American Airlines, TikTok, First Class, Discrimination, passenger,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 18, 2025

American Airlines Under Fire After Black Passenger Claims She Was The Only One In First Class Denied Food

The airlines has faced numerous claims of racist treatment in the past.

American Airlines is facing heat after a Black TikToker claimed that she was the only first-class passenger denied food.

The influencer, whose account name is @johbidoo_official, shared her story to TikTok. The video showcased an unusually empty tray table that would typically boast first class amenities. The clip quickly garnered over 4.8 million views and sparked others to speak out on the racism they encountered from the airline.

@johbidoo_official
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!
♬ original sound – Lyrics Galore ☆

“When you’re the only Black person in first class and the food apparently ran out… Well thank you American Airlines,” she wrote on the video.

According to the lifestyle content creator, the flight attendant expressed that the aircraft ran out of food. However, given the premium price-point for a first-class ticket, many deemed the issue as unacceptable, The Daily Mail reported.

“First class and ran out shouldn’t even be in the same sentence,” one TikTok user said.

Other commenters noted how airlines typically keep track of passengers to ensure enough food is available. This insistence made some question the authenticity of the stewardess’ claim, telling the TikToker to report the issue.

“I work a service like this for another airline and I can GUARANTEE they did not run out of food. Report it!!!’ exclaimed another.

Fellow TikTokers reached out detailing their own experience of traveling in first class while Black. One woman shared how she received dirty looks as onlookers believed she was in the wrong line.

“I flew first class and I was the only Black woman there,” explained the commenter. “They assumed that I was in the wrong line. I had looks the whole time. It was wild.”

American Airlines has had previous issues with racist treatment reported by passengers. The airline is currently facing a lawsuit after its employees accused a Black man of trafficking his white wife.

The airline also recently settled a racial discrimination case in December 2024 after three Black men accused its flight attendants of wrongly removing them from a plane in January of that year. In light of the persistent issue, brought up since 2017, the NAACP called on American Airlines to respond to the ongoing allegations of racism.

In regards to this latest bout of alleged racism, American Airlines also made a public statement affirming that they reached out to the TikToker about her experience.

“We want all of our customers to have a positive experience during their travels with us,” stated the airline. “We have reached out to the customer to learn more about their experience.”

The TikToker has also confirmed that she is in communication with the airline about the matter.

RELATED CONTENT: An American Airlines Departure for GlobalHue

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 18, 2025

Antonio Brown Detained By Miami Police After Gunshots Fired Outside Adin Ross’ Boxing Event

Brown blamed Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy for the fight that allegedly led to the gunshots.

Miami Police detained Antonio Brown over gunshots fired outside a boxing event thrown by online streamer Adin Ross.

The incident occurred early on May 17, as Miami officers responded to an alert from the gunshot-detection system ShotSpotter. Footage posted on social media also showed Brown fighting multiple people outside the event. Onlookers recording the incident showed Brown reportedly falling on and later kicking a security officer during the ordeal.

According to CNN, the former NFL star allegedly held a Black gun while chasing another person. Shots then rang out off-camera, leading to the police’s arrival.

After police questioned Brown and several others over their potential involvement in the gunfire, Brown shared details of the ordeal on social media. Brown appeared on Ross’s Kick livestream to blame his involvement in the fight on his “CTE,” as reported by People. CTE, a regressive brain disease formally known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, remains linked to contact sports like football.

“I got CTE, I blacked out,” he said on the stream. “I blacked out, Adin…I don’t know what happened.”

However, in a subsequent post, Brown claimed multiple people jumped him in an attempt to steal his jewelry.

Regarding the boxing event that happened last night. I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me. Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me.…
— AB (@AB84) May 17, 2025

“Regarding the boxing event that happened last night,” he began on his post to X, “I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me.”

He also shared how he plans to take legal action, and that the video swirling around social media provides a false narrative of what occurred.

He added, “Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED. I will be talking to my legal counsel and attorneys on pressing charges on the individuals that jumped me.”

A Miami Police Department spokesperson, Officer Kiara Delva, confirmed that law enforcement made no arrests at the scene. They also reported no injuries in their statement. Despite their reports of no detainment, other videos circulating did allegedly show Brown in handcuffs.

