Republican senator makes big election announcement, leaves seat open
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday announced his 2026 run for Alabama governor.
Tuberville, a top Senate supporter and ally of President Donald Trump, launched a campaign website that touts his “conservative Alabama values.”
And the senator made his first appearance after announcing his candidacy on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show.”
The move by the former longtime college football coach – who spent ten years as head coach at Auburn University in Alabama – ended weeks of speculation about his ambitions to run for governor in his homestate.
WHY TOMMY TUBERVILLE IS TAKING AIM AT MAINE’S GOVERNOR
Just a week ago, Fox News confirmed that Tuberville told donors at recent private meetings that he would be launching a gubernatorial campaign.
And a source familiar told Fox News a couple of weeks ago that an endorsement from Trump would be a “done deal” if Tuberville decided to run for governor.
Tuberville, who was elected to the Senate in 2020, is running to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Kay Ivey. And his move sets up an open Senate seat in Alabama in the 2026 midterm elections.
California officials make rule change to girls’ championship amid trans athlete drama
California’s track and field state championship is getting a last-minute tweak in its eligibility rules after President Donald Trump called out a transgender athlete controversy that’s rocking the Golden State.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) provided a statement to Fox News Digital on Tuesday, just hours after Trump sent a Truth Social post threatening to withhold federal funding from the state, announcing the change. The competition will now include biologically female athletes that missed out on qualifying for the competition that may have placed higher were it not for a trans athlete’s participation.
The federation claims it came to the decision at the end of this past weekend’s CIF Masters Qualifiers round, days before Trump’s statement. The statement also refers to the female competitors as “biological female student-athlete.”
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“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law and Education Code. With this in mind, the CIF will be implementing a pilot entry process for the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships,” the statement read.
“Under this pilot entry process, any biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their Section’s automatic qualifying entries in the CIF State meet, and did not achieve the CIF State at-large mark in the finals at their Section meet, was extended an opportunity to participate in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships. The CIF believes this pilot entry process achieves the participation opportunities we seek to afford our student-athletes.”
This change will result in at least two competitors qualifying to compete for the state title after falling just shy of the typical qualification threshold on Saturday. A trans-identified athlete competing as a girl for Jurupa Valley High School took first place in the triple jump and long jump on Saturday.
Trump did not identify the name of the school or athlete involved in the situation in his Truth Social post.
The Jurupa Unified School district has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the president’s recent post.
TEEN GIRLS OPEN UP ON TRANS-ATHLETE SCANDAL THAT TURNED THEIR HIGH SCHOOL INTO CULTURE WAR BATTLEGROUND
“JUSD is required to follow both California law and CIF policy regarding school athletics. Both state law and CIF policy currently require that students be permitted to participate in athletic teams and competitions consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records. We remain committed to following the law as written and ensuring that all students are granted the rights afforded to them in a safe and welcoming environment,” the statement read.
The office for California Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously admitted he thought biological males competing in girls’ sports was “deeply unfair,” praised the CIF’s revised policy in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“CIF’s proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness — a model worth pursuing. The Governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach,” the statement read.
The CIF is already under a federal Title IX investigation by the U.S. Department of Education.
After Trump signed the “No Men’s in Women’s Sports” executive order on Feb. 5, the CIF was one of the first high school sports leagues in the country to announce it would not follow the order, and instead comply with California’s state law.
The CIF came under scrutiny two weeks ago when Fox News Digital reported that CIF officials allegedly made girls’ athletes take off their “Protect Girls Sports” t-shirts at a sectional qualifier. The federation acknowledged the incident to Fox News Digital.
“Per the CIF Southern Section Playoff Bulletin, all athletes must be dressed in proper, school issued, track uniforms. The student-athletes were asked to comply with this while in the on-field event area, as they were wearing said shirts over their school-issued uniform,” the CIF said in a statement at the time.
The U.S. Department of Education then sent a warning to the state over the situation via an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital on May 15 ahead of the Jurupa Valley’s trans athlete competing in the sectional final.
TRUMP THREATENS TO PULL FEDERAL FUNDING FROM CALIFORNIA OVER TRANS ATHLETE CONTROVERSY AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
“CIF’s and Jurupa Valley High School’s apparent flouting of federal civil rights law by allowing a male athlete to compete in a female California track and field [Southern Sectional Division 3 Final] this Saturday, and the alleged retaliation against the girls who are protesting this, is indefensible,” Julie Hartman, a Department of Education spokeswoman, told Fox News Digital.
“We will not allow institutions to trample upon women’s civil rights. OCR’s investigation into CIF continues with vigor.”
After losing to the trans athlete in long jump at the sectional final, La Canada High School’s Katie McGuiness urged the CIF to quickly change its policy during an interview on Fox News’ “America Reports.”
“I have nothing against this athlete as a person and I have nothing against the trans community,” McGuiness said. “My message today is really specifically to CIF and for them to act quickly and in a timely manner, because this is a really time-sensitive issue.”
Trans athletes have been allowed to compete as women and girls since 2014, when a law called AB 1266 went into effect, after passing in 2013.
The law has enabled several controversial incidents involving trans athletes in girls’ and women’s sports in the state over the last year.
These include the San Jose State women’s volleyball scandal that prompted a lawsuit against the school and state for restoring biological male Blaire Fleming without informing the rest of the female players, and a lawsuit against the Riverside Unified School District for giving a girls’ cross-country roster spot to a trans athlete while scolding students for wearing “Save Girls Sports” t-shirts.
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Meanwhile, Trump and his administration have put most of their attention involving countering the trans-athlete wave into Maine. A Department of Justice lawsuit against Governor Janet Mills, multiple temporary funding pauses and a Supreme Court case involving state lawmaker Laurel Libby being censured for calling out a minor trans athlete who won a girls’ pole vault competition in February, has rocked the New England state for months.
But now, Trump has turned his eye to California, and the CIF is already working on accommodations to the backlash in the midst of its current spring track championship controversy.
Trump issues direct warning to Putin amid verbal volleys over Russia-Ukraine conflict
President Donald Trump asserted on Tuesday that many “bad things” would have befallen Russia if it were not for him, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire!”
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!” Trump declared in the Truth Social post.
The tweet was responded to by Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia and former Russian president, in another social media post on Tuesday.
“Regarding Trump’s words about Putin ‘playing with fire’ and ‘really bad things’ happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!” Medvedev wrote.
PRO-UKRAINE REPUBLICAN AGREES WITH TRUMP ON ‘CRAZY’ PUTIN, URGES ‘SECONDARY SANCTIONS & ARMS SUPPORT NOW’
Trump, who has unsuccessfully been aiming to help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, unloaded on both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a Sunday Truth Social post.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” Trump declared in the first part of that post.
But Trump’s tough talk was not reserved only for the Russian figure — he also criticized Zelenskyy.
