Diddy, delay, trial, judge Prison, Sean combs — Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 21, 2025

Diddy’s $400M Net Worth Is At Risk If Government Seizes His Assets

Sean “Diddy” Combs once boasted billionaire status, but amid federal investigations into sex trafficking and racketeering allegations, the $400 million remaining of his net worth is reportedly at risk of government seizure.

The legal team for the embattled hip-hop mogul has brought on a former federal prosecutor with three decades of experience specializing in asset forfeiture and money laundering at the Department of Justice, Fox News reports. The move comes as Combs tries to protect a range of assets, including real estate, luxury items, and business ventures, that could be targeted by the government.

“RICO forfeiture is intended to be very broad, and so it has significant consequences,” Stefan Cassella told USA Today, citing the limited details he could share about Diddy’s case because of his involvement as a consultant. “So, it’s going to boil down to what they can prove was part of the enterprise.”

Combs, whose trial began this month, is facing serious legal trouble with a series of federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. The RICO charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice also mean he risks losing any assets tied to alleged criminal activity.

“This is a very, very broadly phrased forfeiture allegation. It doesn’t look like there was any sort of pre-indictment seizures that they’re counting towards it,” former DOJ Organized Crime and Gang Section Chief Jim Trusty told CNN‘s Laura Coates.

“And they’ve named the enterprise in a very broad way, the RICO. The RICO is essentially anything he touched in his business world, whether it’s record labels, liquor labels, planes, trains, and automobiles.”

CNN reports that Forbes estimates Diddy’s net worth is still at $400 million — a major drop from the $1 billion reported in 2022 — revealing that Diddy’s wealth is in jeopardy, and warning that if Diddy is convicted, the government could seize all of Diddy's money and assets from… pic.twitter.com/zzGEq5Za7L
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 20, 2025

What’s potentially on the chopping block? Several high-end properties, including a nearly $40 million estate in L.A.’s Holmby Hills, a $5.25 million home in Toluca Lake, two side-by-side waterfront mansions on Miami’s Star Island purchased for $35 million, $14.5 million, and a Miami condo valued at nearly $3 million.

In addition to his real estate, Combs owns a $25 million Gulfstream G550 jet through his company LoveAir LLC and a luxury car collection valued at approximately $1.6 million in addition to his real estate. The lineup includes a $500,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Ferrari 360 Spider, a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, and a Cadillac Escalade.

The Bad Boy founder also owns a notable art collection, including Kerry James Marshall’s Past Times, which he purchased at Sotheby’s for $21.1 million in 2018. His business empire is also potentially at risk, including Bad Boy Records, his parent company Combs Global, which oversees Combs Wines and Spirits, Revolt Media, the Sean John fashion and fragrance lines, and his nonprofit, the Sean Combs Foundation.

“Anything [Combs] did as an artist probably has lost substantial value, as has his brand,” John Branca, Michael Jackson’s estate attorney, told Forbes.

Harvey Weinstein, Candace Owens — Photo: Etienne Laurent—Pool/Getty Images) (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images)

by Keka Araújo

May 21, 2025

Candace Owens Gives Harvey Weinstein A Platform To Profess His Innocence

He admitted to past infidelity and being a demanding and difficult boss, but firmly denied committing the crimes he’s accused of.

While his retrial on rape and criminal sexual act charges continues, Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, has broken his long silence in a rare on-camera interview with far-right political commentator Candace Owens.

Owens claims this is Weinstein’s first such interview in eight years. The interview was released on May 20, coinciding with crucial testimony in his ongoing trial.

In the interview, Weinstein addressed the charges against him, saying, “I believe women should be heard, but I’m wrongfully convicted. And right now, I’m not convicted, and I’m on a retrial. An appeal overturned my conviction. But justice demands a clear, honest look at each case, and I am here for fairness and the truth.”

He admitted to past infidelity and being a demanding and difficult boss, but firmly denied committing the crimes he’s accused of.

“I did not commit these crimes. I swear that before God and the people watching now and on my family. I’m wrongfully accused,” Weinstein stated.

The release of the interview is notable as it occurred while Weinstein is undergoing a retrial in New York. He faces allegations of a 2013 rape from Jessica Mann as well as criminal sexual act charges from Miriam Haley related to a 2006 incident, and a similar charge from Kaja Sokola, also from 2006. Legal experts have pointed out the unusual nature of a defendant giving a public interview during an ongoing criminal trial.