Although his professional sports career ended abruptly in 2019, Brown has remained a controversial figure off the field for his brazenness and legal issues.

The investigation into the gunshots remains ongoing. Police named no other suspects involved in the fight.

by Daniel Johnson

May 18, 2025

Really, Homeland Security? Vetting Immigrants For Citizenship Reality Show?

An immigration-themed reality show that reportedly has the backing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been met with criticism.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly in the beginning stages of exploring a reality show wherein immigrants will compete for the ability to become an American citizen, according to a producer who has pitched the show to other administrations before, but did not have his idea seriously considered until now.

According to CNN, Rob Worsoff, a producer who has worked on shows like “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” “Duck Dynasty,” and “The Biggest Loser,” said that although the conversations about the show with the Trump administration have “gone far” they have not yet required the approval of Secretary Kristi Noem.

Although the Trump administration has downplayed the discussions, regardless of whether or not the DHS approves the show, the Trump administration has appeared to take joy in the suffering of the people who may or may not be American citizens whom they have deported through various videos shared by the White House’s official social media platforms.

According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS “receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operations to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval.”

Per McLaughlin, earlier reports which indicated that Noem backed the show are mischaracterizations, but in the words of the late James Baldwin, “I cannot believe what you say, because I have seen what you do,” that is to say, those who are critical of the DHS for even appearing to consider the show can be forgiven for their skepticism, given the cruelty they have already showcased.

In regards to the show, Worsoff envisions it in the style of “The Biggest Loser,” which has been previously criticized for its exploitation of people who appeared on the show and its treatment of the contestants by the coaches on screen.

https://twitter.com/MrsButters/status/1923777675929194509?s=19

DHS is in talks with a reality T.V. show producer about a game show in which immigrant contestants would compete for U.S. citizenship. This shocking story is a fitting development for an administration fixated on melding policy with sadistic entertainment.https://t.co/bPBfSzAsKp
— Mark Fallon (@glynco) May 16, 2025

A horrible and dehumanizing idea:https://t.co/axE4xsGbVS
— Fernando Ortega (@Ferndiggity) May 16, 2025

As he shared with CNN, the show’s pitch is as follows: “Contestants will represent a wide demographic of ages, ethnicities, and talents. We’ll join in the laughter, tears, frustration and joy — hearing their backstories — as we are reminded of how amazing it is to be American, through the eyes of 12 wonderful people who want nothing more than to have what we have — and what we often take for granted: the freedom, opportunity and honor of what it means to be American.”

Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, the twin brother of former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro, criticized the idea during a May 17 appearance on MSNBC, referring to the show’s premise as “a sick idea” in his comments.

“During this Trump Administration, it seems like every day we lose more and more of our humanity,” Castro said. “The idea that you would do a reality show and have people compete for citizenship, it’s just sick, a sick idea.”

Beyond the ethical concerns of the show, immigration attorney Eric Lee told CBS News that he isn’t sure that the DHS can even legally back the show and pay media companies to broadcast it.

“The idea that the Department of Homeland Security could set up some show with some media company to make money off of the plight of these people has absolutely no basis in law whatsoever,” Lee told the outlet.

According to MSNBC’s Zeeshan Aleem, the fact that the DHS is considering the show is both “damning and unsurprising.”

“Even if this show doesn’t come to fruition, the fact that the Trump administration is even considering it — and unafraid to admit it to reporters — is damning. It’s also unsurprising, insofar as the administration has often sought to use art and memes that celebrate the pain of migrants to help give license to its brutal mass deportation regime,” Aleem wrote.

He concluded, “Moreover, Noem has fixated on photo ops while standing in front of ICE raids and El Salvador’s vicious megaprison, inviting the public to celebrate the mechanics of migrant detainment and incarceration. Trump and those around him are quick to turn everything into a game or a laugh, most often at the expense of those most vulnerable among us.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 18, 2025

HBCU Week NOW Launches Effort To Build Digital Collection Of Commencement Speeches

HBCUs everywhere are encourage to submit their commencement speech videos and more.

HBCU Week NOW is expanding its content to build a digital collection of HBCU commencement speeches and recruitment videos.

