Category Entertainment News

The music mogul’s accusers’ attorneys were out for money in closing arguments, and they rejected the idea that Sean “Diddy” Combs was the one who led a criminal ring on Friday, according to his attorney.

Attorney for the defense, Marc Agnifilo, scoffed at the depiction of a violent, domineering man who “used his employees, wealth, and power to foster a climate of fear” and obliterate women through sex parties that were demeaning and unlawful.

According to Agnifilo, Combs, 55, is a “self-made, successful Black entrepreneur” who had romantic relationships that were “complicated but ultimately consensual love stories.

Agnifilo’s meandering closing arguments were intended to confound the narrative that US attorney Christy Slavik had outlined one day earlier.

She had nearly five hours of meticulously walking the jury through the allegations, bringing together nearly seven weeks of testimony from 34 witnesses, as well as thousands of phone, financial, travel, and audiovisual records.

Combs led a criminal enterprise of “loyal lieutenants” and “foot soldiers” who “existed to serve his needs,” the prosecution claimed in explaining the most serious charge of racketeering.

The claim that senior employees, including his chief of staff and security personnel, were aware of and actively supported his actions is central to their case.

Agnifilo’s point was that neither of those accused of conspiring against Combs nor were they identified as conspirators in the indictment.

The defense attorney told the jury that “this is supposed to be simple.” “Maybe it’s because it’s not there,” you might find yourself in the weeds of this great complexity.

In his final statement, he said, “It takes a lot of courage to acquit.”

Combs could receive a possible life sentence if found guilty.

– Coercion or consent? –

Agnifilo spent a lot of time dissecting the testimony of Jane, a singer, and Casandra Ventura. In harrowing detail, both witnesses described Combs’ abuse and coercion.

Combs’ defense acknowledged in their opening statements that despite the artist’s relationship history, his outbursts did not constitute the kind of sex trafficking he is accused of.

The prosecution provided “crystal clear” evidence of trafficking that included coercion into drug-addled sex with paid escorts under the threat of reputational, physical, or financial harm, according to the prosecution.

The defense countered that the women were adult consenters making their own decisions and occasionally even mocking their terrifying witness accounts.

According to Agnifilo, “Cassie would be the one who would win this entire thing,” he said in Ventura’s civil lawsuit against Combs, in which case she received $ 20 million.

Ventura described brutal physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and fear Combs would end her career or reputation if she left him while speaking through tears on the witness.

Agnifilo acknowledged that the video was “terrible” and “very much domestic violence,” but insisted that it wasn’t “sex trafficking.”

The women involved were “drugged, covered in oil, sore, and exhausted,” according to the prosecution’s statement to jurors.

Ventura and Jane’s testimony about being coerced into having sex with male escorts, which were both refuted by Agnifilo in light of prostitution-related charges.

“This was a way of life.” All it is is, according to Agnifilo, “you want to call it swingers, you want to call it threesomes.”

Agnifilo said that was just Combs’ party boy lifestyle when he referred to the drug distribution accusations, which are one of the eight possible acts that could lead to a racketeering conviction.

The attorney claimed that “they seem to be doing what people in creative fields do.”

Jurors were shown a large number of phone records throughout the trial, including those that included messages from both women to show their affection and desire, but prosecutor Slavik argued that interpreting those words literally and in their entirety doesn’t provide a complete picture.

Slavik made numerous references to a forensic psychologist’s testimony, explaining how victims become victims of their abusers.

The final item in the proceedings that jurors will hear before the weekend is when the government has the final word: prosecutor Maurene Comey will refute Agnifilo’s argument.

Two years after his most recent performance, Lewis Capaldi’s emotional surprise return to Glastonbury saw the Scottish singer receive a slew of celebrity support.

An emotional Lewis Capaldi was supported by a wave of celebrity friends as he made a surprise return to Glastonbury. The Scottish singer returned to Worthy Farm two years after he last performed at the festival. The Someone You Loved singer struggled to finish his set last timeout, with his voice faltering in a touching message to the crowd.

He apologised to them at the time, “Glastonbury, I’m really sorry. I’m a little irritated by myself. Someone You Loved’s vocals were soon resurrected by the crowd. Over the coming weeks, I think I’ll be taking a wee break. So, for the rest of the year, perhaps even, you won’t see much of me. But I hope you’re still up for watching us when I do return and when I do see you.

And now, after saying “second time’s a charm,” Lewis was able to sing the song two years later. Lewis shared a clip of the two performances combining on Instagram after his emotional set.

