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Donald Trump Indicted; The 1st Ex-President Charged With A Felony.

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NEW YORK — Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, according to his lawyers, making him the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges and jeopardizing his quest to retake the White House next year.

The accusations revolve around payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence allegations of extramarital sexual encounters. They are a remarkable development following years of inquiry into Trump’s business, political, and personal dealings.

The indictment places a local district attorney’s office at the center of a national presidential campaign, ushering in criminal proceedings in a city where the ex-president has lived for decades. The charges, which come at a time of deep political divisions, are likely to strengthen rather than reshape the opposing views of those who see accountability as long overdue and those who, like Donald Trump, believe the Republican is being targeted for political reasons by a Democratic prosecutor.

Donald Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing and slammed the probe, called the indictment “political persecution” and predicted it would hurt Democrats in 2024. Defense attorneys Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina said in a statement confirming the charges that Trump “did not commit any crime.” We will fiercely defend ourselves in court against this political prosecution.”

donald trump

Donald Trump, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and slammed the probe.

The case revolves around well-documented allegations from 2016 when Trump’s celebrity past collided with his political aspirations. Prosecutors investigated payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, whom he feared would go public with allegations of extramarital sexual encounters with him.

According to someone familiar with the issue, which was not authorized to discuss a matter that remained under seal, Trump was expected to surrender to authorities next week, though the details were still being worked out.

Following news reports that criminal charges were expected to be filed within weeks, Trump campaign officials looked surprised by the indictment’s timing. On Thursday, the former president was at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, where he had taped an interview with a conservative commentator earlier in the day.

The indictment offers yet another never-before-seen spectacle for a man whose presidency was defined by one obliterated norm after another. It will necessitate a former president and current presidential candidate fighting for his freedom and political future while also fending off potentially more dangerous legal threats, such as investigations into his and his allies’ attempts to undo the 2020 election and the hoarding of hundreds of classified documents.

Until recently, New York was regarded as an unlikely candidate to be the first to prosecute Trump, who is still the subject of long-running investigations in Atlanta and Washington, which could result in charges. Unlike those investigations, the Manhattan case involves Donald Trump’s behavior before he became president and is unrelated to the widely publicized attempts to overturn a presidential election.

The indictment sets the stage for an unprecedented scene — a former president having his fingerprints and mug shot taken, then facing arraignment and possibly a criminal trial — as he seeks to reassert control of the Republican Party and stave off a slew of one-time allies who are seeking or are likely to oppose him for the presidential nomination. His booking is anticipated to be carefully choreographed for security purposes and to avoid crowds inside or outside the courthouse.

donald trump

The indictment sets the stage for an unprecedented scene.

The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, is embracing an unusual case that had previously been examined by two sets of prosecutors, both of whom refused to take the politically risky step of seeking Trump’s indictment.

In the weeks building up to the indictment, Donald Trump, who is seeking to reassert Republican Party control and. railed on social media about the investigation and urged supporters to demonstrate on his behalf, causing increased security around the Manhattan criminal courthouse.

The hush-money investigation seemed doomed until it was revealed in early March that Bragg had invited Donald Trump to testify before a grand jury, indicating prosecutors were near charging Trump.

Trump’s lawyers rejected the offer, but a lawyer close to the former president testified briefly to undermine the credibility of Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen.

Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 late in the 2016 presidential campaign to keep her quiet about what she claims was a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier after they met at a celebrity golf event.

Trump’s business, the Trump Organization, reimbursed Cohen, who was also rewarded with bonuses and extra payments logged internally as legal costs. Cohen claimed that the business paid him $420,000 over several months.

Earlier that year, Cohen arranged for the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer publisher to pay Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 to put a stop to her tale about a Trump affair, a journalistically dubious practice known as “catch-and-kill.”

The payments to the women were meant to buy secrecy, but they almost instantly backfired when details of the arrangements were leaked to the news media.

In 2018, federal prosecutors in New York charged Cohen with violating federal campaign finance rules, claiming that the payments amounted to impermissible assistance to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Cohen pleaded guilty to the charges and unrelated tax evasion offenses and was sentenced to federal prison.

donald trump

Donald Trump was named in court documents as knowing the arrangements.