GOP LAWMAKER BLASTS ‘DUMB’ TRUMP COMMENT ON ZELENSKYY DESPITE ‘PERFECT’ CRITICISM OF PUTIN
“Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,” Trump declared of the Ukrainian president.
Trump has so far failed to achieve his goal of seeing the bloodshed end.
In a tweet on Monday, Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian “air defense forces and rescuers were working all night,” noting that Russia’s “army launched the largest number of drones against our cities and communities since the beginning of the full-scale war — 355 attack UAVs, mostly ‘Shaheds.’ There were also 9 cruise missiles,” he noted.
PUTIN REJECTS TRUMP’S VATICAN PUSH AS KREMLIN ACCUSES HIM OF BEING ‘EMOTIONAL’: ENVOY KELLOGG
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“Like any criminal, Russia can only be constrained by force. Only through strength — the strength of the United States, of Europe, of all nations that value life — can these attacks be stopped and real peace achieved,” Zelenskyy declared in the post.
State Department warns Americans of terror threat in popular European vacation spot
As summer approaches and many Americans plan to jet-set across the country and world on vacation, the U.S. Department of State is warning travelers to take caution while visiting a popular destination.
On May 23, the department reissued a level 2 travel advisory for travel to Italy, urging travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to “terrorism.”
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,” the warning read.
The advisory warns that terrorists “may attack with little or no warning” and encourages Americans to be aware of common targets, including tourist spots, transportation centers, shopping malls and markets, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sports and cultural events, schools, airports and public areas.
STATE DEPT UPGRADES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR EL SALVADOR, CONSIDERED SAFER THAN FRANCE, OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
The travel advisory also emphasized the importance of “staying alert in tourist spots” and “to check local media for breaking news.”
“Be prepared to adjust your plans and prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations,” the advisory read.
The department is also encouraging travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy, stating it “makes it easier to locate you in an emergency.”
US WARNS AMERICAN TRAVELERS ABOUT CARIBBEAN ISLAND’S INCREASED DANGER OF ‘TERRORISM AND KIDNAPPING’
The warning comes as concerns over potential attacks in popular tourist destinations and public areas heighten in Italy, which remains one of the top European destinations for American tourists.
In May, the State Department issued travel advisories for 21 countries worldwide, ranging from the lowest level 1, which alerts travelers to “Exercise Normal Precautions,” to the highest advisory at level 4, which means “Do Not Travel.”
Italy has been under a level 2 advisory since April 2022, according to the State Department.
France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom also currently have level 2 advisories from the State Department.
FBI ISSUES SPRING BREAK TRAVEL WARNING AFTER AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT’S DISAPPEARANCE
The State Department said they review travel advisories on a regular basis and would update alerts “any time conditions change substantially.”
Level 1 and 2 advisories are reviewed every 12 months, while levels 3 and 4 are reviewed at least every six months, the department added.
A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that there is “no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.”
“We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “The Department of State routinely updates our Travel Advisories and destination information pages based on a comprehensive review of all available safety information and ongoing developments.”
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Italy is considered one of the world’s most culturally important countries and is home to 54 World Heritage Sites, the most in the world. Italy’s political system is also traditionally volatile, and, as of 2018, saw a populist coalition rise to power.
‘Pompous’ CBS News anchor ripped for anti-Trump commencement speech
Prominent conservative social media users tore into “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley for slamming President Donald Trump during a recent commencement speech.
After the CBS News reporter accused the Trump administration of attacking journalists and universities and creating a spirit of fear for “truth seekers” in the country during his address to Wake Forest University graduates earlier this month, conservatives took to X to blast the “pompous” media figure.
“Pompous CBS journalist Scott Pelley closed his commencement address at Wake Forest by telling graduates they ‘are the fierce defenders of democracy, the seekers of truth,’ and ‘the vanguard against ignorance’ that’s taken over the country (i.e. Trump),” the Media Research Center’s Curtis Houck wrote.
CBS NEWS CEO WENDY MCMAHON ABRUPTLY RESIGNS, CITES DISAGREEMENT WITH COMPANY AMID ‘CHALLENGING’ PERIOD
During his fiery speech last week, the CBS journalist painted a dark picture of the Trump agenda.
“Why attack universities? Why attack journalism? Because ignorance works for power,” Pelley said. “First, make the truth seekers live in fear, sue the journalists and their companies for nothing. Then, send masked agents to abduct a college student who wrote an editorial in her college paper defending Palestinian rights and send her to a prison in Louisiana charged with nothing. Then move to destroy the law firms that stand up for the rights of others.”
He continued, stating, “With that done, power can rewrite history with grotesque false narratives. They can make criminals heroes and heroes criminals. Power can change the definition of the words we use to describe reality. Diversity is now described as illegal. Equity is to be shunned. Inclusion is a dirty word. This is an old playbook, my friends. There’s nothing new in this.”
Pelley then urged the graduates to speak up against the censorship and fear he said is being fostered by the administration.
“In this moment, this moment, this morning, our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack. And insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts, the fear to speak in America. If our government is, in Lincoln’s phrase, ‘Of the people, by the people, for the people,’ then why are we afraid to speak?”
PARAMOUNT FACING MOUNTING PRESSURE FROM CBS STARS, DEM LAWMAKERS AS COMPANY MULLS SETTLING TRUMP LAWSUIT
Pelley’s words come as the Trump administration has sought to withhold federal grants from Harvard and other prestigious universities for allegedly promoting left-wing policies and failing to crack down on antisemitism on campus.
The president is also in the middle of a lawsuit against Pelley’s employer, CBS, alleging that the network deceptively edited a 2024 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris shortly before the presidential election.
Conservatives on X weren’t buying Pelley’s assessment of Trump.
Comedian Adam Carolla wrote on X, “TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] hits narcissist especially hard.”
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Moms For Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice mentioned an interview she had with Pelley to show evidence of his left-wing bias.
She wrote, “I read porn from public school library books to @ScottPelley, who listened with his glasses tucked between his lips. He edited out that part of the @60Minutes interview to make our concerns seem unfounded. Scott is a liar and fraud.”
Former Trump senior advisor Jason Miller commented, “OK @ScottPelley @CBSNews @ParamountGCD… we see you.”
Bill Clinton sexual assault accuser Juanita Broaddrick remarked, “What a pompous POS.”
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CBS did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Texas authorities capture two escaped New Orleans inmates after high-speed chase
Texas authorities released video showing the pursuit and arrest of two New Orleans jail inmates who escaped on May 16.
Both Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested on Monday following a high-speed chase that ended in Walker County, Texas, according to the Louisiana State Police. Donald and Tate were arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety in an operation that included several law enforcement agencies.
Video released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shows the suspects’ vehicle going in the wrong direction before eventually being stopped by law enforcement officials.