Follow our live blog from Glastonbury.

It depicted the struggle of 2023 in the moving clip before a teary-eyed Lewis watched as he returned to the stage today. He wrote, “Glastonbury, it’s so amazing to be back, thank you so much for having me,” as the caption for his upload read.

And his video received a lot of enthusiastic support right away. Former football player Alan Shearer, who simply said, “Love it,” while emojis clapping hands, were some of the people chatting with the star.

Danny Jones from McFly also said, “Epic maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Paddy McGuinness was also on hand to compliment his efforts, calling him the governor, while ex-Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall responded with a love heart emoji.

Lewis was also supported backstage after his gig. Matty Healy was seen recording a message for some fans backstage to send his support to the Scottish star. A source attending Glastonbury told the Mirror: “I heard him say ‘really pleased he is here and I wish him well”

Lewis’ return comes hours after he released a new song called Survive. As he shared a post on Instagram announcing the new tune, he captioned it: “It’s been a while.” The new song is full of emotion with lyrics including lines such as “I swear to God I’ll survive” and “I’m going to get up and live until the day that I die.”

Since stepping out of the spotlight due to his mental health, this is his first new album. And as he sang it to the Glastonbury audience, he sobbed in agony. As he paid homage to the fans at Glastonbury, he revealed that his top goal was to return to the stage.

He struggled to get past the song’s final words as he sang those final words passionately, with the emotion clearly being high for him as he sang them.

READ MORE: Oasis have released new tickets for UK tour – how to buy yours if you missed out

Holly Valance has split from her billionaire property tycoon husband Nick Candy. The former Neighbours star has reportedly split from Nick, who is a billionaire and heavily connected to Reform UK.

Nick and Holly met back in 2009 and he proposed two years later. Nick is the treasurer of Reform – led by Nigel Farage – and both Holly and Nick have a strong connection with the political party.

A friend of the family said: “This has been a very difficult period for both Nick and Holly, and they are keeping things private out of respect for their family. The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority.”

“They’ve had to juggle a demanding lifestyle. Between family, public life, and Nick’s intense work commitments, it’s been a tough balance. This is a family matter and they’re doing their best to handle things thoughtfully. Privacy is obviously very important to them both, so they can focus on what’s best for the family,” a source told The Sun.

A spokesman for the couple said: “This is a private matter and we will not be making any further comment.”

Holly has been vocal about her own political views. Last year, she said: ““Everyone starts off as a leftie and then wakes up at some point after making money, working, trying to run a business, trying to buy a home, then realises what c**p ideas they all are.”

Back in 2024, Holly donated £50,000 to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK under the name Holy Vukadinović. She praised Farage and said it was her who encouraged him to run for leader of the party.

She said: “I have been whispering in his ear for a long time. He is the face of Reform. Richard [Tice] has done a great job and they are a great team. Hopefully now we will be stronger and we will see what we can do at this next election. I’m a paid up member.”

Holly rose to fame on Neighbours, where she was cast as Felicity ‘Flick’ Scully. She was on the show for a few years before she decided to leave and pursue music. Her single Kiss Kiss was released in April 2002 and became one of her biggest hits.

However, after releasing her album Footprints, she then turned back to acting as she said that was where her interest was. After that, she starred in US drama Prison Break and a number of films including DOA: Dead or Alive and Taken.

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Disgraced rapper and music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial has come to an end as the prosecution and defence read out their closing statements as the jury deliberates

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ closing statements have been made in his sex trafficking trial. The disgraced rapper, 55, is currently facing a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex ­trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.

His trial started last month after he was arrested in September last year. Combs strongly denies all allegations made against him. He has been in prison since his arrest, and a number of bail requests have been rejected.

On Thursday, the prosecution completed their closing arguments. Today, the defence team delivered theirs, followed by the government’s rebuttal. The case will then go to the jury.

Among them, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said of his client: “He obviously had a drug problem. No question.”

Moving on to one of the government’s two sex-trafficking charges, he said: “The evidence, I think, is overwhelming that Cassie [Ventura] wanted to do this.” He said Ventura and Combs were “validly swingers.”

He then said his client is “the only man in America” being put on trial for making home-made pornography. Agnifilo then joked: “I’m under the impression this is a popular thing nowadays.”

And of Jane Doe’s stance, he said she may now be “regretting that she made a choice” to join in with the freak-offs. He said: ” “Regret is not the same as intent at the time.”

Lead attorney Agnifilo’s said of the transportation for prostitution counts that Combs wasn’t paying men to have sex with his then-girlfriends. Instead, he says the singer was paying them for their time.

