Drake got clowned across social media over the weekend after posting a shirtless selfie showing off his abs, reigniting long-running plastic surgery rumors that have followed him through multiple rap beefs.
The Toronto rapper dropped the carousel on Instagram with the caption, “I’m wide awake for the nights that separate the type who get to it til they get it right from the type who just …type.”
But instead of applause, the post triggered a flood of jokes and accusations about his body being more sculpted by a surgeon than a gym.
“Boy stop playing! The only place you ran was to the surgeon,” one user commented.
Another wrote, “Ordered abs from temu n forgot to add shoulders n tri lol.” A third chimed in, “No shoulders, no biceps, deflated chest but extremely defined abs lmao.”
The online roasting follows speculation about alleged cosmetic enhancements, including alleged ab etching, a nose job and even a Brazilian butt lift.
The rumors haven’t just lived in comment sections. Kendrick Lamar took a direct shot in his diss track “Euphoria,” rapping, “Let your core audience stomach that/then tell ’em where you get your abs from.”
Rick Ross dubbed him “BBL Drizzy” and accused him of getting a nose job in his track “Champagne Moments.” Even Pusha T threw shade back in 2018 on “The Story of Adidon.”
Drake Denies Surgery Rumors
Drake has repeatedly denied going under the knife. In April 2024, he shared a text exchange with his mom, writing, “I would have got us a 2 for 1 deal if I went ma,” while blaming Rick Ross for fueling the gossip.
Still, the speculation has only grown louder during his lyrical feuds, and the “BBL Drizzy” meme has taken on a life of its own.
Metro Boomin even launched a “BBLDrizzyBeatGiveaway” online, adding fuel to the fire.
Drake has yet to address the latest round of mockery, but judging by his past reactions, he’s likely to keep responding with sarcasm rather than statements.
Cardi B turned heads in Miami on Sunday (June 29), when she stepped out with new beau Stefon Diggs to shop for luxury watches while wearing a white, nipple-revealing tank top.
The Grammy-winning rapper and the Buffalo Bills wide receiver were spotted at a high-end jewelry store, where they appeared to be browsing Rolex timepieces. The two were seen chatting closely and laughing inside the boutique, drawing attention not just for their potential purchases but also for Cardi’s bold outfit choice.
A photo posted to social media shows the rapper confidently posing next to Diggs with employees of the store.
The photo, which quickly made the rounds online, had viewers buzzing about both the fashion and the company she kept. Diggs, dressed in a white hoodie and black pants, kept things casual as he accompanied Cardi through the store.
“Pretty sure it’s just Coldies nipples in that room,” one person wrote, while another said, “headlights shining bright!” Another wondered, “Cardi doesn’t have a better bra?”, while yet another joked, “she can cut through drywall with those things.” Some even suggested she is pregnant.
Cardi B and Offset’s turbulent relationship was marked by multiple breakups and reconciliations since their marriage in 2017. Their most recent split was confirmed by Cardi B in December 2023, when she announced on Instagram Live that she had been single for some time, citing a desire to put herself first and move on from what she described as “dead weight” in her life.
The separation followed a pattern of public ups and downs, including previous splits in 2018 and 2020, but this time the couple also unfollowed each other on social media, signaling a more definitive break.
Despite their history of rekindling the relationship, Cardi B has clearly moved forward with her personal life, publicly acknowledging a relationship with Diggs earlier this month. Meanwhile, her divorce proceedings with Offset remain ongoing, with both parties involved in legal discussions over custody of their three children and financial matters.
Cardi has expressed frustration over the drawn-out process and Offset’s recent requests for joint custody and spousal support, emphasizing her wish to fully close this chapter of her life.
Meanwhile, Cardi B officially announced her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, will arrive on September 19, marking her first full-length project since her 2017 debut, Invasion of Privacy. The announcement was made with bold cover art and a series of dramatic teasers across her social media platforms, where Cardi declared a new chapter in her career and personal evolution.
The album will feature hit singles such as “WAP” and “Up,” as well as her latest release, “Outside,” which debuted at #1 on Apple Music and references both her past relationship with Offset and Diggs.
Christian Keyes Reignites Tensions With Tyler Perry Without Saying His Name
Christian Keyes is talking again and this time he’s making it count.
The All the Queen’s Men creator recently took to social media criticizing how the network handled his hit series. While Keyes never mentioned exectutive producer Tyler Perry, the message was loud, clear and pointed straight at the top. And, loaded.
“It is continuously disappointing to find out that your show is coming back on the internet instead of finding out from the network,” Keyes said in a TikTok post. He added that he wasn’t even sent the official trailer.
“To see the trailer online and have to go search for [it], so I can try and download the trailer for the hit show that I created for this studio and this network instead of getting it sent when everybody else is getting theirs.”
Keyes was calling out the machine behind the scenes, but some think the white whale is Tyler Perry.
Keyes’ relationship with Perry appears to have quietly frayed. Though Perry executive produces the show, Keyes has long maintained that he created the series himself over 15 years ago. We believe this. And in this latest video, he also shared that his “created by” credit was stripped away in season two. SMH! The credit was regained after involving the Writers Guild of America. That’s a heavy move for someone operating under Perry’s shadow. I am glad he made bold moves to protect his IP.