Weinstein also discussed the reaction of his former allies in Hollywood, claiming they had distanced themselves out of fear of being “canceled.”

“They are frightened to death. They are frightened that they’re going to be canceled, that they’re not going to be able to work. I tried to get my people to stand up and even testify in the trial. And nothing,” he said.

Regarding Gwyneth Paltrow’s past accusations of unwanted advances, Weinstein called her account a “complete fabrication,” though he admitted to making a pass during a meeting. “At the end of the meeting, we had a glass of Champagne. As I was walking out the door, I said to her, ‘I’d love you to give me a massage’,” he recounted.

Weinstein also portrayed himself as a target of the #MeToo movement, stating, “They wanted me, and they wanted me in jail forever.” He criticized media coverage, particularly from The New York Times, and downplayed the film She Said.

Owens, a far-right commentator who has been criticized for antisemitic remarks, conducted the interview. Weinstein, a longtime Democratic supporter, praised Owens and Joe Rogan for their support and belief in his innocence.

Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein’s spokesperson, lauded Owens’ approach, saying she brought “objectivity that has been sorely missing in the media coverage.”

The prosecution in Weinstein’s retrial is expected to rest its case by May 28.

Weinstein concluded his remarks in the interview by saying, “I hurt my family. I hurt my friends. I cheated on my wife. And that was a mistake, you know, a terrible mistake. But I did not commit these crimes.”

Oakland, Barbara Lee, California, race, mayor, hate crime — California Rep. Barbara Lee. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 21, 2025

Barbara Lee Vows To Make Her Hometown Better By Being Sworn In As Oakland’s 1st Black Woman Mayor

Lee pushed for investments in the city and promised to spend taxpayer dollars more effectively with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

While being sworn in as Oakland, California’s 52nd and first Black woman mayor, Barbara Lee promised to get her hometown “back on the right track,” Politico reports.

After the former congresswoman lost her Senate primary campaign and witnessed the downfall of her predecessor, Lee is supporting efforts to tackle rising issues in the city, like crime and budget problems. Lee promises to bring hope back.

“We are entering a new era for Oakland. I know this city faces serious challenges—budget deficits, public safety, housing, and homelessness—but I also know who we are: a city of dreamers, doers, and fighters. We punch above our weight, and we show up for each other,” Lee, 78, wrote on X.

“As Mayor, I’m committed to rebuilding trust, restoring services, and delivering real results for our neighborhoods—from cleaner streets to safer communities to more affordable homes.”

https://twitter.com/BarbaraLee_CA/status/1924968879350268256

Admitting that it’s “not going to be easy,” the historymaker — known as the first Black woman to represent in the State Assembly, State Senate, Congress, and now the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of Oakland — is up against an estimated $87 million spending gap, on the brink of bankruptcy, on top of a growing issue of homelessness and rising costs of housing. Political consultant Jason Overman said the budget concern may be the most significant obstacle for Lee. “She’s going to be inheriting all of it but will still be expected to wave the magic wand she’s perceived to have built over the past few decades in Congress,” he said.

“This existential of a budget crisis has a funny way of shortening political honeymoons.”

However, Lee revealed a plan during her swearing-in ceremony instead of pointing the blame at past leadership. She pushed for investments in the city and promised to spend taxpayer dollars more effectively with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

“I want to reinstill hope, you were clear about wanting a government that you can trust to solve our fiscal challenges, safety, housing and homelessness challenges,” she said.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon called Lee “a champion for human rights, the forgotten, for peace and democracy,” according to KTVU. Lee supported those thoughts by highlighting what she wants to do within the first 100 days of her tenure. Her team will bring in people “from all walks of life” to identify better ways that City Hall can serve the city’s capacity and “usher in a new era of prosperity and progress.”

Supporters on social media seemingly have faith in the new mayor, sending her well wishes and hope for a better lay of the land. “Mayor Lee, I have always admired your conviction & clear-eyed vision for what is needed to improve our society,” @funkybatdraws wrote. “As a former constituent of your District, I pray you can be an effective agent for positive change in Oakland. It’s a wonderful city, but it needs some hard medicine!”