Donald Trump was named in court documents as knowing the arrangements, but U.S. prosecutors declined to charge him then. The Justice Department has long held that prosecuting a sitting president in federal court is unconstitutional.

Cyrus Vance Jr., Bragg’s predecessor as district attorney, took over the probe in 2019. While the investigation originally focused on the hush money payments, Vance’s prosecutors expanded their investigation to examine Donald Trump’s business dealings and tax strategies.

Vance eventually charged the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer with tax evasion concerning some of the company’s senior executives receiving fringe benefits.

The hush money case became known as the “zombie case” within the D.A.’s office, with investigators returning to it regularly but never filing charges.

Bragg had a distinct perspective. Following the Trump Organization’s conviction on tax fraud charges in December, he brought new eyes to the well-worn case, appointing veteran white-collar prosecutor Matthew Colangelo to supervise the investigation and convening a new grand jury.

Cohen became a crucial witness, meeting with prosecutors nearly twice daily, handing over emails, recordings, and other evidence, and testifying in front of the grand jury.

Donald Trump has long referred to the Manhattan probe as “the greatest witch hunt in history,” He has slammed Bragg as a racist against white people.

The criminal charges in New York are the latest salvo in a deep schism between Donald Trump and his hometown — a reckoning for a once-favored son who grew wealthy and famous building skyscrapers, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, and gracing the pages of the city’s gossip press.

Donald Trump, who famously said in 2016 that he “could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody” and “wouldn’t lose voters,” now faces a threat to his liberty or, at the very least, his reputation in a borough where more than 75% of voters — many of them potential jurors — voted against him.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

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Los Angeles  — Sean “Diddy” Combs lawyer said Tuesday that federal officials’ searches of the rapper’s Los Angeles and Miami houses in a sex trafficking probe were “a gross use of military-level force” and that Combs is “innocent and will continue to fight” to clear his name.

The music mogul’s team issued its first public statement on Monday after Homeland Security Investigations investigators raided his house.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” stated attorney Aaron Dyer. “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”

The searches were conducted as part of federal investigators’ ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York, according to two law enforcement officials. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

According to Dyer’s statement, Combs was not held and spoke with authorities, and neither he nor any family members were arrested or had their travel restricted.

Dyer said that the “unprecedented ambush” resulted from a “premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”

“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations,” Dyer said in a statement. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

Combs’ kids, Justin and Christian “King” Combs were handcuffed during the raid on their father’s home in Los Angeles. King, 25, is a musician whose song “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” featuring Kodak Black topped Billboard’s Mainstream R&B Hip-Hop charts in 2022.

Law enforcement raided Combs’ multimillion-dollar estate in Los Angeles’ wealthy Holmby Hills neighborhood on Monday and his Miami waterfront home. Command trucks were stationed outside both homes, along with many officers.

The criminal probe marks a significant increase in Combs’ scrutiny since he has been the defendant in several sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.

Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. Combs settled the lawsuit the next day. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them.

In February, a music producer sued Combs, alleging that he pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them.

combs

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

Another of Diddy accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.

Diddy and his counsel have denied all of the lawsuits’ claims.

The Associated Press does not normally name persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

Diddy is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

Diddy’s non-music business empire, which includes profitable private-label spirits, athletic clothes, and a television network, has been collapsing since the abuse charges surfaced.

His vodka and tequila partnership with Diageo, a major producer of distilled spirits, was officially terminated in January when the two parties settled mutual lawsuits, leaving the brands in Diageo’s hands.

combs

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyer Says Raids Of The Rapper’s Homes Were ‘Excessive’ Use Of Military Force

His fashion line, Sean John, has disappeared from Macy’s, one of the line’s principal partners; Sean John’s goods are still accessible at Walmart’s online site. However, many are severely discounted or only available in off-sizes.

In November, Combs quit as chairman of Revolt TV, which focuses on music and social justice issues for African Americans.

Source – (apnews)

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Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

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NEW YORK — Federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement officers searched two properties owned by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

It is unclear whether Combs was the target of the probe. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

Homeland Security Investigations stated that it “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.”