But there is bigger drama.
Tyler Perry currently faces a multimillion-dollar lawsuit from a man accusing him of sexual harassment. The case is pending and the motivations behind it have been questioned. Some say the lawsuit is a thinly veiled attempt to out Perry as gay. Tyler Perry is not gay, he had said over and over.
Keyes never touches on the lawsuit. But the timing and tone of his statements have triggered rumors. About two years ago, Keyes hinted at dropping bombshells on someone powerful, a mentor. Many assumed was Perry. They go back to those Madea plays. Nevertheless, those revelations never came. Now, he’s once again venting. He’s checking BET and BET+, but the big boss is Perry.
Not not, because Keyes is taking his ball and going to play elsewhere. “It’s not up to the studio. It’s not up to the network. It’s up to me, thankfully,” he said. His prequel and spinoff projects will find new homes on other streaming platforms.
This saga is another case of behind-the-scenes industry politics. Keyes might have a deeper story, but not ready to tell it yet. Whatever the truth is, he seems determined to protect himself even if it means playing chess. Of course, the world wants him to flip the board over!
🚨🚨 Major new #AllTheQueensMen news! prequel series/movies coming, as well as a spinoff show. 🔥🔥🔥 Also, i’m looking to launch the stageplay and Vegas residency, next year for AllTheQueensMenLive- The ATATQMiverse is expanding and is going to be amazing!
Diddy walked out of a Manhattan courtroom, cleared of the most serious charges against him, as several of his children celebrated the verdict with relief and plans for a Fourth of July celebration.
The 55-year-old Hip-Hop mogul was acquitted of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and racketeering conspiracy, charges that could have put him behind bars for life.
However, a federal jury still found him guilty of two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, leaving him facing up to 10 years in prison.
His sons, Christian Combs and Justin Combs, were among the family members present at the courthouse when the verdict was read.
“First thing I’m gonna do is hug my Pops!” Christian, 27, told the Daily Mail. He added that while they were “hopeful,” they also knew “you never know.”
Justin, 31, echoed the sentiment, saying they were “so happy” with the outcome.
The family described feeling “overjoyed” and hinted at a 4th of July celebration later this week, possibly with Diddy in attendance if circumstances allow.
Also in court were Diddy’s daughter Chance Combs, 18 and adopted son Quincy Brown, 33, who stood by as the jury delivered its mixed decision.
Despite the partial victory, Diddy remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after a judge denied his $1 million bail proposal.
Diddy is also the father of 18-year-old twins D’Lila and Jessie, as well as a 2-year-old daughter named Love. His sentencing is set for October 3.
Doja Cat is shifting back into pop territory with her upcoming album, Vie, despite previously swearing off the genre. In a new interview, she revealed that the project will be “a pop-driven project” shaped by retro synths and vocal growth.
The Grammy-winning artist told V Magazine that while she once distanced herself from pop, her fifth studio album fully embraces it.
“I do want to be self-aware enough to admit the fact that this is a pop-driven project,” she said. “I know that I can make pop music and pop is just that it’s popular. It starts to become a bit of a thing that’s viewed as a sport by people who are just bystanders to it, who enjoy it, but maybe also don’t respect it or what it is, which is just music. There are some people who don’t see it as music. They see it as if this is some kind of football for girls and gays.”
The Scarlet rapper previously tweeted in April 2023 that pop no longer felt “exciting” to her. That sentiment has shifted as she now leans into a sound rooted in nostalgia and synth-heavy textures.
“I wanted to play with that nostalgia by using these Lo-Fi sounds and samples and things that reminded you of something from your childhood, but it wasn’t on the nose ’80s,” she said, describing the sonic palette of Vie.
The 29-year-old also noted that she’s been sharpening her vocal skills during the recording process.
“Sometimes I’m surprised by what I can do now because I could not f**king sing… I have a lot more knowledge of how to use my voice as an instrument, more than I ever have in my life.”
While Doja didn’t confirm a release date for Vie, her last album, Scarlet, dropped in September 2023 and marked a darker, more experimental turn away from the mainstream pop that initially catapulted her to fame.
Diddy may have won a stunning victory in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial, but the civil suits continue rolling against the mogul.
Diddy is facing a $10 million civil lawsuit in Los Angeles from a former male dancer who says the Hip-Hop mogul drugged and raped him at luxury hotels and left him with a sexually transmitted disease and stomach cancer.
The plaintiff, Edmond Laurent, filed the complaint on July 1 in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Diddy and an unidentified woman of orchestrating multiple assaults during the late 2000s.
The suit alleges sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and civil conspiracy.
According to the filing, Laurent met Diddy through modeling gigs and appearances at bachelorette parties.
He claims he was repeatedly drugged with substances including alcohol, GHB, Rohypnol and ketamine, then sexually assaulted at upscale Los Angeles hotels like the Intercontinental, SLS and Mondrian.
Laurent says the abuse caused long-term trauma and serious health issues.
“As a consequence of Defendants’ actions, Plaintiff has suffered long-term medical conditions, including but not limited to stomach cancer,” the lawsuit states.