Kid Cudi, Diddy, Cassie — left to right(Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage, Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images, Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2025

Kid Cudi To Testify In Diddy Trial Following Cassie’s Claims That Mogul Blew Up Rapper’s Car

The rapper's car was reportedly blown up by Diddy in a jealous rage over his relationship with Cassie.

Kid Cudi will reportedly take the stand in the sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

His appearance as a witness will likely address claims made by Cassie Ventura that Combs blew up the rapper’s car. Rolling Stone confirmed that the prosecution will bring Cudi to the stand to speak.

Kid Cudi will take the stand this week as a witness for the prosecution in Sean Combs' trial.

Combs was accused of having Cudi's car blown up amid his relationship with Cassiehttps://t.co/rRlrJWywQp pic.twitter.com/mbiWTnCroE
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 20, 2025

Cudi’s involvement in the case gained traction after Cassie detailed Combs’ reaction to her dating the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper. Listed in her November 2024 lawsuit against the media mogul, Cassie recalled how Combs became jealous of her new relationship, resorting to violent means to express his anger.

“Mr. Combs grew so angry about her dating the rapper Kid Cudi that he said he would blow up the rapper’s car,” the filing states.

The lawsuit added, “Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway.”

Cudi’s spokesperson also confirmed that his car had exploded during that time. His testimony will follow others surrounding Combs and his alleged treatment of Ventura.

Cassie, the star witness in the trial, already took the stand last week. She detailed the alleged “Freak Offs” she had during her decades-long relationship with the Bad Boy Records founder. She also explained more about the 2018 Intercontinental Hotel video, which showed Combs physically assaulting her in the hotel’s hallway.

Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, also claims that Combs demanded she pay him $20,000 to “recoup money” he spent on the “Me & U” singer and her career. The elder Ventura said she paid up after Combs threatened to release video of her daughter participating in the sex acts. Combs is currently facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Other witnesses, including a male escort involved in the “Freak offs” and Cassie’s ex-best friend, Keri Morgan, proceeded to testify. Diddy allegedly assaulted Morgan to find out who Cassie was cheating on him with. Combs reportedly choked Morgan and hit her on the head with a wooden hanger, resulting in a concussion.

She claims to have signed an NDA while he offered her $30,000 for silence. Although she obtained an attorney following the ordeal, Morgan never pressed charges.

However, the prosecution will continue pleading its case to the jury with the inclusion of Kid Cudi. No exact date of when he will appear in court has been revealed to the public.

World Bride Magazine, Harlem Renaissance, Legacy Ball — Courtesy of World Bride Magazine

by Jameelah Mullen

May 21, 2025

World Bride Magazine Honored The Past By Empowering Future Leaders

The Legacy Ball Of Harlem was a blast

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, World Bride Magazine (WBM) hosted its first annual Legacy Ball of Harlem. The gala occurred on May 5, 2025, in Harlem to celebrate Harlem’s influence on art, music, fashion, and Black American culture.

“The glamour and creativity of Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance inspired my desire to build a wedding business in the early 2000s, and later in 2006, a bridal magazine. I’m proud to celebrate how this iconic era continues to shape my vision and creativity,” said Myrdith Leon-McCormack, editorial director at World Bride Magazine, in a press release.

Supporters of this event included the Harlem Economic Development, Group 868, and Elizabeth Salassie (the great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Salassie of Ethiopia), founder of Designer Loft.

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A post shared by Wedding Lifestyle Guide (@worldbridemagazine)

The gala celebrated the styles from the early days of New York Fashion Week with a vibrant fashion show. Designers Paulette Cleghorn, Carlton Jones, Yemi Osunkoya, and legendary bridal designer Mark Ingram showcased their collections.

The guest of honor was A’Lelia Bundles, the author of “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance” and “On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker,“ who is Bundles’ great-great-grandmother.

The gala also supported World Bride Magazine’s initiatives to sponsor paid internships for 10 students from the Harlem School of the Arts and other underserved community schools. These internships offer mentorship in various creative fields, including fashion design, photography, filmmaking, journalism, and hospitality.

“By supporting this event and the ongoing initiatives of World Bride Magazine, you’ll be helping to preserve Harlem’s vibrant history while empowering the next wave of artistic and entrepreneurial talent,” Leon-McCormack stated.

