections on his Instagram Stories, Justin also addressed the pressure he has felt during his careers when he was urged to work harder. He said: “I don’t think any of us can handle hearing, ‘You just gotta try a little harder and you will be like me.’ It’s not true. I listened to those fools who told me to work harder. And there’s no end to trying to earn ur spot in this life because I tried.” He added: “U have everything u need right now.”

Justin Bieber in a black suit and Hailey Bieber in a black dress at the Met Gala 2021.
Justin with his wife Hailey Bieber(Image: Getty Images)

In another recent post, he wrote: “U could point at my flaws. Or u could recognize ur own lil b****,” before adding a red droplet emoji. But this admission also caused concern among fans as one said: “So hard and sad to watch. Why are the people around him not helping him when he’s clearly struggling. He’s not clear at all and hurting.”

Some of his followers have also urged Justin to take a break from social media due to his lengthy rants. In an Instagram post this week, over a pink background, he shared with his followers: “Telling other humans they deserve something is like raising someone else’s kids. Who are you to tell someone what someone should or shouldn’t have.

“The audacity. That’s not your place. God decides what we deserve.” One fan commented: “God told me you need a social media break,” – and over 21,000 people liked the comment.

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McTominay & Tierney out of friendly v Liechtenstein

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International friendly: Liechtenstein v Scotland

Venue: Rheinpark Stadium, Vaduz Date: Monday, 9 June Kick-off: 17:00 BST

Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney have not travelled with Scotland as they prepare to face Liechtenstein on Monday in a friendly match.

Napoli midfielder McTominay, 28, picked up a knock in the defeat by Iceland on Friday and was replaced on 80 minutes.

Tierney will also miss out on the second match of Scotland’s double-header through injury, which is live on BBC Scotland from 16:30 BST.

Head coach Steve Clarke has already called up two goalkeepers – Ross Doohan and 18-year-old Callan McKenna – after injuries to Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie against Iceland.

Gunn was replaced by 22-year-old Ipswich goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who endured a tough debut in the 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden.

How good are Liechtenstein?

There are just five nations ranked below the microstate in the world rankings, including the US and British Virgin Islands and San Marino. And even the San Marinese have beaten Liechtenstein twice in the past year.

They have only won once in their last 48 matches – a 1-0 success over Hong Kong in a friendly last October – and have a squad mainly made up of home-based part-time players who perform in the lower reaches of the Swiss leagues.

In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, manager Craig Levein was made to sweat as a Stephen McManus header in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Hampden spared the Scots one of their most embarrassing ever results as they laboured to a 2-1 victory.

It was not exactly a routine win 13 months later in the return in Vaduz, with Craig Mackail-Smith’s solitary Scotland goal settling it.

This one has shades of the friendly with Gibraltar 12 months ago, which was another stodgy affair and it may be similar this time round at the end of a long season.

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McTominay & Tierney out of friendly v Liechtenstein

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International friendly: Liechtenstein v Scotland

Venue: Rheinpark Stadium, Vaduz Date: Monday, 9 June Kick-off: 17:00 BST

Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney have not travelled with Scotland as they prepare to face Liechtenstein on Monday in a friendly match.

Napoli midfielder McTominay, 28, picked up a knock in the defeat by Iceland on Friday and was replaced on 80 minutes.

Tierney will also miss out on the second match of Scotland’s double-header through injury, which is live on BBC Scotland from 16:30 BST.

Head coach Steve Clarke has already called up two goalkeepers – Ross Doohan and 18-year-old Callan McKenna – after injuries to Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie against Iceland.

Gunn was replaced by 22-year-old Ipswich goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who endured a tough debut in the 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden.

How good are Liechtenstein?

There are just five nations ranked below the microstate in the world rankings, including the US and British Virgin Islands and San Marino. And even the San Marinese have beaten Liechtenstein twice in the past year.

They have only won once in their last 48 matches – a 1-0 success over Hong Kong in a friendly last October – and have a squad mainly made up of home-based part-time players who perform in the lower reaches of the Swiss leagues.

In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, manager Craig Levein was made to sweat as a Stephen McManus header in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Hampden spared the Scots one of their most embarrassing ever results as they laboured to a 2-1 victory.

It was not exactly a routine win 13 months later in the return in Vaduz, with Craig Mackail-Smith’s solitary Scotland goal settling it.

This one has shades of the friendly with Gibraltar 12 months ago, which was another stodgy affair and it may be similar this time round at the end of a long season.

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  • Scottish Football
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  • Scotland Men’s Football Team

Alcaraz Saves Three Match Points To beat Sinner To French Open Title

In a French Open final for the ages on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz saved three championship points by coming back from two sets down to defeat Jannik Sinner.

After five hours and 29 minutes, reigning champion Alcaraz rallied from the brink of defeat to defeat world number one Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/2) to claim his fifth Grand Slam title.

On day 15 of the French Open tennis competition at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 8, 2025, Italy’s Jannik Sinner loses his men’s singles final match to Carlos Alcaraz from Spain. (Photo by AFP photographer JULIEN DE ROSA)

After ending Sinner’s 20-match winning streak at the majors, the 22-year-old Spaniard is now unbeaten in five Grand Slam finals.

In the longest Roland Garros final in history, Alcaraz stunned Sinner with his first comeback from two sets down. In a 4h 42min victory over Guillermo Vilas in Paris, Mats Wilander easily won the 1982 final.

After a remarkable duel between a new generation’s stars, Alcaraz becomes the third youngest man to win five Grand Slams, behind only Bjorn Borg and compatriot Rafael Nadal.