Body-camera video shows one of the men being pulled out of the SUV’s passenger window by Texas authorities, when he was then re-arrested. The other inmate was pulled out of the car through the passenger door.
MAN ESCAPES LOUISIANA JAIL FOR 2ND TIME AS SEPARATE MANHUNT FOR NEW ORLEANS INMATES CONTINUES
“Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested on May 26th after leading law enforcement officers from several agencies on a high-speed chase through the Huntsville area,” the Huntsville, Texas Police Department wrote on Facebook. “The pursuit ended near US 190 and Geneva, where both subjects were taken into custody.”
WATCH: Texas authorities release dashcam video of inmates’ arrest
Tate and Donald escaped the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 16 along with eight other inmates at the facility.
SIXTH FUGITIVE FROM NEW ORLEANS JAILBREAK CAPTURED IN BATON ROUGE
Donald was initially charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice. Tate was charged with simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, motor vehicle theft and multiple drug counts.
Lenton Vanburen, who also escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, was also arrested on Monday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
According to WDSU, Daishanae Massey was arrested on Tuesday and booked on a charge of accessory after the fact. Fourteen people have been arrested for allegedly helping the inmates who escaped. Massey is accused of helping Antoine Massey, according to officials.
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Two men who escaped the facility are still at large:
- Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation.
- Derrick Groves, 27, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and battery of a correctional facility employee.
Lawmaker furious after being denied access to deported suspected gang member
A Maryland congressman has returned to the U.S. from El Salvador having failed in his attempt to meet deported illegal migrant and suspected MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Rep. Glenn Ivey said he was “stonewalled” in his efforts to check on the welfare of Abrego Garcia, whose deportation in March has become a deeply polarizing issue for Republicans and Democrats. The Trump administration accuses Abrego Garcia of also being a human trafficker and a wife beater, while Democrats say he is a “Maryland man” who was not given his due process in court before being deported.
“I was very, not just disappointed, but angry, actually,” Ivey told reporters after returning from his trip Tuesday morning.
DEM IMMIGRATION TALKING POINTS FIZZLE AS DARK PICTURE OF ABREGO GARCIA EMERGES
Ivey, who said he did not use taxpayer money to fund his trip, said he had arranged with embassies in the U.S. and in El Salvador to meet Abrego Garcia in prison but was met with bureaucratic hurdles when he got there. Ivey said he was told he had to obtain a permit at a location 90 minutes away, which blocked his plans.
“And I won’t tell you what I said, but I mean, it’s ridiculous that an international delegation would get that kind of treatment, especially when we’re making this kind of request,” Ivey said.
WATCH: Democrat Rep. Glenn Ivey fumes he was not allowed access to Kilmar Abrego Garcia
He didn’t say if he attempted to get a permit but added that locals also told them no one—not even families—were getting permits to visit loved ones in detention.
“It was a clear run around and not a way that a foreign government should be treating the Congress of the United States,” he said.
Ivey said he wanted to see Abrego Garcia to confirm the detainee’s condition, location and ensure he receives due process in U.S. courts. Several other Democrats, including Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, have rushed to meet with Abrego Garcia and decried what they said was a lack of due process extended to him.
WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BLUNTLY SHOWS WHERE PARTIES STAND ON IMMIGRATION AMID ABREGO GARCIA DEPORTATION
When asked about Abrego Garcia’s condition, Ivey told reporters, “Nothing’s been confirmed along those lines. We believe he is and we believe he’s at Santa Ana. But they didn’t confirm that yesterday. So it was kind of a runaround.”
In a video posted to X on Monday, Ivey wrote that he traveled to the Central American country to visit his “constituent” and called on the government there to “cut the crap.”
Abrego Garcia was sent in March to El Salvador’s notoriously high-security prison equipped to handle violent gang members, known as CECOT, which sparked Van Hollen to lead the surge of Democrats traveling there. The Trump administration has repeatedly cited court and police documents showing that the El Salvadoran man was not only in the U.S. illegally, but also connected to the MS-13 gang and that his wife had sounded the alarm to police about his violence.
Court records show Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, filed a protective order against her husband in August 2020. The order said their shared son and stepchildren needed protection from Abrego Garcia, accusing him of verbal and physical abuse against her and mental abuse against her children.
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Some Democrats and left-wing media have characterized Abrego Garcia as a “family man” who was wrongly deported back in March and the following weeks.
Ivey, meanwhile, also railed over what he said were more than 250 Venezuelans jailed in El Salvador after deportation from the U.S., claiming that around 50 of them have no criminal records and were sent to a country where they have no pending offenses.
“That’s un-American. That’s not what we should be doing,” Ivey said.
Diddy’s ex-assistant extremely emotional as she recalls begging rapper to forgive her
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-assistant became emotional as she recalled begging the rapper for forgiveness.
The jury was shown an email between Capricorn and someone else about her treatment at work. Soon after this email, Capricorn was allegedly terminated.
Capricorn admitted she may have asked Combs to forgive her because she wanted her life back. The jury was shown an email sent from Capricorn to Diddy on Sep 3, 2014. Capricorn wrote, “Hopefully you’ll forgive me soon. It’s been long enough.”
Another email from Capricorn to Combs dated Jan 2015 was shown to the jury. Capricorn wrote, “Sending blessings and love…”
In an email from February 2015, she wrote, “Your grace period to be mad at me has long been exceeded.”
Capricorn read another email and began to cry on the stand. She claimed she was asking for Combs to forgive her and that she felt Cassie wanted her gone. Capricorn said through tears, “I felt that I was…really looking out for him…and that email is me pleading, like dude, let it go.”
“In retrospect, I was the only one gone and she was still there…” Capricorn explained her job was to keep it professional and keep the goal, which was to be successful and inspire people. She continued to cry and Judge Arun Subramanian asked if she was okay.
Capricorn explained that Diddy did what Cassie wanted and claimed Cassie wanted her out. She admitted that hurt, “that was my whole life…I have no parents…my son has autism…stakes are higher.”
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asked if despite everything, Capricorn worked really hard. She responded, “Yes, sir.”
Capricorn was the only witness to take the stand Tuesday.
She told the jury that Diddy allegedly threatened to kill her for not disclosing her previous employment with Suge Knight. Before she began working for Diddy’s label Bad Boy, Capricorn had worked for Death Row Records.
She also testified about what it was like working for the disgraced music mogul. At one point, she was accused of stealing jewelry and was allegedly forced to take multiple lie detector tests over a span of five days.
The jury heard again about Diddy’s alleged threat to kill Kid Cudi after finding out the rapper was dating Cassie Ventura. Capricorn claimed Diddy kidnapped her and forced the former assistant to go with him to Cudi’s home.
The prosecution said they expect to call four witnesses on Wednesday, including another of Diddy’s alleged victims.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark testified Tuesday that she wanted someone to know she was at Kid Cudi’s house with Sean “Diddy” Combs in case it “all went really bad.”