HBCU Week NOW announced the news on May 15, encouraging HBCUs nationwide to help curate this digital archive. As an online platform with a mission toward celebrating the diverse culture and legacy of HBCUs, the new project will further these efforts by showcasing others’ recognition of this esteemed history.

Moreover, the initiative will introduce these powerful messages to newer audiences on YouTube. While many commencement and recruitment videos are only seen by those in attendance, this digital collection aims to highlight the importance of these moments for the HBCU community and those interested in participating in it.

“Our platform spotlights the stories, experiences, history, and culture that make HBCUs vital to the future of education and leadership in America,” stated Travis E. Mitchell, founding executive of HBCU Week NOW, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE: “Through cinematically produced, compelling video storytelling, HBCU Week NOW is creating a vibrant and inclusive community that honors the power and depth of HBCU experiences. Recruitment and commencement are two important highlights on a student’s HBCU journey.”

Currently boasting over 11,000 subscribers, this addition of these timeless videos will not only help grow HBCU Week NOW but also further its mission in uplifting HBCUs. Submitted commencement speeches will feature on the platform in full or through highlight reels.

From cultural icons to trailblazing industry leaders, these keynote speakers have shared messages of why HBCUs are integral to one’s past, present, and future. These inspiring speeches of hope and achievement will also encourage attendees while allowing alums to reflect on the experiences that shaped their education. The recruitment videos will also provide a unique look at individual HBCUs as they display what makes each institution one of a kind.

The videos will also add to HBCU Week NOW’s wide collection of long and short-form videos, live events, and multiplatform coverage. With tens of short films and hundreds of original content across its social media, the online visual hub continues to provide a robust snapshot of HBCU culture.

HBCUs with submissions for commencement and recruitment content can send them to HBCU Week NOW’s Project Manager, Christina Royster, at christina.hbcuweeknow@mpt.org.

by Mary Spiller

May 18, 2025

Atlanta’s The Rest Spot: A Safe Haven For Overwhelmed Black Women

Jena Burgess Singleton opened The Rest Spot in 2024 for women seeking a place to relax and rest.

A Smyrna, Georgia, woman, Jena Burgess Singleton, opened up a private, women-only wellness campus called The Rest Spot in June 2024 with one mission: to help women find a safe space to rest. Singleton’s business, catered especially toward Black women, was born from a journey of personal healing for her, and evolved into a goal to achieve communal healing when she realized that fellow women were struggling for similar things.

In an interview with Essence, Singleton recalled her life in 2023 when she felt weighed down by her life, career, and caregiving anxieties.

Singleton recalled, “I was forced to rest. My body physically reacted. I would constantly shake from my cortisol levels; I had facial paralysis. My nervous system was fried.”

Singleton was forced to focus on her healing after her doctor ordered her off the job due to her health concerns.

“It took a toll on me in a way because you hear all of the stories and you are becoming a safe space for so many people,” Singleton stated. “I think between that and just my own personal journey of my father needing a kidney transplant, I had a daughter, I got divorced, COVID happened, and George Floyd happened. Everything was really intensified.”

Singleton turned her healing into something to share with others — an effort that would lead to the creation of The Rest Spot.

The entrepreneur transformed her home into a healing space, developing nap rooms and creative spaces. The small-scale sanctuary quickly had to expand when requests for women wanting a safe space came in at a greater-than-expected rate.

Now, The Rest Spot sits on an acre of land in Smyrna. The location is nestled in lush green gardens and intentionally curated vibes built on calming scents for all who attend. The main house of The Rest Spot includes two common rooms, snacks and teas, a library, and more — all of which are curated to foster an emotional release for those seeking rest.

Singleton described going from working out of her home to where The Rest Spot is today.

“I’d say come over, I’ll watch the kids, and they’d go upstairs and take a nap,” Singleton said. “I had a larger home, so I had two extra rooms, and I started designing them. I just wanted to make them really comfy and cozy, and it became a fun project for me.”

Now, The Rest Spot has a large following of members, around 90% of whom are Black women, who can reserve time in different themed suites and spaces focusing on various kinds of replenishment to assist in sleep, self-reflection, or even honest expression. The Rest Spot has tools to help women in creative, mental, and emotional rest.