The complaint also names hotel staff and members of Diddy’s entourage, accusing them of enabling or ignoring the alleged abuse. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe, is accused of helping lure Laurent into the encounters.
“This lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for one man — it is about holding powerful individuals accountable when they use their influence to exploit, degrade, and destroy lives behind closed doors,” attorney Rodney Diggs said in a statement to Variety.
Diggs and co-counsel Tyrone Blackburn are representing Laurent, who also claims to suffer from PTSD as a result of the alleged assaults.
The lawsuit arrives as Diddy remains in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
Donald Trump floated the idea of deporting American citizens convicted of crimes during a visit to a controversial migrant detention center in southern Florida on Monday (June 30).
The proposal is unconstitutional, illegal and deeply troubling, according to scholars.
Speaking at a facility some have nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its remote, swampy location, Trump expanded on a hardline immigration stance by suggesting that even natural-born U.S. citizens should face removal from the country if they commit certain offenses.
“They’re not new to our country,” he said. “They’re old to our country. Many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell outta here, too, if you want to know the truth.”
The remarks come days after a memo from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate instructed federal prosecutors to pursue denaturalization cases more aggressively. This would apparently be centered on instances involving war crimes, terrorism, or human trafficking.
Legal experts, however, swiftly pushed back, pointing out that the Constitution grants citizenship by birth and provides no legal avenue for revoking it based on criminal behavior.
“An unrelated crime could not be the basis for denaturalizing and deporting somebody,” said Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia. “That’s simply not how our laws work.”
“This isn’t about crime or immigration or national security especially when he’s targeting non-white communities only. This is about Trump enjoying playing dictator and yet another example of him overstepping his power because he thinks the presidency is a monarchy,” Haynes told AllHipHop. “He’s pushing the limits of the Constitution and democracy because he doesn’t think he’s ever leaving office. And when he does, [he believes] his children will inherit the office. This is about pushing democracy and the rule of law further and further off a cliff.”
Trump’s latest comments mark a renewed escalation in his tough-on-crime and immigration rhetoric.
A Justice Department memo calling for aggressive denaturalization efforts has alarmed legal experts and immigration advocates.
The June 11 directive instructs the DOJ’s civil division to “prioritize and maximally pursue” denaturalization in all legally supportable cases. This includes those with alleged links to terrorism, war crimes, espionage, or fraud in the naturalization process. Once denaturalized, individuals revert to their prior immigration status and may become eligible for deportation.
But there is more.
Experts say the memo broadens the scope of who may be considered lacking “good moral character.” This vague legal standard is especially disturbing. Government officials would be granted wide discretion to initiate cases.
“This is a significant escalation,” Muzaffar Chishti of the Migration Policy Institute said to The Guardian. “They’re clearly looking for every legal angle to denaturalize individuals they believe never deserved citizenship.”
While Trump is pushing boundaries, nothing about his assertions are legal by any domestic metric. Legal experts, scholars and politicians all emphasize that these moves would directly violate constitutional protections.
"The homegrowns are next" wasn't a joke. It was a promise.
Congress has abandoned you.
The only thing standing between you and a lifetime in a foreign prison camp are the Courts.
The global sensation Squid Game returns with Season 3—and joining the brutal competition are new standout cast membersJo Yu-ri(Player 222) and Yim Si-wan (Player 333).
In an exclusive sit-down with AllHipHop’s D-Nellz, the two stars open up about their emotional journeys, the toll of filming, and the pressure of joining the hit series.
Jo Yu-ri, known for her work as a singer, plays a pregnant participant fighting for survival. Yim Si-wan, a former K-pop idol, brings complex layers to his morally shaky character. Both say the script pulled them in instantly. And, when they got comfortable, they were immersed fully in the story.
But this wasn’t just about acting. Since AllHipHop was in the room, the conversation naturally shifted to Hip-Hop. Korean rap has gained traction globally and both stars revealed their respect for the roots and the culture.
East met West in the most authentic way—and the synergy is undeniable.
AllHipHop (D-Nellz): When you first got the script for Season 3, what was your immediate reaction?
Yim Si-wan: I was completely hooked. I read the entire thing in one go. It was that immersive—I couldn’t stop.
Jo Yu-ri: Same here. It took me about three hours, but I didn’t put it down once. I had to know what happened.
AllHipHop: Did the global success of Squid Game bring added pressure to your performances?
Yim Si-wan: Definitely. At first, I felt that pressure. But once I read the script, it was so well-written that I just told myself: trust the story, trust the director, and trust my castmates. That helped me shift my focus.
Jo Yu-ri: I agree. The expectations were high, but I reminded myself to enjoy the process. Once we started filming, the pressure kind of melted away.
AllHipHop: What was the most challenging part of filming?
Yim Si-wan: Emotionally, it was tough. My character’s morality is murky. He’s not clearly a good or bad guy. That ambiguity took a mental toll while filming.
Jo Yu-ri: For me, it was also emotionally heavy. My character is pregnant, so beyond just surviving, she’s fighting to protect a child. That added a lot of emotional weight to every scene.
AllHipHop: Since we’re AllHipHop, we have to ask…how do you both feel about Hip-Hop’s influence in Korean culture?