Capricorn previously claimed Diddy forced her to go with him to Kid Cudi’s home in 2011 after he allegedly threatened to kill the rapper.
Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked the former assistant if she remembered telling the government she was on a three-way call when she called Cassie outside of Kid Cudi’s home. Capricorn said that is incorrect.
Capricorn claimed Lauren London was not on the phone with Cassie. Capricorn said through tears that she had called London first because “she was the only one who was sort of in our orbit…and I wanted someone to know where I was in case this all went really bad…I needed someone to be aware…” Capricorn was crying on the stand as she said this. According to Capricorn, she told London she wanted to run, but was afraid of the mountain lions.
Capricorn then paused and said it’s possible that London was on the phone with Capricorn when she called Cassie. Capricorn explained it was so long ago and she can’t really remember.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant, was asked about the time she went with the rapper to Kid Cudi’s house.
During cross-examination, Marc Agnifilo asked Capricorn if she remembered telling Diddy that she was going with him so he “wouldn’t do something stupid” at Cudi’s house. She couldn’t recall, and claimed once again that she was forced to accompany Diddy.
Capricorn told Agnifilo that Diddy allegedly had a very bad temper, but she insisted she still didn’t want to go.
Earlier in the day, Capricorn testified she remembered when the Bad Boy Records founder discovered Cassie was dating Kid Cudi.
According to Capricorn, Diddy was “very upset” and “pacing.” “He was furious, that was evident,” Capricorn told the jury.
She said it looked like he had something in his hand. Capricorn opened the door because he was upset and part of her job was to make sure the brand and likeness was okay. She described Combs as wearing gray slacks, split open at the crotch, furious, holding a gun, saying, “Why didn’t you tell me?…Who’s Scott?” Kid Cudi’s real name is Scott Mescudi. Diddy allegedly told Capricorn, “Get dressed. We’re going to kill this n—-.”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
During Capricorn Clark’s cross-examination, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense asked about what happened once the two arrived at Kid Cudi’s home.
Capricorn claimed their backs were to her and said that she was not engaged to how they were getting into Kid Cudi’s
home. Instead, Capricorn testified that she was looking for an opportunity to use the phone. She said she was “praying that Cudi wasn’t inside there.”
Capricorn testified that she could see into the front door of the home, but nothing further.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Former New York Police Department inspector Paul Mauro said the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial will likely “get worse before it gets better.”
During an appearance on “Outnumbered,” Mauro discussed the various charges Diddy faces as the second week of testimony continues in his federal sex crimes trial.
Mauro said focus on the racketeering charge was important.
“That means it was organizational, but he’s the only one charged, which means the other people in the organization have likely been flipped against him and they’re going to testify on what they saw and heard,” Mauro said.
Regarding the March 2024 raids on Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami, Mauro noted, “They got film, so who knows what’s on film, who knows who else is on those films. This guy’s orbit was poisonous.”
Capricorn Clark’s cross-examination turned back to the night Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly kidnapped her and forced the former assistant to go with him to Kid Cudi’s home.
Diddy allegedly showed up at Capricorn’s door around 6am after the music mogul found out Cassie had been romantically involved with Kid Cudi.
Capricorn explained that Diddy came to the gate, “livid as h—,” and demanded to be let into her apartment building. She said the security guard was fired after that.
Capricorn testified that Combs was “furious,” seemingly on “another level of fury.” She also confirmed he had a gun in his hand. Capricorn clarified she never told the government the gun was pointed at her. She claimed she said at multiple meetings that Combs did not point the gun at her.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant, testified she believed Cassie and the rapper were together when the singer-songwriter began “getting to know” Kid Cudi.
Capricorn claimed she was never made aware that Cassie and Kid Cudi were in a relationship. She said she learned Cassie was “getting to know” Kid Cudi around Thanksgiving in 2011.
Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked if Capricorn believed Cassie and Combs were together at the time. Capricorn said “yes.”
Capricorn claimed she knew Cassie spent the night with Kid Cudi one time.
Agnifilo asked where Capricorn got the idea for the burner phone. Capricorn said she couldn’t answer that, but did tell the defense lawyer, “because I’m smart.” According to Capricorn, Cassie paid for the burner phone.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former employee, claimed Cassie was not a live performer like Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey.
Capricorn told the jury Tuesday that Cassie was talented, but was more of a studio artist and less of a live performer. She explained Cassie was not like Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey.
Diddy’s defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asked about Cassie’s live performances. Capricorn admitted they weren’t great. She said part of it was because Cassie did not have a lot of experience. After 2016, Cassie’s drug-use allegedly prevented her from opportunities.
Capricorn testified that Cassie was a hard worker in the studio. The former assistant claimed she was enthusiastic and would give input. According to Capricorn, Cassie was a hard worker from 2007 until 2010. Capricorn claimed she saw a downgrade in Cassie after 2009 following the move to Los Angeles.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-assistant, Capricorn Clark, admitted she didn’t always get along with the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
During cross-examination Tuesday, Capricorn claimed she developed issues with Cassie around 2008 after the singer-songwriter started dating Combs. According to Capricorn, Cassie’s expectation level increased. Cassie allegedly went from being “a sweet model” to a “spicy girlfriend.”
Capricorn previously testified that she eventually worked as Cassie’s creative director from 2016 until 2018.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
After coming back from the lunch break, Judge Arun Subramanian appeared annoyed while discussing pending issues with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense and the prosecution.
The government objected to some exhibits the defense plans to enter into evidence during Capricorn Clark’s cross-examination, specifically related to communications between Cassie and Diddy’s former assistant. The prosecution claimed these items are hearsay.
The defense argued the exhibits are not being offered for the truth.
Judge Subramanian said they will be handled on a case by case basis. The judge appeared a little annoyed as he told both parties that going forward, he wants letters on issues the night before so they can be addressed before the jury arrives in the morning.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mom, Janice Combs, showed support Tuesday in her son’s federal trial for sex crimes.
Janice was pictured arriving outside the Daniel Moynihan United States Courthouse on the 10th day of testimony.
She’s publicly defended the disgraced music mogul, and claimed in an October statement provided to Fox News Digital that her son is “not the monster they have painted him to be.”
“It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies,” Janice wrote. “To bear witness what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words. Like every human being, my son deserves to have his day in court, to finally share his side, and to prove his innocence.”
The rapper’s children have been supportive of Diddy since his arrest in September 2024.
“The past month has devastated our family,” they wrote in a joint post in October. “Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant testified Tuesday that she never told human resources about allegedly being kidnapped over stolen jewelry.
When the jewelry went missing, Capricorn Clark allegedly called the office and told them to search everyone because the bag had gone missing from the office.
She claimed to have undergone a lie detector test with Diddy’s stylist, Mike B, after this incident. The testing allegedly lasted over five days. Capricorn said she complained to Uncle Paulie, but no one else. She never called HR to say she was being kidnapped, and continued working for the company.