The Rest Spot has space even for mothers, and does not allow the burden of childcare to prevent women from seeking its benefits.

Singleton’s business includes a childcare suite and certified staff to care for children of mothers who attend.

Singleton expressed, “For a lot of the Black women who are members, this is the first time they’ve given anybody the baby. That gets me very emotional because you see that they’re in postpartum. You see that they’re shaking.”

Singleton emphasizes the accessibility of The Rest Spot by developing a membership model without the traditional barriers of other wellness resorts. Both meals and childcare are included in the membership price tag.

The pricing ranges from $135 to $189 for monthly memberships.

“We don’t penalize women for being moms. We meet them where they are,” Singleton explained.

“Loneliness is an epidemic,” she continued. “We have quite a few women who are single, who do not have children or pets or significant others. Women want to feel connected, and they want to be with like-minded individuals. Every Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m., we have social hour, and the chef makes appetizers; we have drinks, and that’s another way they get something included in their membership.”

Singleton hopes to expand the wellness business to other parts of the Atlanta area and to build out the current campus to include seven different suites.

by Mary Spiller

May 18, 2025

Savannah James Enters Beauty Biz With Luxe Skincare Brand

Savannah James' Reframe features three products.

Savannah James, the wife of NBA champion LeBron James, has launched a luxury skincare brand that pushes clinical work to the forefront of a three-product set. James’s line dropped on May 15, titled Reframe.

James stated that Reframe is marketed toward people who know what kind of skincare they want, for millennials and up.

Backed by Reframe President Samantha Bort and with the help of Nick Axelrod of Necessaire, James said to WWD: “They’re [millennials] interested in skincare. They are knowledgeable about skincare. They know what they like. Right now, we’re just thinking a lot about who our person is, and how we speak to them through education and making sure that we are putting the clinical aspect of the brand in the forefront.”

The Reframe line includes the Pigment Processor, a daily brightening serum priced at $115; Compression Complex, a daily moisturizer priced at $95; and Circadian Cream, a night cream priced at $135.

While speaking with WWD, James admitted that she has been into beauty since long before launching Reframe.

The 38-year-old NBA star’s wife recalled, “To be honest with you, I’ve been into beauty for as long as I can remember.”

“I really wanted to figure out what I could do to bring a product forward that was for the people in a way that was digestible, educational, and also cool,” she continued.

James explained that the three products have been thoroughly tested in their two-year development. All clinical testing for the three products was conducted in collaboration with Howard University’s College of Dermatology to focus on being inclusive of all skin tones.

The clinical tests for the line allegedly included 50 different subjects of different skin tones between 18 and 65 years old.

James expressed, “It’s for all skin across the Fitzpatrick Scale. I am a Black founder, but I thought about all people when I created this brand.”

James is especially proud of Reframe’s packaging, as it remains sleek and eye-catching for consumers.

“Coming from using things that come from dermatologists and aestheticians, it’s not sexy, it’s not fun … We got a lot of inspiration from art, from music, from culture, from fashion.”

James concluded by assuring readers that Reframe is direct-to-consumer for now and that any choice of retail partnerships will be carefully selected.

“[We’ll be] really strategic about our partners. We have some time. We’re keeping that slow and steady pace to think about where we want to show up,” James said.

by Mary Spiller

May 18, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Unveils Size-Inclusive Swim Line At Walmart For Hot Girl Summer

Megan Thee Stallion's Hot Girl Summer collection features 18 swim items.

Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion is making waves with the launch of her self-designed swimwear line, Hot Girl Summer. The collection features 18 size-inclusive swim styles and will be available exclusively at Walmart starting May 19.

The Houston native, whose real name is Megan Pete, designed the entirety of the 18-piece size-inclusive collection to show off her “creative vision and versatile execution” while making history.

According to a press release, Thee Stallion’s team announced, “With the introduction of Hot Girl Summer, Megan officially becomes the first hip-hop artist to launch her own swimwear brand.”

Megan Thee Stallion, 30, is partnering with Walmart for the swimsuit launch. The Hot Girl Summer collection will be available at nearly 500 stores across the US, as well as online at Walmart.com and on the rapper’s merchandise website, MeganTheeStallion.com.