The fundraising efforts will continue until the end of the year. To support this initiative, purchase a downloadable digital copy of World Bride Magazine. Businesses that donate will be listed in the concierge section of the magazine.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 21, 2025

Redman Makes A Public Service Announcement On Missing Women And Children

He also offered safety tips.

Hip-hop icon Reggie “Redman” Noble used his platform to sound the alarm on the alarming rates of missing Black women and girls in the United States.

In a recent X post, the rapper and music industry veteran shared a message encouraging vigilance and proactive safety measures, speaking directly to “Queens, young queens, and parents of kids.”

He emphasized that the issue of kidnapping and human trafficking in the Black community is on “high alert.” Redman noted his personal stake in the issue, citing his concern for the many young Black women in his life including his daughter, nieces, and cousins.

In his X post, Noble gave a series of safety tips to help protect women and children from potential traffickers and abductors. The Grammy-nominated artist warned against accepting items such as business cards, money, or other objects from strangers as some may be laced with chemicals that could possibly sedate victims.

He also stressed the importance of safety when ordering a car service. Redman advised Black women to take photos of their driver’s license and license plates before entering a vehicle. He added that sitting behind the driver, rather than in the front seat, offers an extra layer of protection.

While traveling, Redman cautioned against allowing locals or vendors to place trinkets, ribbons, or other accessories on one’s body as these gestures may be a tactic to mark potential trafficking victims.

Message ! pic.twitter.com/cVMo2XoD6U
— Redman (@therealredman) May 20, 2025

Black girls are disproportionately represented among missing persons. In 2022, 97,924 Black women and girls were reported missing, accounting for over 36% of all missing females, despite Black females comprising only 14% of the U.S. female population.

The Black and Missing Foundation highlights that in 2023, 224,706 Black and brown people were reported missing. Close to half of the missing victims, 162,755, were under the age of 18. Despite these numbers, missing minority children are grossly underrepresented in news coverage.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association launched the Missing & Black 2025 campaign to address disparities in media coverage of missing Black individuals. Statistics reveal that Black people make up nearly 40% of all missing persons cases in the U.S.

100 Black Entrepreneurs, Biden, Harris, Funeral, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman,,Marcyliena H. Morgan — (Photo: DIGIcal/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2025

Engaged Louisiana Couple Die In Separate Car Crashes on Same Day, Leaving Behind 4-Year-Old Son

The couple died in separate car crashes within hours of each other.

An engaged couple in Louisiana died in two separate car crashes on the same day, stunning their families and leaving behind a 4-year-old son.

Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins planned to marry next year.

“I love them and I’m gonna miss both of them and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead,” JR’s father, Arthur Collins, told WAFB.

According to the news outlet, Lee lost control of her SUV, crashing into a culvert and overturning her car on the evening of May 16.

After investigators informed Collins, he drove to the crash site. En route, he lost control of his car, hit a tree, and was ejected from the vehicle. State troopers confirmed that neither Lee nor Collins wore a seatbelt during their respective accidents.

“Losing Lexus just different. It was a different feeling, and it’s like I know a part of me gone,” said Alexus’s sister, Dominque Lee.

Collins’ mother, Sandra, also emphasized how great Lee was and detailed how much they loved each other as they built their family. “He loved Alexus as well as everybody else who knew her. To know her was to love her.”

The loving couple were also doting parents to their son, Gabriel.

“He understands what happened, and he’s just having a little problem comprehending that we can’t talk to them. We can’t see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God,” Sandra Collins said.

She added, “Even though they left a child behind, we have a great support system. The two families will blend, and we will do whatever it takes to give him a good life.”

Lee and Collins’ families will hold a joint celebration of life for the couple May 21 in Clinton, Louisiana.

Sza, Singer, Songwriters Hall of Fame, Hal David Starlight Award — (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2025

Sza Says She Convinced Young Fan To Throw Away ‘Whippets’ Can In Exchange For Pic

SZA has previously spoken out about the dangers of nitrous oxide consumption before.

SZA is doing her part to stop minors from using “whippets,” a popular form of nitrous oxide drug abuse.

The singer took to Instagram to call out the popular drug’s usage among kids after she convinced a young fan to throw their canister away in exchange for a picture with her. She posted a photo of the colorful canister filled with nitrous oxide.

“Literally talked a CHILD into throwing away his whippet drugs in exchange for a picture / video at the In-N-Out drive-through,” she wrote on the Instagram story post, as reported by Complex.