The former assistant claimed earlier in her testimony that she was first taken to a building and locked inside a room for the tests.
Capricorn said she did not attempt to leave the building because it was “the opposite of what [she] was there to do. [She] was there to prove [her] innocence.”
Diddy’s security eventually took her home and then brought her back to take lie detector tests the next day.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-assistant became emotional while testifying about her job working for the now-disgraced music mogul.
Capricorn Clark testified that she previously worked for Drive and got two #1 albums, including one for R. Kelly
. Diddy was allegedly “impressed” and offered Capricorn a job at one of his companies.
She started to get choked up as the former assistant claimed she was a very good employee for a long time. According to Capricorn, working for Diddy was “another form of business school if I could make it through…” Through tears, Capricorn said despite everything, the rapper was smart and tenacious. She “wanted to break a glass ceiling…”
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
50 Cent poked fun at the mention of himself during Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial.
The rapper was brought up while Diddy’s former assistant Capricorn Clark was testifying.
“Cut, CUT,” 50 Cent wrote in his caption on Instagram. “Wait a minute PUFFY’s got a gun, I can’t believe this I don’t feel safe.” He included a sad face emoji followed by “LOL.”
Clark testified about an incident where she observed Diddy with a gun.
She claimed once at MTV, the now disgraced music mogul was doing press. Afterwards, Capricorn claimed she and Diddy got into an elevator. There was allegedly some issue with 50 Cent at the time. Capricorn recalled Combs explaining he didn’t like issues, “I like guns.” She told the jury Diddy was serious when he said this.
Fox News Digital reached out to a representative for 50 Cent for additional comment.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark testified Tuesday against her former boss, Sean “Diddy” Combs, in his federal trial for sex crimes.
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo,
questioned Capricorn about her working relationship with the “Last Night” rapper. His former assistant claimed she worked for Diddy from 2004-12.
On the stand, Agnifilo asked Capricorn if she remembered sending Diddy a text saying she had a crush on him. She claimed she didn’t recall sending the communication.
A text from June 2021 was entered as evidence, showing a text exchange between Capricorn and Cassie Ventura. In the text, Capricorn allegedly claimed she had a crush on Diddy.
Capricorn testified that she didn’t remember the text, but admitted she was reaching out to him at the time to talk to him.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
During cross-examination, Capricorn Clark confirmed she told Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense that the rapper wouldn’t be in this mess if she’d continued working for him.
Capricorn confirmed she met with Diddy’s defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, on April 10, 2024. She had her lawyer, Bryan Freedman, and a friend with her for the meeting.
Capricorn claimed they discussed her coming back as Diddy’s chief of staff. She admitted that during the meeting she probably said the rapper wouldn’t be in this mess if she had stayed around.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark, a former assistant of Sean “Diddy” Combs
, testified that she told the president of Bad Boy that the rapper kidnapped her.
Capricorn claimed that in March 2012 she told Harve Pierre that Combs kidnapped her to go try to kill Kid Cudi and beat up Cassie Ventura all on the same day. According to Capricorn, Pierre responded that it was crazy and everything would be okay.
A few months later, Capricorn claimed she was terminated from her employment. She said she was accused of not properly putting in her vacation.
Capricorn returned to work for Diddy in 2016 because she “wanted to try and get [her] life back.” She claimed she had not been able to get work previously. At the time, she became Cassie’s creative director. Diddy was her boss and allegedly approved all of Cassie’s projects.
Fox News Digital reached out to Harve Pierre for comment.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant claimed she witnessed the rapper kick his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura with “full force.”
The jury was shown a photo of Diddy’s rental home in Los Angeles where the rapper was living in 2011. Capricorn claimed she and Cassie went to Diddy’s home. He was allegedly wearing underwear and a robe “and immediately began kicking Cassie…100 percent full force…he kept kicking her, never using his hands.”
“Each kick she would crouch into more and more of a fetal position,” Capricorn told the jury. Combs allegedly kicked Cassie all the way to the street. Cassie was “crying silently” as Combs was kicking her on her back and backside, according to Capricorn.
“If I jump in, he was going to f— me up too,” Capricorn claimed Diddy told her. Getting emotional, Capricorn said she had never seen that.
According to Capricorn, Diddy’s security guard did “absolutely nothing” to intervene. Capricorn called D-Roc to have someone intervene. She said she told D-Roc that Diddy “was kicking the s— outta Cassie.” Capricorn testified that she also called Uncle Paulie who said he would handle it.
Capricorn said Combs told her to “get the f— outta this house” on foot. She was crying on the stand as she said this. As she was walking away, Capricorn claimed Diddy was still kicking Cassie.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant claimed the rapper took her to Kid Cudi’s house to allegedly kill the rapper.
Capricorn Clark recalled the 2011 early morning when Diddy found out Cassie and Kid Cudi had been dating while testifying Tuesday.
According to Capricorn, Diddy’s security guard drove the two to Kid Cudi’s home in Hollywood Hills in the early morning hours of Dec. 22, 2011. Capricorn said she got into the back seat, next to Diddy. The rapper would usually sit in the front, according to the former personal assistant. Diddy allegedly had a gun in his lap.
Capricorn claimed she was not able to leave the car. There was no conversation about being able to leave.
Capricorn testified that she was unaware if Cudi was home. She stayed in the car while Combs and his security guard went inside. She claimed she saw them “fitz around” to gain access. While in the car, Capricorn called Cassie on the burner phone. She said, “Cassie what the f—” and told Cassie that “Puff” got her “with a gun and brought me to Cudi’s house to kill him.”
While speaking with Cassie, she heard yelling in the background. It was Cudi. Capricorn told Cassie to stop Cudi because he was going to get himself killed.
Diddy asked who Capricorn was speaking with. He allegedly took the ex-assistant’s phone and called the number back. Capricorn claimed Combs was furious.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark recalled Sean “Diddy” Combs
finding out about Cassie Ventura’s relationship with rapper Kid Cudi in 2011.
On Dec. 22, 2011, Capricorn claimed she saw Combs around 5:30am. The former assistant testified she heard a loud banging “like metal on metal” on her door. She saw Combs through the peep hole. According to Capricorn, Diddy was “very upset” and “pacing.” “He was furious, that was evident,” Capricorn told the jury.
She said it looked like he had something in his hand. Capricorn opened the door because he was upset and part of her job was to make sure the brand and likeness was okay. She described Combs as wearing gray slacks, split open at the crotch, furious, holding a gun, saying, “Why didn’t you tell me?…Who’s Scott?” Kid Cudi’s real name is Scott Mescudi
. Diddy allegedly told Capricorn, “Get dressed. We’re going to kill this n—-.”