Megan Thee Stallion said in a statement, “Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand. It was only right that we kick off Hot Girl Summer with this launch and provide Hotties of all body types with the official Hot Girl uniform.”

Megan Thee Stallion opened up about the significance of partnering with Walmart for her very first swimwear launch.

“I used to shop at Walmart growing up, so it’s a full circle to have my own line available at Walmart, and I’m so grateful for their support.”

Ryan Waymire, SVP Women’s Group at Walmart, added that the company was equally as excited to be partnering with one of the biggest successes in the rap industry of late.

“At Walmart, we want our customers to feel confident by offering fashion that celebrates their individuality and unique style,” Waymire said. “Megan embodies confidence and authenticity, and we’re excited to collaborate with her on an exclusive swim collection that completes the ultimate ‘Hot Girl Summer’ uniform, all at incredible prices we know customers will love.”

Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer swimwear collection features a wide variety of different cuts and colors to flatter multiple body types while remaining affordable. The collection includes bikinis, one pieces, and cover-ups, all retailing between $16 and $28, outside of shipping and tax for online orders.

by Daniel Johnson

May 17, 2025

Knicks Break 25-Year Conference Finals Drought, Defeat Celtics

Spike Lee must be somewhere smiling.

Somewhere, die-hard fan Spike Lee has an ear-to-ear grin as the Knicks head into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals after crushing the Boston Celtics, who blew two 20-point leads in back-to-back games, giving New York a commanding 2-0 lead. The Celtics fought back to force a Game 6, but the Knicks sealed it with a decisive 119-81 win.

According to The Athletic, New York advances to its first conference finals since Rick Brunson, Larry Johnson, and Latrell Sprewell were wearing uniforms, and adding to the throwback 1990s vibe of the playoff series, they will have to face a resurgent Indiana Pacers team led by Tyrese Halliburton; the Pacers eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs in 2024 after they won Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Knicks were never in danger of losing the game after the second quarter. They began that period with a six-point lead, and by quarter’s end, they were up 64-37; led in Tom Thibodeau’s signature style by their starting five.

Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges all scored in double figures. Brunson and Anunoby finished with 23 points each, while Towns and Bridges scored 21 apiece.

Thankfully, Thibodeau’s squad was allowed to rest for much of the fourth quarter; his starters usually play the majority of the game, but they weren’t needed to secure this win.

Although the Knicks head into their first conference finals in 25 years, they are a team with championship aspirations, and the fanbase, although currently joyous, arguably will not be satisfied unless they hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

As Bridges told The Athletic, the players, too, want more.

“Josh (Hart) showed me a video, walking over here, of people climbing up lightposts,” Knicks forward Mikal Bridges told the outlet. “It’s crazy, man. Great for them. Happy for them. Obviously, I’m new here, but I know how much New York loves their sports, especially the Knicks. I’m so excited to be a part of it. They can enjoy it for us right now, but obviously, we’ve got way more to go. I’m happy for them.”

Bridges also spoke to the Bergen Record after the win, emphasizing his belief that the job has not yet been completed.

“There’s more to do,” Bridges said. “We’re not done. That’s what it is. We came out there tonight to play hard and handle business, but our season’s not over. We’ve got so much more to go and we play on Wednesday so get ready to prepare for them. Whole different team and a whole new series.”

by Daniel Johnson

May 17, 2025

Black Farmworkers Sue Mississippi Grower For Favoring White Foreign Labor, Alleging Wage Discrimination

The suit argues that Black workers were paid $10 an hour while foreign white workers received more.

On May 15, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Southern Migrant Legal Services (SMLS), and the Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) announced a joint lawsuit filed in federal court on behalf of five Black U.S. farmworkers. The suit alleges that Gregory Carr discriminated against the workers by favoring white foreign laborers, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost wages.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Greenville, Mississippi, alleges that Carr’s misuse of the H-2A visa program informed his decision not to rehire Michael Anthony Nash, Jimmy Shaw, Vinnie Cason, Grant Lewis, and Charleston Taurvonta Harris, all Mississippi natives who formerly worked for Carr as migrant or seasonal farmworkers.

The suit also argues that Carr paid those workers and other Black workers on his farm $10 an hour while paying the foreign workers more. In addition to this, he misclassified the Black American workers on his farm as independent contractors and did not make the required contributions and tax payments that he was supposed to as an employer.