Yim Si-wan: I have huge respect for Hip-Hop. There are so many amazing artists I admire. It’s a genre that tells the truth in a raw, emotional way.
Jo Yu-ri: I’ve always felt a connection to Hip-Hop—even if I’m more known for pop music. It’s powerful, and I think Korean and Western Hip-Hop are learning from each other every day.
Diddy will remain behind bars after a federal judge refused to grant his release following a partial acquittal in his high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial.
Despite being cleared of the most serious allegations—including racketeering and sex trafficking involving Cassie Ventura, Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution.
Diddy’s legal team pushed for his release on a $1 million bond, arguing the remaining convictions don’t qualify as “crimes of violence” under federal law; however, Judge Arun Subramanian denied his release.
The judge cited multiple incidents that demonstrate he poses a continued danger to the community. The court referenced the widely circulated video showing Diddy assaulting Ventura and highlighted a separate violent altercation at the London Hotel.
The judge emphasized that even under the standard of proving he’s not a threat, Diddy failed to meet the burden. The court noted that the defense had already conceded to his violent behavior and concluded there was no justification to reverse the previous decision to deny bail.
“For months, the government repeatedly argued, and announced to the world, that Sean Combs was a monster who perpetrated a 20-year federal crime spree through a racketeering enterprise,” attorney AE Shapiro wrote in a letter to the judge. “It devoted enormous resources to this prosecution. Then, after almost a year in detention, Mr. Combs finally got his day in Court, and the government’s allegations were tested before a jury of his peers.
“That jury heard the government’s evidence, including testimony from his former girlfriends. By its verdict, the jury resoundingly rejected the government’s depiction of Mr. Combs. It would be unjust to continue detaining Mr. Combs at the MDC even one day longer.”
The defense cited Diddy’s family obligations, his mother’s health and the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center as reasons for bail.
Prosecutors pushed back, saying the convictions still fall under the category of violent crimes, which legally require detention until sentencing. They pointed to Diddy’s alleged history of violence, drug use and efforts to hide his actions.
“While the defendant has offered to have multiple sureties from his family, evidence at trial established that the defendant repeatedly sought to conceal his criminal conduct from those close to him,” prosecutors wrote. “The defendant’s conduct after he understood that he was under federal investigation underscores that he continues to be a danger to others and is either unable or unwilling to follow the law.”
Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately ruled that Diddy must remain in federal custody until his sentencing on October 3, 2025.
Benzino lashed out Tuesday (July 1) after being compared to Drake in a viral post that featured a side-by-side photo of both shirtless, accusing the blog of using a doctored image of him.
“The next time you post a pic of me comparing me to @drake make sure yall don’t use a photoshopped one off the internet,” he wrote on social media. “I got a bunch of dope gym pics on here you can use. Keep mind I’ll be 60 in 2 weeks so make it make sense you weirdos.”
The post came after Drake uploaded a shirtless selfie to Instagram, flaunting sharply defined abs that quickly drew scrutiny from users online. Some accused the Toronto rapper of having surgically enhanced abs, while others joked about the resemblance to Benzino’s physique.
The comparison didn’t sit well with the former Source magazine publisher, who regularly shares his fitness progress and gym routines on social media.
Benzino has been vocal about his dedication to staying fit and active. In a 2024 interview, he opened up about returning to the gym after a six-month break.
“These last few months I’ve been hitting the gym like I never had before,” he said. “It feels amazing. There’s nothing that these younger guys are doing that I can’t do, and that alone feels good.”
Benzino also credited Hip-Hop culture for helping him stay mentally and physically youthful.
“Hip-Hop has really kept us young at heart,” he said. “Without Hip-Hop, we probably would be a lot older than we portray to be.”
Southern rap mogul Master P has responded to public claims made by Mia X, the First Lady of No Limit Records, who earlier this week announced she would not be performing at Essence Festival during what has been billed as his final live performance.
In a lengthy and emotionally charged statement posted to social media titled “Say Goodbye to the Bad Guy,” Master P addressed the backlash and what he described as “drama and comedy” surrounding the situation. Without naming Mia X directly, he shared his disappointment over the public nature of the dispute, stating, “I agreed to pay her whatever she asked for. Going to social media after I’ve agreed to do whatever she wanted is disappointing.”
The New Orleans rapper defended his legacy, emphasizing his long-standing contributions to the community and artists, who were once part of the No Limit family.
“I’ve been giving back to our communities for over 25 years… put artists on… gave them opportunities that nobody else would,” he wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “It’s been over 20 years ago that these artists were signed to me, and since then they’ve moved on to other labels. And I still showed love.”
Mia X previously explained her decision to withdraw from the July 6 Essence Fest performance, citing miscommunication, lack of rehearsal time, a late contract and disrespect around negotiations. She also expressed frustration over being advertised without her formal agreement, despite not finalizing terms.
Master P, in turn, rejected accusations of disrespect or poor communication.
“How is it poor communication if my management has been speaking to artists directly for years and paying them for shows they’ve booked?” he asked. “And how is it disrespectful to offer a compensation larger than whatever the artist has ever received for a show?”
While Mia X framed her statement around professionalism, transparency and the need to protect Black women in business, Master P suggested ulterior motives from those around him.