On day 15 of the French Open tennis competition, which takes place on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 8, 2025, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is pictured celebrating his victory against Jannik Sinner from Italy in the men’s singles final match. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP)

After winning the US Open and the following Australian Open titles last year, Sinner agonizedly short of a third successive Grand Slam title.

In their first Grand Slam final encounter, he lost to Alcaraz for the fifth time in a row, and it was their first championship encounter between two men who were both born in the year 2000.

Alcaraz leads 8-5 overall after defeating Sinner to win in Rome, where the Italian resurrected after a three-month doping ban.

On day 15 of the French Open tennis tournament, winner Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz (R) cheers Italy’s Jannik Sinner as they wrap up their men’s singles match at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 8, 2025. (Photo by AFP photographer JULIEN DE ROSA)

Jobe Bellingham following brother’s path but wants ‘own identity’

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A star in the Birmingham City academy, impressing in the Championship, then a big-money move to Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund; Jobe Bellingham’s career is following a very similar path to that of his older brother Jude.

Jobe recently helped Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League – but the 19-year-old midfielder won’t be playing in the English top flight next season.

Instead, in an agreement worth up to £31m, he will join eight-time German champions Dortmund, who finished fourth in 2024-25 to secure a Champions League place.

He will become Dortmund’s second-most expensive signing after Ousmane Dembele in 2016 and Sunderland’s record sale.

Dortmund is a club the Bellinghams know extremely well after Jude’s successful spell there. He was only 17 when the German side paid Birmingham City an initial fee of £25m to sign him in July 2020. It proved to be a bargain.

Jude made 132 appearances over a three-year stint at Signal Iduna Park, winning the DFB Pokal in 2021.

He narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title as a knee injury meant he was an unused substitute when they drew with Mainz on the final day of the 2022-23 season. Victory would have made them champions for the first time in 11 years.

Jude was named Bundesliga Player of the Season, and within months had joined Real Madrid for an initial £88.5m. He helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga in his first season, and the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Intercontinental Cup in his second.

‘He’s trying to create his own identity’

Jude and Jobe Bellingham pictured together at St George's Park in November 2024Getty Images

Though Jobe is following in his brother’s footsteps by joining Dortmund, he wears his first name on the back of his shirt as he aims to create his own headlines.

“He doesn’t want to live off the back of his brother’s name; he wants to be the footballer he is and show people what he can do. He’s trying to create his own identity,” said former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray in 2023.

While Jude operates largely as a number 10 – behind the main striker – for club and country, Jobe can play as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder.

In his first season at the Stadium of Light he even deputised as a central forward, although he has maintained his best position is in the middle of the park.

“I know playing box-to-box is what I enjoy the most, because you can get stuck in and drive forward,” he told Sky Sports. “I can show more of what I’m capable of in that position.”

In the 2024-25 season, he played 43 times for Sunderland, scoring four goals and registering three assists.

“He’s still a young player with the ability to play many different roles,” said Sunderland boss Regis le Bris earlier this season.

“I like him as a number eight because he’s an offensive midfielder. He can express his power, his ability to run and his ability to press, to link defence and attack.”

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini believes moving to Germany will be a positive for Jobe.

“The Bundesliga is somewhere between the Championship and the Premier League,” said BBC Radio Newcastle pundit Gabbiadini.

“It’s a way of stepping up, maybe a little bit of less pressure. There are some financial advantages of going abroad as well.”

Jobe was 17 when he moved to Sunderland from Birmingham for an undisclosed fee – on the same day Jude completed his move to Real Madrid.

“It was a bit of a surprise when he came to Sunderland,” added Gabbiadini. “Not because we weren’t a big enough club, but because he was such a hot talent.

“Birmingham were in a similar position to us in the league, it wasn’t a massive step up at that stage.

“He’s been very good for us. Do I think he’s as good as his brother? Not from what I’ve seen so far, but there is nothing wrong with that.

‘The biggest dream’ – Jude hopes Jobe can play for England

Jobe Bellingham playing for England Under-21s against the NetherlandsGetty Images

Jobe and Jude were both born in Stourbridge in the West Midlands and came through Birmingham’s academy.

But could they be reunited on the pitch in England shirts in the future?

Jude made his England debut four months after joining Dortmund and has already won 43 caps, scoring six times and reaching the final of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024.

Just as Jude did, Jobe has represented England at various youth levels, and has been named in the Young Lions’ squad for the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.

Speaking on his YouTube channel in September, Jude said he hoped Jobe could soon join him in a full England squad.

“Because we’re of a similar age and we’ve played together for so long – in the street and on tufts of grass – to play with my brother for England… that would be the biggest dream of my life,” said Jude.

“That would mean more than any of the trophies, especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together, win things together. Nothing would even get close to that.”

And Jude believes his own success will help motivate his younger brother.

“He has to deal with more than I would have had to at his age, and he deals with it with so much class,” he said.

“He wants to try to create his own legacy and his own path. People will use him as a way to have a dig at me and vice-versa, so we’re almost like each other’s biggest fans but also the biggest target for each other because we care about each other so much.

Brother v brother in Club World Cup?

Jude Bellingham with the Fifa Intercontinental CupGetty Images

Although Jobe has been named in England’s squad for this summer’s European Under-21 Championship, if his move to Dortmund is completed by 10 June he could spend the next month playing in the Club World Cup instead.

The 32-team tournament is being held in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.

Dortmund have been drawn in Group F, along with Fluminense of Brazil, Ulsan HD of South Korea and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

Real Madrid are in Group H, with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Pachuca of Mexico and Austrian team Red Bull Salzburg.

If both Dortmund and Real win their respective groups and last-16 ties, they would meet in the quarter-finals on 5 July.

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