According to American Addiction Centers, “whippets” are whipped cream dispensers filled with nitrous oxide, the chemical mainly used for laughing gas. Although most commonly used for dental procedures, it is also a popular party drug.

However, since nitrous oxide has legitimate use in the U.S., the drug has not been formally regulated to restrict consumption. This distinction makes it readily available to purchase, with more users inhaling it through the brightly colored canisters. Teens using the drug have also gone viral on TikTok.

However, the short-form euphoria of taking the drug leads to repeated usage throughout the day. While safe to consume for medical purposes, its recreational use could lead to severe health problems. Forbes, which sourced this information from the DEA’s website, which has since been removed, also reported that health risks could include muscle weakness, disorientation, heart failure, as well as irregular heartbeat and damage to the nervous system and other organs.

“Sad but if I can stop this sh*t for even a second imma try,” SZA said. “Once again, these drugs are clearly marketed to CHILDREN. Really need America to do better, man.”

The “Kiss Me More” singer has called out the use of nitrous oxide for casual consumption before, criticizing “Galaxy Gas” for its marketing tactics toward children, which she also claims directly target Black youth.

Sorry to be old n annoying but.. Is no one gonna talk about how galaxy gas came out of no where and is being MASS marketed to black children? the government is doing NOTHING ? .. since when are we selling whip its at the store ???? Somebody protect the children. pic.twitter.com/Aa67ZSpkmU
— SZA (@sza) September 20, 2024

“Sorry to be old and annoying, but…Is no one gonna talk about how Galaxy gas came out of nowhere and is being MASS marketed to black children? The government is doing NOTHING? Since when are we selling whips at the store???? Somebody protect the children,” SZA wrote in September 2024.

She followed up on the post, calling out “the childlike designs and marketing is so spooky like .. stars and bright colors,” questioned Sza. “You tryna entice the kids on purpose? Why when u google does it say it was founded in metro Atlanta in 2021, but no further info …Sumn tells me the owner looks like Colonel Sanders.”

Federal law does not prohibit nitrous oxide, which the Food and Drug Administration currently authorizes. However, multiple states like California and Louisiana have not permitted the sale and recreational use of the drug.

American Basketball Player, Indonesian Prison, Cannabis Gummies,Compassionate Release — (Photo: Juan Camilo Bernal/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 21, 2025

Maintenance Man Arrested For Allegedly Assisting Prisoners Escape At New Orleans Jail

Sterling Williams claims he was threatened by one of the escaped prisoners

A person who worked at the Orleans Justice Center, where 10 inmates escaped, has been arrested for allegedly helping the men escape from jail. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the arrest of 33-year-old maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, in connection with the crime committed May 16 in New Orleans. He has been charged with Principal to Simple Escape (10 counts) and Malfeasance In Office. Williams was arrested after an investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division.

Williams admitted that one of the inmates told him to turn off the water in the cell so they could escape the facility.

“This is a continuing investigation, and we will provide updates as often as possible. We will uncover all the facts eventually and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows. I encourage anyone who knows anything and even those who may have provided assistance to come forward now to obtain the best possible outcome in their particular case,” said Attorney General Murrill in a written statement.

According to WDSU, Williams told officials that he was forced to perform the action after being threatened by one of the escapees, Antoine Massey, who stated that if he didn’t turn off the water, he would shank him. The worker turned off the water so the toilet could be removed from the wall, allowing the prisoners to escape.

“By turning off the water to cell 6 bottom in the 1D dorm, Williams willfully and maliciously assisted with the escape of the 10 inmates. With the water being turned off, the inmates were able to successfully make good on their escapes. Williams admitted to Agents he committed the acts after he was directed to do so by one of the inmates who escaped, Antoine Massey,” court documents read.

Surveillance video showed Williams speaking to Massey, Derrick Groves, and another inmate. According to court documents, the maintenance worker claimed that Groves tried to take his phone from him and asked him to bring a book with cash app info to his cousin, who was located in a different pod.

A judge set Williams’ bond at $1.1 million. If he is able to post the bond, Williams will be required to wear an ankle monitor. His next court hearing is scheduled for June 17.

Sheriff Susan Hutson also stated that three employees were suspended without pay in connection with the prisoners’ escape.