“The disciples did Jesus dirty so I know what they’ll try to do me,” he wrote, adding that many people were “only around you for the benefits.”
The upcoming performance, still scheduled for July 6 at Essence Fest in New Orleans, is being promoted as Master P’s farewell celebration—a milestone in a storied career that transformed Southern Hip-Hop and empowered numerous artists.
“I’m focusing on coaching and making a difference,” Master P concluded. “We gon’ turn up one more time for Essence. Salute to all my real Soldiers.”
The group—Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Flesh N Bone and Wish Bone—made the announcement via Instagram on Wednesday (July 2) along with a screenshot of a press release from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
“BREAKING NEWS: It has just been announced that Bone Thugs N Harmony is officially in The Hollywood Walk of Fame #2026 along with the likes of @shaq @mileycyrus @thelegendaryclarksisters @demimoore just to name a few,” the caption reads. “Buck Buck Buck.”
Several of the pioneering Cleveland group’s peers hopped in the comment section to celebrate the win, including Fat Joe and DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia. They’ll join a long list that includes fellow recording artists Miley Cyrus, Air Supply, Paulinho Da Costa, The Clark Sisters, Josh Groban, Grupo Intocable, Angélique Kidjo and Lyle Lovett as well as actors Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Chris Columbus, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald and Stanley Tucci, among others.
Bone Thugs officially reunited earlier this year. In April, they released “Aww S###,” their first track featuring all five original members in nearly 15 years and the lead single from their upcoming album.
Leading up to its release, Bone Thugs had been sharing behind-the-scenes photos of their trip to Houston, where all five original members were working on the forthcoming album, their first group effort since 2010’s Uni5: The World’s Enemy. AllHipHop spoke to Krayzie, who had just returned to Los Angeles.
“The vibe was great,” Krayzie said at the time. “We just picked up where we left off. Everything was smooth and we were working really fast. We knocked out like four or five songs. It was a wonderful thing.”
Bone Thugs’ reunion is partly credited to UFC fighter Conor McGregor, whose recently launched Greenback Records is Ireland’s first major record label. So far, Greenback has signed Xzibit, Telander and Bone Thugs so far.
“Connor expressed interest in us last year and wanted to work with us,” Krayzie explained. “Once he put the offer on the table, it looked good. We actually signed the deal last year, but the holidays and rescheduled shows took up the first two months of 2025. When he saw what was on the table, it was like….I mean, we were going to do this anyway, even without Connor McGregor. The Conor McGregor situation just made it happen faster.”
Scarface of the Geto Boys and Bun B of UGK showed up to the studio and are rumored to be on the project.
“We’re just getting started, but we let ’em know we wanted a feature,” he added. “When we put the videos up on social media and people are starting to see us together, the buzz is buzzing right now for sure.”
Cassie Ventura has sent a clear message through her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor: do not let Diddy out of jail.
In a statement issued just hours after the jury returned its verdict in the Bad Boy Records mogul’s federal trial, Ventura pleaded with the judge to keep him locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he’s been housed since his September 2024 arrest.
“We write as counsel for Casandra Ventura (‘Ms. Ventura’) to respectfully request that the Court deny Mr. Combs to be released pending his sentencing on his two convictions under 18 U.S.C. 2421,” the statement, viewed by AllHipHop, reads. “Pursuant to the Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 1343 (a)(2), detention is mandatory post-conviction on these charges, and Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community.”
Diddy was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and found not guilty on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Ventura’s attorney spoke out shortly after the verdict was read and suggested she was relieved he was held accountable for at least something but disappointed he wasn’t convicted on all five counts.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” Wigdor said. “Although the jury did not find [Diddy] guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.
“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Diddy’s fate now rests with the judge, who will announce his decision on bail at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday (July 2).
Diddy supporters gathered outside the Manhattan federal courthouse on Wednesday (July 2) in a display of exuberance and spectacle after the jury delivered its verdict in his high-profile trial.
The crowd, many of whom had followed the proceedings closely, marked the occasion by spraying each other with baby oil, a reference to the substance that became a notorious detail during the trial. Brooklyn resident Tes Harper, known as “Oota on Go,” was seen carrying a tube of baby oil, while other fans danced, celebrated and playfully doused each other, turning the courthouse steps into a scene reminiscent of the “freak-offs” described in testimony.
The use of baby oil as a celebratory prop directly alluded to the trial’s testimony, where witnesses described its prominent role in Diddy’s alleged private parties. During the proceedings, prosecutors highlighted the discovery of hundreds of bottles of baby oil during raids on Diddy’s properties, and several witnesses recounted how aides were instructed to prepare hotel rooms with large quantities of it for gatherings.
Combs’ supporters are spraying baby oil on each other outside of the courthouse. pic.twitter.com/SEDZQiWpfF
The spectacle outside the courthouse included women in bikinis dancing, supporters holding bottles aloft, and even wardrobe malfunctions as oiled-up fans embraced the symbolism with abandon.
The verdict itself was mixed: Diddy was acquitted of the most serious charges—racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion—but was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence.
The acquittal on the top charges was met with jubilation by his supporters, who chanted “Free Puff!” and “Bad Boy!” as Diddy’s family exited the courthouse. The baby oil celebrations underscored both the trial’s sensational details and the relief among fans that Diddy avoided the most severe penalties.