Capricorn said she told Combs she didn’t want to go, but the rapper demanded she get dressed. She testified that he was “livid, furious, maddening.” “I had never seen anything like this before…I had never seen him with a weapon. I had never seen him making me do something,” she told the jury.
“The way he was acting, I just felt like anything could happen…” Capricorn said she got dressed and went with Combs.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark testified that Sean “Diddy” Combs became violent with her in 2006.
Capricorn said she observed fighting while employed for Diddy. He would allegedly throw phones “often” when he was upset.
According to Capricorn, Diddy became violent with her in the summer of 2006 at his home in Miami. He allegedly told Capricorn no matter what happened, she was not to leave the house. She was then told to bring another producer to Palm Island. She stayed for about one hour before getting a call from Diddy who asked, “where the f— are you?” When she returned to his Miami home, he allegedly told her that her problem was she wanted a life and couldn’t have one.
The next day, Capricorn went to get breakfast and told the chef “I hate it here.” The chef allegedly told Diddy. “[The rapper] charged me…he ran towards me…started pushing…” Capricorn testified. He allegedly pushed the former assistant 25-30 yards.
She recalled Diddy telling her if she hated it there, to get out. He pushed using 75% of his strength, Capricorn testified. Diddy’s security intervened and told Combs to stop, instructing Capricorn to leave. She said she left her employment because it pushed her boundaries.
Capricorn became choked up again during this part of her testimony.
Capricorn explained she returned a few years later, but worked for Sean John. She did not want to work directly for Combs in his home.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant, testified that the rapper tasked her with getting drugs for him.
Capricorn testified that she used ecstasy and MDMA
once a week while working for Diddy. She claimed her drug usage later increased.
“It was the most contained when I was his assistant,” she told the jury.
According to Capricorn, she had to personally get Combs ecstasy “not more than 10 times.” She claimed Combs would give drugs to girlfriends and friends.
She recalled Diddy asking her to get cocaine in the summer of 2006 while they were in the South of France. Capricorn said she didn’t want to add it to the list of things because it was how her mother died. She asked who it was for and Diddy allegedly replied, “not me n—-.” Capricorn asked the Spanish security guards to get the cocaine.
Capricorn testified that Combs would also take prescription drugs. She explained the prescriptions were sometimes in her name because the rapper had allegedly exceeded the amount of controlled substances he could obtain in his name.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-assistant claimed she developed a stress-induced condition while working for the disgraced music mogul.
Capricorn Clark testified that while working for Diddy, she would work from 9am until 4am the next morning. According to Capricorn, she did whatever Diddy wanted and if she failed, she would lose her job. She allegedly did not get any breaks. Capricorn testified to getting two to four hours of sleep.
Capricorn claimed she developed Alopecia, a stress-induced condition that creates bald spots. She sought medical treatment and was told to “calm down.”
Capricorn testified she was paid $65K. She recalled sitting down with HR to discuss overtime pay as she was owed $85K. The ex-assistant claimed Combs “ripped up the paper” and Capricorn was not paid.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant claimed she was forced to take lie detector tests for five days after being accused of stealing high-end jewelry.
Capricorn Clark testified that she was first taken to a building and locked inside a room for the tests. The ex-assistant said she did not attempt to leave the building because it was “the opposite of what [she] was there to do. [She] was there to prove [her] innocence.” Diddy’s security
eventually took her home and then brought her back to take lie detector tests the next day.
Capricorn claimed she took lie detector tests for five days. “I wanted to prove my innocence. I didn’t like the threats,” she testified.
Capricorn, getting choked up again, said she felt taking the lie detector tests was the only way to prove she had nothing to do with stealing the jewelry. She claimed she did not report this to law enforcement. She also revealed she had signed an NDA. However, the jury was told to disregard the comment.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Capricorn Clark became emotional while testifying in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial Tuesday.
Capricorn told the jury she was accused of stealing three pieces of high end jewelry on loan to Diddy. She claimed she did not steal it. According to Diddy’s former assistant, the jewelry was in her possession on a plane trip to Miami. She realized it was missing on the way to Teterboro. After the jewelry went missing, Capricorn was allegedly instructed to stay behind in New York.
Capricorn claimed Diddy’s security brought her to this building and they were locked in. She recalled there was a “heavyset” gentleman who was “chain smoking cigarettes” and drinking coffee. While she was locked in the room, Uncle Paulie would allegedly leave and return intermittently.
Capricorn testified she was told by the man that she was brought to the building to take a lie detector test. The former assistant claimed she was told she would be thrown into the East River if she failed the test. Capricorn claimed the “heavyset” man was very serious. Capricorn told the jury, “I was petrified.”
The ex-assistant began to get choked up on the stand. Capricorn explained she did not want to take the test because she was afraid of what would happen if she didn’t pass. She was asked if she stole the jewelry, if she came up with a plan to steal the jewelry. The results of the test were “inconclusive.”
Capricorn said the man told her he wasn’t getting a good reading and instructed her to calm down. He allegedly threatened her again saying if she didn’t calm down, she was going to end up in the East River. Capricorn testified that she couldn’t calm down. The man intermittently administered lie detector tests throughout the day.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former assistant’s testimony mentioned rapper 50 Cent.
Capricorn Clark testified about an incident where she observed Diddy with a gun.
She claimed once at MTV, the now disgraced music mogul was doing press. Afterwards, Capricorn claimed she and Diddy got into an elevator. There was allegedly some issue with 50 Cent at the time.
Capricorn recalled Combs explaining he didn’t like issues, “I like guns.” She told the jury Diddy was serious when he said this.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’
sex-trafficking trial resumed Tuesday with the rapper’s former executive assistant, Capricorn Clark.
Clark worked for Diddy from 2004 until 2012 when her employment was terminated. Before working for Bad Boy, Clark worked for Death Row Records – managed by Suge Knight.
After meeting Combs in 2002, Clark testified the two began a “super platonic” friendship.
Capricorn worked as the rapper’s personal assistant from 2004 until 2006. She said she briefly left in 2006, but returned in 2007 as director of marketing for Sean John. She eventually worked as Cassie Ventura’s creative director from 2016 until 2018.On her first day working for Diddy, Capricorn testified that he took her to Central Park. They were joined by Diddy’s security, Uncle Paulie, and went after dark. Clark described Uncle Paulie as looking like a linebacker and wearing blackout sunglasses 100% of the time. She testified that Combs didn’t know Capricorn had anything to do with Suge Knight and “if anything happened, he would have to kill me.”
Capricorn testified that Diddy’s demeanor was “calm” when he made the alleged threat. She perceived this as “very serious.” According to Capricorn, Uncle Paulie didn’t say anything, but was nearby and “stoic.”
The former assistant claimed she said, “we’ll just have to see.”
Capricorn told the jury she stayed because she felt she could have been more transparent, but acknowledged this wasn’t the last time Diddy threatened her.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team wants some of Kid Cudi’s testimony thrown out.