And he also argued prosecutors failed to provide enough evidence to prove the racketeering charge against Combs. “Nobody came into this courtroom and said I was a member of an enterprise and let me tell you how it worked,” said Agnifilo.

In his closing argument, Agnifilo pleaded with the jury: “Do the right thing”. “He’s not a racketeer … he’s none of these things,” Agnifilo claimed. “He sits here innocent,” he added as he asked jurors to return Combs, who has been held without bail since his arrest last year, “to his family who have been waiting for him.”

Assistant US attorney Christy Slavik told the court: “Over the last several weeks, you’ve learned a lot about Sean Combs. He’s the leader of a criminal enterprise. He doesn’t take no for an answer. And now you know about many crimes he committed with members of his enterprise.”

She said charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy were supported by proof that over two decades, Combs kidnapped one of his employees, committed arson by trying to blow up a car, engaged in forced labour, bribed a security officer and carried out the “brutal crimes at the heart of this case”.

Prosecutor Slavik said Combs “again and again forced, threatened and manipulated” former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a former girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym Jane into “having sex with escorts for his own entertainment.”

“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” she said. “He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law.” She said Combs “counted on silence and shame” to enable and prolong his abuse.

The prosecutor continued and said Combs used a “small army” of employees to harm women and cover it up. The theory of racketeering law is that “when someone commits crime as part of a group, they’re more powerful and dangerous,” she said.

“The defendant was a powerful man, but he became more powerful and dangerous because of his inner circle, his businesses — the enterprise.” Combs and his inner circle “committed hundreds of racketeering acts,” she said.

As Ms Slavik spoke, Combs sat with his head down and his chair pushed back a few feet from the defence table. He was wearing a light-coloured sweater over a white button-down shirt and khakis.

Defence lawyers have argued that Combs was involved in domestic violence but committed no federal crimes. They built their case for acquittal through lengthy cross-examinations of most of the government’s 34 witnesses.

Some witnesses testified only in response to subpoenas and made it clear to the jury that they didn’t want to be there. Combs’ lawyers contend there was no racketeering conspiracy because none of his employees agreed to be part of any conspiracy.

Judge Arun Subramanian told jurors their deliberation can start next week.

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

After having surgery, Sir David Beckham’s wife Victoria Beckham has since returned home and shared a report on the retired football player. Following earlier reports that he was hospitalized, this comes.

David, 50, is seen in a hospital bed with his arm in a sling, according to Victoria, 51, who shared a photo of him this morning. He broke his wrist more than 20 years ago during a football game, according to reports that he had surgery to fix it.

After her post, Victoria has now suggested that he be returning home from the hospital after the apparent procedure. She shared this evening’s video of David posing in front of their kitchen on Instagram.

At a store with lettuce and cucumbers on top, David is still wearing a sling and bandaging on his arm. As Victoria says in front of the camera, “So this weekend’s vegetable content,” he is seen looking at the produce.

In the clip, Victoria states, “Look – he’s overperforming on the cucumber front.” Before his wife continues to say, “Look at this!,” David appears unimpressed. Then she begins to say, “Are they all from the..?”

Then, David is able to say, “I’m not sure you can say that, darling,” as she is said. However, he is later seen grinning at his wife while holding up one of the cucumbers. As the footage ends, Victoria can be heard laughing.

David’s recovery from an undisclosed health issue was earlier announced by Victoria. He was seen wearing a gown and a sling in a hospital bed, according to her photo. This morning, she wrote, “Get well soon, Daddy.”

Later, she shared a photo that appeared to show him a gift he had been receiving while he was being hospitalized. A bracelet with the words “get well soon” in a message to her husband was featured in the photo.

In her post this morning, Victoria gave no details about why her husband was in a hospital. However, it has since been reported that he recently underwent wrist surgery.

A source informed the Mirror that David had ‘secret’ surgery to repair a broken wrist after learning about the news. Prior to his retirement as a football player, he is said to have suffered the injury during a friendly match against South Africa in 2003.

According to the source, “It had been giving him problems recently, so he wanted to have it fixed.” He was informed at the time that he would soon leave the hospital.

The source also suggested that David “hoped” to arrive in the US in time for Inter Miami’s upcoming game. On Sunday, his team will face his former club Paris Saint-Germain in a match of the FIFA Club World Cup.

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Rod Stewart’s 90-minute set at Worthy Farm on Sunday is said to have cost the rocker £300,000, and he will get another epic Glastonbury Festival performance.