Cassie Ventura’s legal team issued a pointed statement following Diddy’s partial acquittal in a federal RICO case, saying her decision to come forward helped expose long-ignored abuse in the entertainment world.
On Wednesday (July 2), a Manhattan jury found the 55-year-old mogul guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but cleared him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
The acquittals spared Diddy from a potential life sentence, though he still faces up to 20 years behind bars, although it’s doubtful he’ll get that much time.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor, who represents Ventura, said the case began with her bravery.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” Wigdor said in a statement. “Although the jury did not find [Diddy] guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.”
Diddy, who has been jailed in New York since his September 2024 arrest, showed little emotion as the verdicts were announced. He held his hands together in a prayer-like gesture and gave a slight fist pump.
After the court adjourned, Diddy reportedly knelt beside his chair and bowed his head as relatives applauded. He told them he “will be home soon” as he was being led back into custody.
Wigdor praised Ventura’s role in the case, saying, “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested that the court release his client on bail and allow him to return to his Florida home.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey opposed the motion, warning the court there is a “real risk that he will flagrantly disregard orders from this court, that he will commit new crimes and that he will attempt to flee justice.”
Judge Arun Subramanian asked both parties to submit written arguments before making a decision on bail.
Diddy has denied all allegations and still faces multiple civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse. Ventura’s initial lawsuit, filed in November 2023, was quickly settled privately for $20 million.
Diddy walked away from the most severe charges in his federal case in New York but still faces prison time after a jury convicted him on two counts tied to prostitution.
The Hip-Hop mogul was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion—charges that carried potential life sentences.
The verdict followed three days of deliberations and more than 12 hours of discussion by the jury. Prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses. Diddy did not call any witnesses in his defense.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York issued a statement after the verdict, emphasizing the broader impact of sex crimes and the importance of victim-centered justice.
“Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society,” prosecutors said. “Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice.”
The statement also acknowledged the courage of those who testified and credited the agencies involved in the investigation.
“Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories,” the statement continued. “We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases.”
Federal officials also praised the work of the SDNY’s Civil Rights Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and the NYPD, among others, for their roles in the case.
Diddy, 55, now faces up to 20 years in prison—10 years for each of the two Mann Act violations. Although he avoided the most serious charges, the convictions could still derail his career in music, business and media.
He has requested to be released on a $1 million bond while awaiting sentencing. A date for sentencing has not been announced yet.
50 Cent didn’t miss a beat trolling his longtime nemesis Sean “Diddy” Combs after the embattled mogul was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering on Wednesday (July 2).
After two days of deliberations, the jury found him guilty of transporting Cassie Ventura and Jane across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
He was cleared of racketeering, forced sex trafficking and the sex trafficking of Ventura and “Jane,” prompting his attorneys to demand his immediate release.
50 Cent rushed to Instagram minutes after the jury returned their verdict, trolling Diddy while celebrating the partial victory.
“Diddy beat the Feds, he wrote alongside an AI-generated photo of himself with a huge grin. “That boy a bad man! Beat the Rico, he the Gay John Gotti.”
The G-Unit boss has mocked and taunted the Bad Boy Records founder incessantly throughout the trial.
50 Cent Mocks Diddy’s Legal Team
However, last week, he slammed Diddy’s attorneys as the case came to a close.
“Damn they did Diddy dirty them closing statements man,” he declared. “I could have done better then that. How much he pay them lawyers?”
50 Cent also mocked Diddy for paying the rent of “Jane,” a key witness in the trial, widely believed to be Daphne Joy, the mother of 50 Cent’s son.
“Hey sh!t head,” he wrote on Instagram. “Tell Puff I said keep paying the rent or JANE won’t be there for the appeal!”
50 Cent continued to ridicule Diddy’s lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, writing, “Marc your closing statements were so bad people think your working for me. LOL”
In court, “Jane” testified that Diddy paid her $10,000 per month in rent under a “love contract” and that she felt obligated to participate in his demands because “my partner was paying my rent.”
Prosecutors argued that Diddy used his wealth to keep “Jane” financially dependent and threatened to cut her off or release sex tapes if she tried to leave.
Meanwhile, Diddy’s attorneys are calling for his immediate release on $1 million bond following the verdict.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorney is urging the judge to allow Diddy to walk free after the rapper was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering.
After two days of deliberation, the jury reached a partial verdict, clearing him of racketeering, forced sex trafficking, and the sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura and “Jane.”
However, they found him guilty on two counts: transporting Ventura and “Jane” across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, wasted no time in calling for the mogul’s immediate release on a $1 million bond.
According to journalist Matthew Russell Lee, Agnifilo told the judge, “He is no longer charged with sex trafficking or racketeering. His plane has been chartered – it is in Maui. He does not have access to his plane. This is his first conviction, and it is a prostitution offense. He should be released.”
The attorney added, “His family is here and could sign a bond. He should be released today, to go back and live at Two Star Island.”
Prosecutors opposed the release, stating, “The defendant faces a maximum sentence of twenty years. Even while faced with this case, he assaulted Jane… Here in NY, preparing to surrender, he had drugs in his hotel room, was ready to commit this same offense.”