A spokesman for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment.

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

Lawyers for Combs and other representatives left messages requesting comments, but they did not immediately respond.

A police line was formed around the Los Angeles home in the affluent Holmby Hills district near Beverly Hills. Helicopter footage from KABC-TV showed several agents wearing vests, indicating they were from Homeland Security Investigations, and they were gathered in the backyard near the pool. A command post was set up outside the house, and agents were still coming and going hours after the search began.

Combs has faced many sexual assault lawsuits in recent months.

In February, a music producer filed a lawsuit saying that Combs pushed him into soliciting prostitutes and pressuring him to have sex with them. Shawn Holley, Combs’ attorney, stated of the charges, “We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”

Cassie, Combs’ former apprentice and girlfriend, sued him in November, accusing him of sexual abuse, including rape, over several years. The lawsuit claimed he pushed her to have sex with male prostitutes while filming them. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.

Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her at the age of 17 two decades ago.

The Associated Press normally does not identify persons who claim to have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

In a December statement, Combs stated, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

According to Douglas Wigdor, an attorney representing Cassie and another woman who sued Combs, “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

It is unclear whether the search is related to any of the charges in the cases.

Combs is one of the most important hip-hop producers and executives over the last three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he established one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, blazing a route with several businesses using his iconic name. He founded Bad Boy Records and is a three-time Grammy winner who has collaborated with several major musicians, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

Combs founded the fashion clothing company Sean John, developed the music-focused Revolt TV channel, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.

His most recent record, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” came out last year, just days after Combs was recognized at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was nominated for best progressive R&B album at the February Grammy Awards, but the rapper-mogul did not attend.

combs

Feds Search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Properties As Part Of Sex Trafficking Probe

The entertainment business has faced a constant stream of career-ending sexual misconduct charges in the years since tales about movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement in 2017. Weinstein and “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson are both serving jail sentences for rape. Dozens of civil cases have been filed against prominent individuals.

The music industry has not faced the same level of reckoning, but singer and producer R. Kelly is serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing young fans, seven women have sued hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, alleging he raped them, and two women have sued Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, alleging sexual assault.

Weinstein, Masterson, and Kelly appeal their convictions, while Simmons denies all of the claims made against him. Tyler has had one lawsuit dismissed and is now contesting the other.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

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Washington – Kevin Hart, who ascended from Philadelphia’s open mics and comedy clubs to become one of the country’s most well-known entertainers, will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrities and notable comedians flocked to the Kennedy Center Sunday night to pay tribute to Hart, with numerous praising the comic’s work ethic, positivism, and unwavering commitment to his craft.

“He’s just inspirational,” remarked comedian Nikki Glazer on the red carpet. “He is one of the most naturally gifted people I’ve known. But he also likes himself, which is not the case with every successful comic.”

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Comedic actor J.B.J.B.ove (Leon on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) describes a young up-and-coming Kevin as almost dangerously eager.

“Honestly, when he was first starting out, he was a pest,” she added. “But he was always picking up pieces from here or there, always learning from people and never afraid to learn.”

The event began with a high-energy duet between Robin Thicke and Nelly.

Kevin, 44, has developed a signature style incorporating his short stature, expressive countenance, and motor-mouth delivery into a popular stand-up routine.

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Hart made his Hollywood debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers” and rose to mainstream prominence with a series of scene-stealing cameos in hits like 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin.”

Hart’s films have made over $4.23 billion worldwide.

The Mark Twain Prize, now in its 25th year, rewards performers who have had a long-term impact on humor and culture. Honorees receive a bronze bust of Mark Twain, the famed American writer and satire born Samuel Clemens.

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Comedian Kevin Hart Joins An Elite Group Honored With The Mark Twain Prize For American Humor

Mark Twain honorees are celebrated with a night of testimonials and video tributes, frequently including prior award winners. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett, and Dave Chapelle. Bill Cosby, the 2009 laureate, had his Mark Twain Prize revoked in 2019 due to charges of sexual assault.

SOURCE – (AP)

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