As backstage requests go, it’s usually all about the booze, drugs and girls for most rockers. But not so for Sir Rod Stewart.

Taking to the Pyramid stage on Sunday afternoon at Glastonbury for the coveted Legends slot, the star is adopting a slightly less rock ‘n roll approach. In fact, the 80-year-old is taking his trusted personal trainer with him to Worthy Farm to ensure he is in tip-top shape for the show.

With an estimated 100,000 watching him at Worthy Farm – and millions more on the TV – the rocker knows the stakes are high. Especially so after suffering a bad bout of flu which saw him cancel a string of shows in Las Vegas.

According to insiders, Rod has exerted great effort, with one declaring, “He is fully-fit and ready to go.” It was a no-brainer to have them at the festival because his trainer does amazing things.

The actor went to great lengths to make sure the show runs smoothly. The star has been taking vocal rest to make sure his raspy voice is firing on all cylinders, despite swimming lengths in his pool four times per week.

Rod is a chatterbox, but he knows he needs to preserve what is his most valuable asset, his voice, says our mole. “It’s been quite difficult.

Rod’s entire band has been performing at a secret location this week, according to insiders, and Rod is back at his best. Although Rod has promised to deliver a 90-minute set that includes Maggie May, Sailing, and Downtrain Train, the set list is kept a close knit secret.

Three special guests have been pencilled in with the pick of the bunch being Rolling Stones guitarist and old pal Ronnie Wood for an incredible Faces reunion. Sir Rod – who admits he can’t remember playing the festival last in 2002 – may even pay an emotional tribute to Ukraine during the set.

The singer may perform his 1991 anti-war song Rhythm of My Heart, which features an image of an Ukrainian flag, while also residing among refugees from the country in the UK.

It remains to be seen what makes the cut because Rod is adding the finishing touches to the slightly shorter set than his typical Vegas shows, according to a source.

Wife Penny has been a constant observer of the band’s movements during rehearsals. In fact, Stewart’s entire family is fully immersed in the festival spirit.

Three of Rod’s children, including Ruby and Alastair, 19, are camping while the band, Penny, and the band are staying at a £1000-a-night hotel in Bath. The teenager, who had to purchase his own tickets because Glastonbury doesn’t offer any freebies, appears to be following his father when it comes to getting a knee-up.

On Friday morning, he was spotted partying with friends in the festival’s hedonistic Shangri-La neighborhood until 5am. According to a source, “Rod is quite content to let the kids continue their education and is delighted that they are enjoying the festival.”

However, his children are staying at the ultra-lavish Pop-Up Hotel, which is located just outside the festival gates, rather than having to leave for a tent afterwards. One of its 10-person suites, which includes a restaurant, a pool, a full-size swimming pool, and a helipad, costs just under £30, 000 for the duration of the festival.

Although it’s unknown if Sir Rod is paying the tab for the entire Legends performance, he is already paying an incredible £300,000. This includes private jet travel from the US, as well as the arrival of all of his band, who are also using premium economy.

The set and all the necessary equipment must be transported, too. It’s no wonder he doesn’t even touch the sides with his $120,000 in earnings.

He doesn’t mind, says a source, “but it’s such a prestigious opportunity, and he’s running at a big loss.”

Unlike Neil Young who has banned the BBC from live-streaming his Saturday headline slot, Rod’s set will be live-streamed by the BBC and is a flagship plank of their wall-to-wall coverage. But Neil and Rod will at least have one thing in common other than musical pedigree……model railways.

Rod frequently takes parts of his model railway set on tour with him to practice them, frequently booking additional hotel rooms to place them on a large table. He can at least talk to Saturday night headliner Neil about the subject while he keeps the trains at home this time.

Rod will hope that Neil will attend on Sunday, according to a source. Both of them are train-obsessed.

Rod will receive a massage as well as a static bike to warm his limbs up before the performance as opposed to backstage trains. Rod’s rider typically consists of four bottles of Coca-cola and a large bottle of rum before any performances.

According to a source, “Rod is getting a little more booze this time around, but the intention is to bring the party back to the hotel after that.” However, Rod may continue to be present on the site but there are always chances that he will want to leave.

The performance, which Rod is expected to perform side of the stage while Penny is expected to be there in a number of flamboyant outfits, is expected to feature.

She added, “She is Rod’s biggest fan at the best of times and is just bursting with pride that he will be one of Glastonbury’s biggest draws”

Do you believe I’m attractive? Penny undoubtedly does…