According to Kimberly Jones Merchant, the president and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice, “The intentional underpayment and misclassification of Black farmworkers in favor of white foreign labor not only violates federal law but has become increasingly common in the Mississippi Delta, holding our communities back for generations and perpetuating the historical exploitation faced by Black agricultural workers in our community.”

As Jones Merchant alluded to, the suit marks the ninth case filed by SMLS and MCJ challenging the discriminatory practices of farmers in the Mississippi Delta, the other eight cases were all resolved in the favor of local workers and resulted in a significant wage recovery for the local workers who argued that the misuse of the visa program caused them to lose wages.

According to Marian Delaney from the SMLS, federal protections for American workers only matter if they are actually enforced.

“This case shows how the H-2A program can be manipulated to exclude and underpay Black American workers. Federal protections are only meaningful if we enforce them– and that’s exactly what our clients are demanding through this lawsuit,” Delaney said.

In April 2024, a similar case was resolved through the arbitration of a judge, who resolved the case on what was deemed mutually agreeable terms.

According to Hannah Wolf, an attorney who represented the 14 workers in that case, the SMLS would continue pursuing cases that resulted in American workers being replaced by foreign workers due to the intentional misuse of the H-2A program.

“The H-2A program requires employers first to try to recruit and hire local workers, but we continue to hear from U.S. workers who report being pushed out of their jobs and replaced with guest workers. We will continue to investigate those claims and bring legal action when warranted,” Wolf said.

Rob McDuff, one of the lawyers for MCJ, added, “We hope our legal efforts will make clear to farmers in the Delta, and across the U.S., that they need to pay fair wages to local workers.”

by Daniel Johnson

May 17, 2025

Former Danity Kane Singer Aubrey O’Day Shuts Down Testimony Rumors In Diddy Trial

O'Day's former co-star on 'Making The Band,' Dawn Richard, has, however, testified in the trial.

Following the conclusion of Cassie Ventura’s testimony in Sean Combs’ trial on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’Day announced during a recent podcast interview that she would not be taking the stand.

According to People Magazine, before her appearance on the podcast, she had potentially teased her involvement in the trial via a May 14 Instagram post captioned “Hey New York!!! Where y’all think I should head first?”

The post included a scale, similar to the one held aloft by Lady Justice, which led to some speculation that O’Day would testify in the case.

Adding to the speculation were earlier reports from outlets that O’Day had been subpoenaed, but those reports turned out to be false; neither the prosecution nor the defense had issued a subpoena for O’Day to testify in court.

O’Day told the hosts of “Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial” that she did, however, have a meeting with Homeland Security. “No, I’m not here to testify for the Diddy trial, that I know of.” O’Day said before claiming that she “was contacted by Homeland Security” and “did have a meeting with Homeland Security.”

O’Day continued, “I posted on my Instagram that I was here in New York and enjoying myself because I wanted to make it clear to everyone that I am not here testifying.”

At the time of writing, Homeland Security had not confirmed or denied O’Day’s version of events. The first days of the trial have been marked by Ventura’s testimony recounting the long-term relationship she shared with Combs, which she characterized as full of emotional abuse and coercion.

According to The Washington Post, O’Day’s former co-star on “Making The Band,” Dawn Richard, also testified in the trial, but there is some debate on how much of her testimony will be admissible by the court.

Richard’s testimony recounted the abuse allegations she levied against Combs in a 2024 lawsuit, which he said was a “series of false claims” in his denial of Richard’s lawsuit.

Richard testified that in 2009, Combs became violent with Ventura when she was at his Los Angeles home to record music and witnessed Combs attacking Ventura in the kitchen of his home.

“He came downstairs angry and was saying, where the f— was his eggs and he was telling Cassie she never gets anything right and where the f— was his food,” Richard told the jury. “And he came over to the skillet with the eggs in it and tried to hit her over the head and she fell to the ground.”

According to Richard, Combs privately told her and another bandmate, Kaleena Harper, that the violence they witnessed was just “passion” and “where he comes from, people who say something can end up missing.”

Combs’ trial and Richard’s testimony will continue on May 19.