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From Raids to Revelations: The Dark Turn in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Saga

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Following the federal raids on the residences of rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Miami and New York, the hip-hop community remains shocked by the barrage of disturbing revelations surrounding the music icon.
The post From Raids to Revelations: The Dark Turn in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Saga first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

12 months ago

March 26, 2024

Oakland Post

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Following the federal raids on the residences of rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Miami and New York, the hip-hop community remains shocked by the barrage of disturbing revelations surrounding the music icon. The raids believed to be the culmination of a protracted investigation prompted by a lawsuit filed by Combs’ former protege, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, have brought to light a troubling pattern of alleged sexual misconduct and abuse.

“This is 100 percent about Cassie’s lawsuit,” a well-connected individual in the hip-hop community told the Informer. “Cassie’s lawsuit wasn’t just about Cassie being victimized, which she was. Cassie’s lawsuit gave the police a case with solid, irrefutable evidence.” Ventura’s lawsuit, which some reports suggested Combs settled for a jaw-dropping $100 million, initially drew attention to what some industry insiders described as “crimes” committed by Combs.

The Ventura lawsuit exposed Combs as a serial abuser who paid men for so-called “freak-offs,” including directing them to assault Ventura sexually. The lawsuit also detailed other forms of violence that sources said immediately caught the attention of law enforcement. “When this got out, the blowing up cars, the guns stuff, police called Cassie’s people because they hadn’t heard anything credible about Puff until then,” the source said. “They told Cassie’s lawyers in no uncertain terms that they were going to act. Naturally, they did their due diligence and here we are. Puff kids in cuffs, he’s on the run, and his pretty much the modern-day O.J. [Simpson].”

While Combs hasn’t been arrested, media members tracked his private plane to Antigua and other island destinations that reportedly have no extradition treaties with the United States. After the raids, a TMZ journalist spotted Combs being detained briefly by federal authorities at an airport in Miami. Part of Ventura’s claims included, “In February 2012 … Mr. Combs told Ms. Ventura that he was going to blow up Kid Cudi’s car and that he wanted to ensure that Kid Cudi was home with his friends when it happened.

“Around that time, Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway. Ms. Ventura was terrified as she began fully comprehending what Mr. Combs was willing and able to do to those, he believed had slighted him.” Cudi later confirmed the story to the New York Times. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the investigation encompasses various potential crimes, including sex trafficking and firearms. Since Ventura’s lawsuit, numerous other accusers have made similar allegations against Combs, spanning decades. Lawsuits have detailed alleged coercion, rape, and other forms of abuse by the Bad Boy Records founder.

Despite Combs’ vehement denials, mounting legal battles and public scrutiny prompted him to step down as chairman of his cable television network, Revolt. Combs’ online marketplace, Empower Global, highlighting Black-owned brands, remains active but currently displays no available products. Earlier this year, Combs opted to retract a lawsuit he had filed against Diageo, a settlement reached with the London-based spirits giant. In his lawsuit, he alleged Diageo failed to fulfill promised investments in Cîroc vodka and DeLeon tequila, which he had endorsed. Combs asserted that Diageo treated these brands as inferior “urban” products and leveled unfounded accusations of racism against the company’s leadership.

According to court documents, Combs alleged that Diageo executives cited race as a factor in restricting distribution to predominantly “urban” neighborhoods. Further, he claimed that some leaders within Diageo harbored resentment towards him for his financial success. Diageo countered Combs’ claims in response, denouncing them as “false and reckless” attempts to extort additional funds from the company. Despite the legal dispute, Combs’ reputation suffered a significant blow, mainly after initiating the lawsuit. Subsequently, Diageo assumed full ownership of Cîroc and DeLeon following the lawsuit’s withdrawal.

After the raids on his homes where authorities handcuffed and temporarily detained two of his children, criticism of Combs intensified. Renowned artists like 50 Cent and former Bad Boy rapper Ma$e publicly condemned his behavior, while resurfaced interviews with superstar Usher have added fuel to the fire. Usher’s chilling testimony of his time at what he described as “Puff Flavor Camp” painted a vivid picture of the disturbing atmosphere surrounding Combs. “I got a chance to see some things … I don’t know if I could indulge and even understand what I was looking at,” Usher recounted in a resurfaced 2016 interview with Howard Stern. Asked whether he would send his kids to “Puffy Flavor Camp,” Usher exclaimed: “Hell no!”

The post From Raids to Revelations: The Dark Turn in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Saga first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Target Takes a Hit: $12.4 Billion Wiped Out as Boycotts Grow

Target Corporation’s stock plummeted by approximately $27.27 per share by the end of February, erasing about $12.4 billion in market value. The drop came on February 28, the designated economic blackout day, and coincided with mounting backlash over the retailer’s decision to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. The National Newspaper Publishers Association […]

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2025

Stacy Brown

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has taken action through its Public Education and Selective Buying Campaign. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said, “Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard. If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”

Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, has led calls for a “40-Day Target Fast,” urging Black consumers to withhold their spending at the retailer. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” Bryant said. “If we withhold our dollars, we can make a statement that cannot be ignored.”

The NAACP also issued a Black Consumer Advisory in response to Target’s DEI rollback, warning Black consumers about corporate retreat from diversity initiatives. The advisory urges them to support businesses that remain committed to investing in Black communities.

Target is also facing legal battles. Shareholders have filed lawsuits challenging the company’s DEI policies, arguing that the commitments hurt financial performance. Meanwhile, conservative groups have sued over Target’s diversity efforts, claiming they discriminated against white employees and other groups.