Kid Cudi testified Thursday that he believed Diddy was involved in a 2011 car fire that left the rapper’s Porche damaged beyond repair. The “Pursuit of Happiness” singer admitted there was no proof of Combs’ involvement and acknowledged that Diddy denied he was connected.
Kid Cudi told the jury he still believed Diddy had been involved in the car fire after finding out about Cassie’s relationship with Cudi.
“Scott Mescudi’s opinion that Mr. Combs was ‘lying’ about his Porsche was erroneously admitted and should be stricken from the record,” Diddy’s legal team wrote in a letter filed Monday to Judge Arun Subramanian.
“That testimony was highly improper, and the objection should have been sustained,” the letter, obtained by Fox news Digital, continued. “A witness generally cannot testify that in his opinion, a declarant was lying when making a statement.”
“Here, Mescudi admitted he had no personal knowledge ‘that anybody affiliated with Mr. Combs was on or around [his] property at the time of the damage to [his] vehicle.’ His testimony that Combs was lying was therefore mere speculation that does not satisfy Rule 701.”
During the first two weeks of testimony in the federal trial for sex trafficking against Sean “Diddy” Combs, jurors heard about the rapper’s alleged abuse from many witnesses.
Most notably, they heard from Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend of 12 years, who claimed she was physically and sexually abused by the rapper.
The jury later heard from Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, as well as male escorts, ex-assistants and former Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, all of which “helped the prosecution corroborate Ventura’s testimony,” according to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani.
While Rahmani believes the prosecution has a strong case, others believe the defense is doing a “great job” poking holes in their arguments during cross-examination.
“To date, we have heard consistent testimony from several of the witnesses that Diddy was violent with Cassie Ventura, was controlling over her, instructed what to do in the ‘freak offs’ and was a jealous boyfriend, but none of this is sufficient to justify a criminal enterprise or a pattern of criminal conduct,” entertainment lawyer Tre Lovell, of The Lovell Firm, explained.
“Cassie’s relationship can be as easily characterized as she was in love with Diddy, performed ‘freak offs’ because of her feelings for him and stayed with him for personal benefits such as furthering her career, developing connections, and being taken care of financially. Reasonable doubt looms very heavy in these first two weeks of trial. The prosecution will need to bring out additional victims that are not girlfriends of Diddy to separate a romantic, emotionally charged relationship from actual sex trafficking.”
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this file.
Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in the courtroom Tuesday morning as the rapper prepared to hear ongoing testimony in his federal sex trafficking trial.
Diddy sat at the defense table wearing a dark sweater, speaking with one of his attorneys while waiting for the jury to arrive.
The jury will hear testimony from Combs’ ex-assistant Capricorn Clark. Her testimony follows a two-day break in the case. Diddy’s trial did not sit Friday or Monday due to Memorial Day.
On Thursday, the jury heard from rapper Kid Cudi, Cassie Ventura’s former makeup artist, one of the rapper’s former employees and an HSI agent.
Kid Cudi testified about Diddy allegedly breaking into his home. Kid Cudi also testified that he believed the disgraced music mogul was involved in a car-fire that left his Porsche damaged beyond repair. According to Kid Cudi, both incidents occurred after Diddy found out about his relationship with Combs’ on-and-off again girlfriend Cassie.
Cassie’s former makeup artist also testified about an alleged physical altercation that occurred during Grammys weekend in 2010. Mylah Morales told the jury she feared for her life after witnessing the heated moment at a hotel between Diddy and Cassie. The makeup artist claimed she did not call the police and never spoke about the incident until she participated in interviews with the press years later.
Fox News’ Maria Paronich and Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
Sean “Diddy” Combs spent his Memorial Day holiday behind bars as he got a break in his federal trial.
Diddy spent the holiday at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where the fallen music mogul has been incarcerated since his September arrest.
While the “Last Night” rapper received a brief respite from testimony in his ongoing sex crimes trial, Diddy and his fellow inmates were offered a number of activities for Memorial Day. Diddy is being held in the 4 North corridor of the jail, a dormitory-style unit shared with 20 other federal inmates.
“Spades card games, dominoes, 3-on-3 basketball tournament and soccer tournament,” an executive assistant told People magazine.
Diddy and the inmates were offered a “normal, rotating Monday meal,” which included fruit, cereal, skim milk and a breakfast cake, the outlet reported.
For lunch, he had the choice of barbecue chicken, kidney beans, macaroni and cheese, mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread, fruit, a holiday dessert and a beverage.
Chicken, tofu, rice, pinto beans, canned corn, whole wheat bread and a drink were available for Diddy’s dinner.
Read more about Diddy’s Memorial Day.
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
The federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs on sex crime charges is entering its third week of testimony and many celebrities have been mentioned in the court room.
Cassie Ventura and former Danity Kane singer, Dawn Richard, have already taken the stand, in addition to rapper Kid Cudi, who allegedly clashed with Diddy after his brief relationship with Cassie, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend.
Cudi was also previously mentioned during Cassie’s testimony. Usher, former President Barack Obama, Biggie Smalls and Jennifer Lopez have also been mentioned in court.
Diddy’s former assistant, David James, testified on May 20 that the rapper typically carried “25 to 30” undisclosed pill bottles. According to James, some of the pills were ecstasy, and he saw “one that was in the shape of a former president’s face.” That former president was Obama.
Richard testified that Usher was at a dinner where Diddy allegedly punched Cassie in the stomach, and Cassie’s former makeup artist testified she’d also worked for Lopez.
Michael B. Jordan was brought up during Cassie’s testimony, as someone Diddy suspected she was in a relationship with. Britney Spears was also mentioned in connection to Cassie, as Diddy brought her to Cassie’s 21st birthday party.
None of the celebrities mentioned have been accused of any wrongdoing.
Read more about the celebs who have been brought up in court here.
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
In March 2024, Homeland Security Investigations officials executed a search warrant on two of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami
. During the rapper’s trial, it was revealed authorities found weapons, drugs and sex paraphernalia.
The disgraced music mogul was arrested and charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution, according to a federal indictment unsealed on September 17, 2024.
If found guilty, Diddy faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison, and could also lose his home in the exclusive Star Island area in Florida.
“There are two layers to prove,” criminal defense lawyer Phil Harvey told Fox News Digital. “First, he has to get convicted of count one of the indictment, the RICO charge. That means the jury finds him guilty of running a criminal enterprise through his entertainment businesses.”
Harvey added, “Second, the jury will have to determine if the prosecutors prove that the Star Island home was ‘involved in, used, or intended to be used’ in the commission of the RICO crimes, or if it was purchased with ‘proceeds obtained’ as a result of RICO crimes. If the jury finds that the property fits that description, then the Government will argue that Mr. Combs ‘shall forfeit’ the Miami mansion.”