The judge said he would review the statutes and asked for both sides to prepare arguments.
Judge Subramanian noted, “Mr. Combs does not want to go back to the MDC, he is shaking his head,” before instructing all parties to submit their arguments by 1 p.m., with court set to reconvene later that afternoon.
Diddy was found not guilty on three counts Wednesday (July 2) after a jury rejected the government’s case accusing him of running a criminal enterprise built on sex trafficking, coercion and violence.
Jurors delivered a partial verdict, finding him not guilty of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura and sex trafficking of Jane. However, the jury returned a guilty verdict on two counts: transporting Ventura and Jane across state lines to engage in prostitution.
The jury rejected prosecutors’ claims that he operated a criminal enterprise and used force, fraud or coercion to traffic the two women, dealing a significant blow to the government’s broader case.
The verdict came in on the third day of deliberations. On Tuesday (July 1), U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian received a note from the jury explaining that they could not reach a verdict on Count 1—the racketeering conspiracy charge, which had almost gone unresolved.
But Judge Subramanian instructed the jurors to continue deliberating until they reached a verdict, which ultimately resulted in the stunning win for Diddy this afternoon.
The not guilty rulings mark a significant blow to federal prosecutors, who alleged Diddy led a years-long campaign of coercion, manipulation and abuse and now any mandatory minimum sentences are off the table.
The 12-member panel—comprised of five white jurors, four Black jurors, two Hispanic jurors and one Asian juror whose identity was kept confidential—deliberated for three days before reaching its decision.
The not-guilty verdicts capped a six-week trial that featured graphic testimony, high-profile witnesses and a barrage of evidence, including surveillance footage and text messages.
The verdict marks a major legal victory for the music mogul, who has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.
Prosecutors had painted Diddy as the leader of a decades-long criminal operation that used his fame, fortune and inner circle to exploit women.
They alleged he orchestrated sex parties known as “freak-offs,” drugged and manipulated ex-girlfriends, including Cassie Ventura, and used employees to cover up abuse.
The government also accused him of bribery, arson and kidnapping, citing testimony from 34 witnesses and evidence seized during raids.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told jurors Combs “counted on silence and shame” to protect himself and insisted the evidence proved sex trafficking and racketeering beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, the defense disassembled that narrative and successfully convinced the jury that Diddy was innocent by focusing on consent and credibility.
They argued that Diddy’s relationships, including his tumultuous history with Ventura, were consensual and not criminal. His attorneys described their romance as a “great modern love story” and admitted to domestic violence but denied it rose to the level of federal crimes.
The defense called no witnesses of their own, instead relying on cross-examinations to poke holes in the prosecution’s timeline and motives.
Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo highlighted inconsistencies in witness accounts and introduced texts and social media posts suggesting some accusers maintained friendly contact with Diddy long after the alleged abuse.
Diddy, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, faced up to life in prison if convicted. The acquittal is like a re-run of one of Diddy’s television shows.
In 2001, he was acquitted on all charges stemming from a high-profile nightclub shooting in Manhattan. That trial revolved around a December 1999 incident at Club New York, where three people were injured.
Prosecutors accused Diddy—then known as Puff Daddy—of gun possession and bribery after police claimed he tried to hide a weapon in a car with then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez.
The jury has reached verdicts on four out of the five charges facing Diddy. This is stressful. The panel of eight men and four women is expected to return to deliberations Wednesday morning to resolve the final charge of racketeering. When I saw this, I knew it was bad news for Diddy. But, we do not know for sure.
The racketeering count is widely considered the most complex of the charges. They have reached a consensus on the remaining counts. These counts include two sex-trafficking charges and two counts related to the transportation of individuals to engage in prostitution. Those verdicts remain under seal as deliberations continue. But, we are forming our thoughts on what we think may lurk ahead.
The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder has maintained his innocence. But, if convicted on the current charges, Combs could be spending the rest of his life behind bars. What do you think the result will be?
If found guilty, Combs would almost certainly appeal, but it would be seriously problematic. Anyway, I asked AI what the outcome looked like based on the most recent developments…
The jury has already reached a verdict on four out of five charges, including the two sex-trafficking charges and two charges related to transporting individuals for prostitution. However, they remain deadlocked on the racketeering charge, which is the most complex and sweeping of the accusations.
Several signs suggest a partial guilty verdict is likely:
Consensus on 4 of 5 Charges:
This indicates that the jury has likely found some degree of guilt on at least part of the indictment, especially regarding sex trafficking and prostitution-related transportation, both of which carry serious penalties.
Racketeering Charge Deadlock:
This charge involves proving a pattern of criminal enterprise, which is legally more complicated than proving individual acts. The jury’s struggle here is common in cases where the broader “enterprise” aspect is harder to nail down.
Judge and Attorneys Want Deliberations to Continue:
Both prosecution and defense still want a verdict and believe progress is possible. The potential use of an Allen charge suggests the judge will push the jury to resolve the final count—this could eventually lead to a compromise verdict or mistrial on that one charge only.
Timing and Human Behavior:
With the July 4th holiday looming, jurors are incentivized to reach a decision. Trials often see verdicts just before holidays or weekends.