“Consumers have the power to demand change, and Target is learning that lesson the hard way,” Chavis said.

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BREAKING Groundbreaking Singer Angie Stone Dies in Car Accident at 63

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia The music and entertainment world reacted in shock and sorrow after the tragic death of Angie Stone, the pioneering singer-songwriter and hip-hop trailblazer who was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning in Montgomery, Alabama. She was 63. Stone’s publicist, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the […]

Published

5 days ago

March 1, 2025

Stacy Brown

By Stacy M. Brown

BlackPressUSA Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

The music and entertainment world reacted in shock and sorrow after the tragic death of Angie Stone, the pioneering singer-songwriter and hip-hop trailblazer who was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning in Montgomery, Alabama. She was 63.

Stone’s publicist, Deborah R. Champagne, confirmed the devastating news, stating that her family is heartbroken. “A number of her loved ones had just spoken to her last night,” Champagne told TMZ.

Born Angela Brown, Stone first rose to prominence as a member of The Sequence, hip-hop’s first all-female rap group. Their 1979 hit Funk You Up became one of the earliest rap records to break into the mainstream, later sampled in Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and Dr. Dre’s Keep Their Heads Ringin’. After her years with The Sequence, Stone launched a solo career in the late 1990s, earning Grammy nominations and releasing celebrated R&B hits like Brotha, No More Rain, and Wish I Didn’t Miss You.

Stone’s career spanned decades, seamlessly blending hip-hop, soul, and R&B. Her debut solo album, Black Diamond, achieved gold status. She earned multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for U-Haul and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Joe for More Than a Woman and with Betty Wright for Baby.

Several of Stone’s peers offered tributes following the devastating news.

Chuck D, the legendary Public Enemy frontman and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, called Stone a foundational figure. “Angie Stone [was] a powerful pioneer whenever I thought of her,” he told Black Press USA. “A foundation of modern soul and hip-hop and women empowerment that she’s still uncredited for. A terrible loss.”

Rocky Bucano, executive director of the Hip Hop Museum, described Stone as a groundbreaking force. “As a member of The Sequence, Angie B helped pave the way for generations of women in hip-hop,” Bucano said in an email to Black Press USA. “Her impact on hip-hop culture is immeasurable, and her presence will be deeply missed. Rest in power, Angie Stone. Your voice and influence will never fade.”

DJ Ralph McDaniels also told Black Press USA that Stone’s artistry mainly was unmatched. “Peaceful journey to our sister Angie Stone,” he said. “Her voice was unique and direct from hip-hop’s female group Sequence to her solo soul songs.”

Dr. Mario Dickens of Mario Dickens Ministries also offered condolences. “We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of this era’s greatest memorable voices,” he said. “We pray for her loved ones and fans,” said Dickens, who extended his company’s memorial printing services to Stone’s family at no cost.

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NAACP Legend and Freedom Fighter Hazel Dukes Passes

“She was a warrior in the truest sense of the word and activist extraordinaire.” Those words are from Reverend Al Sharpton who is celebrating the life and activism of the iconic Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, civil rights activist and leader within the ranks of the New York and National Board of the NAACP. Dukes 92 […]

Published

5 days ago

March 1, 2025

Oakland Post

Just two weeks ago, Dukes was wheelchair bound and present to perform her duty as NAACP Election Supervisory Chair certifying the elections of the rights groups’ board members.

Dr. Ben Chavis, elected in 1993, was the 7th Executive Director and CEO of the NAACP and spoke on the life of Dukes saying, “The transformative leadership legacy of freedom fighter Hazel Dukes will now be enshrined with the greatest honor and respect as a leader of the NAACP in America and throughout the world.”

This morning the Chair of the Board of the NAACP Leon W. Russell told Black Press USA that Dr. Dukes led the NAACP New York Conference for 50 years acknowledging, “Her work has helped ensure that the 116-year-old NAACP could remain relevant and continue its work throughout the years. She has been consistent in her work and her support as a member and a leader.”

Sharpton says she has known her for almost 50 years since he was a teen. “There never was an issue that she was not out front. We’ve gone to jail together and the White House together.”

Sharpton expects to offer comments at Duke’s funeral service. He recalls she was “authentic, committed, and concerned,” The rights leader and TV host also says, “We will never have another Hazel Dukes. But thank God we had this one.”

The NAACP Board was notified of the passing of Dr. Dukes through the following correspondence this morning:

Passing of a Loved One. To God Be The Glory!

Colleagues, it is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of sadness that I inform you of that our sister, Momma Dukes, went to be with the ancestors at 6:20 AM today. Her transition was officially recorded and announced at 6:38 AM. Please lift her up in prayer and continue to pray for her son Ronald and all of her extended family.

It is always hard to send a message like this but as Hazel would say, she is in God’s hands now.

Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference and Member of the NAACP National Board of Directors was bold and courageous. She was a true warrior for civil rights and social justice. Her voice and her influence at our table will be missed, but we will all continue to be influenced by that same voice as we continue to fight for that same cause. Hazel was one of the giants on whose shoulders we will continue to stand as we continue to do God’s work here on Earth.

I will keep you informed as arrangements are announced and finalized. Please know that Hazel passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people who loved her and clergy who knew and pastored to her.

May our sister Hazel rest in power.

With a heavy heart.

Leon W. Russell

Chairman

NAACP National Board of Directors