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
SUV reenactment shows how Read’s Lexus could disrupt balance at 2 mph: expert
Crash expert Dr. Judson Welcher presented a detailed reenactment of the alleged three-point turn that prosecutors claim led to the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.
Utilizing laser scans of the crime scene and vehicles, Welcher created computer models and video simulations to illustrate the maneuver.
He showcased a computer model depicting Read’s Lexus SUV in a forward movement followed by a high-throttle reverse, which resulted in a three-point turn. He said that the data captured during this maneuver aligned with the window of O’Keefe’s cell phone activity, placing the vehicle in front of 34 Fairview Road in Canton, Mass. between 12:30:20 and 12:32:12 a.m.
In an additional demonstration, Welcher used a vehicle identical to Read’s SUV, with him standing in as O’Keefe. Welcher showed pictures of himself dressed as O’Keefe, noting that he was 4 pounds lighter than the police officer at the time of the alleged incident.
Welcher demonstrated that even at a low speed of 2 mph, the SUV’s impact was sufficient to disrupt his balance, causing him to step back. He showed where the taillight would have hit his arm, but said “we don’t know how he was struck.”
Welcher pointed out that there was no damage to the upper or lower taillights, despite a scuff mark located between them. He noted that the lower taillight, which protrudes further than the upper one, remained intact.
Judge Beverly Cannone has paused proceedings for a 45-minute lunch break following an intensive session of testimony from crash reconstruction expert, Dr. Judson Welcher.
Welcher spent the last 20 minutes meticulously analyzing second-by-second data points to reconstruct a critical three-point turn made by Karen Read’s Lexus SUV near 34 Fairview Road in Canton, Mass. on the night of Jan. 29, 2022.
Utilizing data from the vehicle’s Techstream system and cell phone records, Welcher presented a simulation at 12:40 p.m. that illustrated the SUV’s movements during the maneuver.
Dr. Judson Welcher, an accident reconstruction expert, testified Tuesday about digital data pulled from Karen Read’s Lexus SUV, aiming to pinpoint the vehicle’s movements on the night of John O’Keefe’s death.
Welcher’s testimony put Read in the area of 34 Fairview Road, Canton, Mass. during the critical moments of O’Keefe’s looming death.
Welcher explained how data from the infotainment system, GPS, and cell phone records were synchronized to establish a timeline.
“I was provided with data, and a report from Mr. Burgess that indicated the infotainment system was turned on at 12:36,” Welcher said.
The data point became a reference to convert the car’s text stream data, which logs time as a running clock, into timestamps.
“You told us that the text stream data does not have an actual clock and has a running clock like a stopwatch?” asked Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan. “And then you mentioned that after you received information from Mr. Burgess, you could put an actual time onto it. How do you do that?”
With the infotainment system activation fixed at 12:36 a.m., Welcher said he could align a trigger in the data stream to 12:23:38 a.m.
Prosecutors also pointed to GPS data placing Read’s Lexus SUV near the Waterfall Bar and Grille and described a three-point turn on Cedar Crest Road, near the scene.
“Additional cell phone data that we had is that we knew there was a three-point turn made when the Lexus passed Fairview on Cedar Crest, pulled into a driveway and made a three-point turn,” Welcher said.
Dr. Judson Welcher took the stand Tuesday as the state worked to close its case in the murder retrial of Karen Read.
In front of a seated jury, Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan began direct examination of Dr. Welcher, an accident reconstruction expert.
“I take my job as to be a critical analysis of the data. So I wanted to look at the data as objectively as possible and form conclusions based upon the data, trying to remove wherever possible, speculation,” Welcher testified.
“Now, sometimes testimony is the only thing we have, and so we need to rely on it for bits and pieces. But generally my job is to try and look at data and see what the data shows. I have no dog in this fight. I don’t, quite frankly, care. What I’m doing is trying to do a good engineering job, looking at the data and drawing sound principles and sound conclusions from the data.”
Welcher listed an exhaustive inventory of physical evidence he used to form his conclusions about the crash scene.
His review used materials from the Canton Police Department
, cruiser dashboard cameras, Ring doorbell videos, scene photographs, Verizon and Lexus Connect data, lab toxicology reports, and multiple interviews given by Read to media outlets.
“I have police reports, including the Canton PD incident report and eight other reports,” Welcher testified. “I have the Ring video from Mr. O’Keefe’s residence, cruiser cameras, 140 photographs of vehicles, additional photographs of the scene, surveillance video files from McCarthy’s Shipping, Waterfall Bar, Cellebrite data, Lexus infotainment system data, Verizon GPS records, weather reports, medical records, and two retrograde extrapolation reports.”
In an effort to replicate and analyze conditions relevant to the case, Welcher also purchased the same make and model of SUV that Read was driving, a 2021 Lexus RX350, and conducted his own field testing.
He said that he had presented an early version of his analysis to the prosecution team via PowerPoint on January 30, and that he had visited 34 Fairview Road, the scene where John O’Keefe’s body was discovered.
Nationally known accident reconstruction expert, Dr. Judson Welcher, took the stand on Tuesday morning.
Welcher first faced voir dire, a legal vetting process to assess whether he should be accepted as an expert witness.
The voir dire was conducted by Read’s defense attorney, Robert Alessi, who focused on recent modifications made to Welcher’s PowerPoint presentation, which the state intends to use.
Welcher acknowledged that he had altered the presentation within the past 8 to 10 days, removing a slide and changing wording. The edits related to the Dighton route and vehicle mileage, both crucial components in the prosecution’s theory of the timeline.
Alessi pressed Welcher about who he had spoken with about the content and edits. Welcher testified that he had discussed the PowerPoint with Assistant District Attorneys Hank Brennan, Adam Lally, and Mary Ellen Gray, as well as Lt. Brian Tully, an investigator in the case.
Karen Read arrived in court on Wednesday morning as her second trial for the alleged murder of Boston police officer John O’Keefe resumed after a five-day recess.
Dressed in a dark green suit, she was flanked by her lead defense attorney, Alan Jackson, who is preparing to launch their defense as the prosecution wraps up its case.
Tuesday marked a pivotal moment in the retrial. After 21 days of testimony, the prosecution is expected to call its final witness, an accident reconstruction expert, before resting its case.
After nearly two months of witness testimony, expert analysis, and intense cross-examination, the prosecution in the Karen Read retrial is expected to rest its case this week in Norfolk Superior Court.
Read, who is charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe, has maintained her innocence, claiming she did not hit O’Keefe with her car.
Prosecutors allege she struck O’Keefe with her SUV after a night of drinking and left him to die in the snow outside a friend’s home.
Over the past eight weeks, the prosecution has called more than 30 witnesses, including forensic specialists, law enforcement officers, and civilians present on the night in question.
Key evidence has included plastic taillight fragments said to match Read’s damaged Lexus RX350, digital forensic analysis of O’Keefe’s phone and location and witness testimony who alleged that Read made incriminating statements after the incident.