Bottom Line:
Most Likely Scenario: Guilty verdicts on the sex-trafficking and prostitution-related charges, with a hung jury or mistrial on the racketeering charge.
Outcome for Combs: Even without a racketeering conviction, guilty findings on the other charges alone could result in decades in prison, especially given the federal nature of the case. An appeal is all but certain, but he would remain in custody.
Suge Knight says Tupac Shakur didn’t want to be cremated but was anyway—and according to him, some of the late rapper’s closest friends honored him in a way that’s as unconventional as it is unforgettable: they rolled his ashes into a blunt and smoked them.
Speaking from prison in a new interview with PEOPLE, Knight described the chaotic aftermath of Shakur’s death and the pressure he says he faced from Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, to handle the cremation immediately.
“She came up to me and said, ‘Get it done. Now,'” Knight recalled.
Knight said he initially pushed back, claiming Tupac had expressed clear wishes just weeks before his death.
“He didn’t want to be cremated,” Knight said. But Afeni wasn’t having it. “She started cussing me out,” he said. “She told me, ‘Get this s### done!'”
Knight said he followed through. “I paid someone a million dollars cash to take care of it.”
What happened next, according to Knight, was something straight out of Hip-Hop folklore.
“A bag with his ashes was passed around,” he said. “His homies rolled him up. They smoked him.”
Knight described the act as symbolic. “You gotta understand, that’s what made sense,” he said. “It was symbolic. It’s like… you keep part of him.”
Knight said he was there for the moment but didn’t join in. “I was so happy to say I was on probation — I couldn’t smoke,” he claimed. “I told his mother, ‘Moms, I’d love to, but if I hit that, I’ll get in trouble.'” He added, “I was probably the only one who didn’t hit him.”
Suge Knights Speaks Out On Tupac Shakur’s Death In 1996 Interview
Tupac was shot on September 7, 1996, while riding in the passenger seat of a BMW driven by Knight after a Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas.
A gunman in a white Cadillac opened fire, hitting Shakur four times. Knight was grazed by bullet fragments but survived. Tupac died six days later, on September 13, at age 25.
50 Cent wasted no time rubbing salt in an old wound after Ja Rule opened up about his travel ban from the United Kingdom—just days before 50 is set to perform a sold-out show in London.
Earlier this week, Ja Rule clowned 50 Cent on social media reacting to a post claiming was offering a 2-for-1 deal for his London show “Due to EXTREMELY low demand.”
On Wednesday morning (July 2), the G-Unit founder fired back. He shared a clip from a recent podcast where Ja Rule explained why he’s barred from entering the U.K. He then followed it with a savage caption aimed squarely at his longtime rival.
“How do you win a fight, if you’re fighting someone who is too stupid to know they lost?” 50 wrote alongside a report confirming his July 4 concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had sold out. “Just keep hitting them till they stop moving.”
In the podcast clip, Ja Rule detailed the circumstances that led to his ban from Britain.
“I’m banned from the U.K. for sure,” he said. “We got into a big brawl, a big fight in the U.K., and people got hurt. So that’s a very good reason.”
He continued, “I don’t have a good criminal record here either,” adding that the U.K. government had taken that into account. “So I’m not allowed in the U.K. at all. I probably won’t be able to go back to the U.K … ever. As of now, it’s never.”
The U.K. Home Office denied Ja Rule’s visa application in February 2024, citing his criminal history, which includes convictions punishable by more than a year in prison.
The decision forced him to cancel his “Sunrise Tour,” resulting in financial losses and scrapped dates.
At the time, Ja Rule’s supporters speculated that 50 Cent had something to do with the visa denial.
Initially, 50 denied any involvement. But later, he leaned into the rumors, writing, “LMAO I got juice all over the place sucker!”
The two rappers have been locked in a public feud for over two decades, trading insults, memes and diss tracks since the early 2000s. Despite the years, neither seems ready to call it quits.
50 Cent allegedly enlisted Misa Hylton to extract personal details about Diddy during a tense music business standoff, according to new claims from his ex, Shaniqua Tompkins.
During a recent Instagram Live, Tompkins accused the Hip-Hop mogul of hiring Hylton—Diddy’s former partner and a respected stylist—not for fashion advice but to gather intel.
Tompkins said the alleged scheme began after 50 Cent attempted to sign rapper Mase, who was under Diddy’s Bad Boy label.
When Diddy reportedly demanded $2 million, 50 Cent allegedly pivoted to a more personal strategy.
“So he decided, I’m going to hire his baby mother [Misa], bring her in to sleep with her to get information on Puffy. She came in the gate talking about Puffy, talking about how he was abusive,” Tompkins said.
Hylton has never directly accused Diddy of abuse, but she has made public statements that suggest she endured trauma.
After CNN released a 2016 surveillance video showing Diddy assaulting Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, Hylton posted a statement of support for Cassie.
“I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her. I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma,” Misa said.
Tompkins, the mother of 50 Cent’s eldest son, Marquise, also accused the rapper of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship.
“He hit me while I was pregnant with Marquise. Belly was out to here,” she said. “I mean—he still is abusive. It’s not in the press, but he’s abusive. Emotionally, physically, he’s abusive.”