Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

USA, September 21, 2024 – Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with serious sex offenses from a 14-page indictment, accusing him of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Mr. Combs, 54, was arrested on Monday evening, with allegations of running a criminal enterprise from at least 2008 that relied on drugs and violence to force women to “fulfill his sexual desires”, according to prosecutors. A New York federal judge remanded the musician in custody on Tuesday after prosecutors argued he was a “serious flight risk”.

If convicted on all three counts, the rapper and record producer faces a sentence of 15 years up to life in prison. Asked by US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky how he wished to plead, Mr. Combs stood up and said: “not guilty”.

According to court documents, Mr. Combs “wielded the power” of his status to “lure female victims, to engage in extended sex acts” called “Freak Offs”. During Freak Offs, Combs distributed a variety of controlled substances to victims, in part to keep the victims “obedient and compliant,” the indictment said.

In a news briefing, US prosecutor Damian Williams said officials found firearms, ammunition and more than 1,000 bottles of lubricant during raids on Mr. Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles, about six months ago. Mr. Williams said federal agents also found three semi-automatic rifles with defaced serial numbers, and a drum magazine.

He told reporters that further charges were possible, without offering details.

Mr. Agnifilo, the musician’s lawyer, maintained, “there’s no coercion and no crime.”

“He’s not afraid of the charges,” he said, adding that he believed Mr. Combs was the target of “an unjust prosecution”.

In court documents, federal prosecutors said that Mr. Combs had “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct”.

Prosecutors accuse Mr. Combs of “creating a criminal enterprise” whose members – under his direction – engaged in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson and bribery.

“On numerous occasions”, the documents said, Mr. Combs assaulted women by “striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking them”.

The indictment did not specify how many women were alleged victims.

It also does not accuse Mr. Combs himself of engaging directly in unwanted sexual acts with women.

Last November, his ex-girlfriend, singer Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, filed a civil lawsuit against him that included graphic descriptions of violent abuse.

Sean “Diddy” Combs denied the accusations, but settled the case a day after it was filed.

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

USA, September 21, 2024 – Tito Jackson, who became famous as the guitarist alongside his famous brothers who made up the legendary music group Jackson 5, has died; his sons broke the news on Instagram.

“…Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” the statement read.

While there remains an investigation into what exactly led to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s death, friends of Jackson has shared that they believe he suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

In an update today, PennLive.com informs: “A statement released on Sept. 16 by the Gallup Police Department details the events leading up to Jackson’s death.

According to their statement, on Sept. 15, at approximately 6:17 p.m., a GPD officer was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza after someone alerted them to an “individual requiring immediate medical attention.” The officer then requested an ambulance for the individual, who was later identified as Tito Jackson.

Tito Jackson was pronounced dead at hospital.

“This information is derived from a preliminary investigation that is still ongoing,” the release stated. “Investigators are actively interviewing witnesses and examining both physical and electronic records. The department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may evolve as additional evidence is gathered and analyzed.”

Jackson, who would have celebrated his birthday on October 15 was the third of the Jackson children; there were nine children in all including famous siblings Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, “Tito” was 70 at the time of his death.

USA, September 24, 2024 – James Earl Jones is an American actor and voice artist, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in American history. Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, he is known for his deep, resonant voice and commanding presence.

Here are some key highlights of his life and career:

Childhood:  Jones experienced a challenging childhood; he developed a severe stutter as a child and was nearly mute for years. It wasn’t until high school that he began speaking regularly, and his interest in acting helped him overcome the stutter.

Education: He attended the University of Michigan, initially studying pre-med but later switching to drama and focusing on acting.

Acting Career

Stage and Film: James Earl Jones made his mark on both stage and screen. His Broadway performance in The Great White Hope, (1969) earned him a Tony Award and led to an Oscar nomination when he reprised the role in the film adaptation in 1970.

Iconic Roles:

Voice of Darth Vader:  Jones is perhaps most famously known as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, a role that has cemented his place in pop culture.

Mufasa in The Lion King:  He provided the voice for Mufasa in Disney’s animated classic The Lion King (1994) and reprised the role in the 2019 live-action remake.

Other Notable Films

His extensive filmography includes roles in movies like Field of Dreams (1989), Coming to America (1988), Cry, the Beloved Country (1995), and Patriot Games (1992).

Why we call him an EGOT winner

(Emmy, Grammy, Oscar & Tony Awards)

Jones has won multiple awards, including Tony Awards, Emmy Awards and an Academy Honorary Award in 2011 for his lifetime contribution to film.

He was also awarded the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002.

Personal Life – Jones was married to actress Cecilia Hart from 1982 until her death in 2016, and they have one son together, Flynn Earl Jones.

Though he is renowned for his powerful voice, Jones also speaks fondly of his struggles with speech as a young man and how acting helped him overcome them.

James Earl Jones’ versatility as an actor and the depth of his performances have earned him a place among the most respected figures in Hollywood.

Jones passed away on Monday September 10, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones; no cause of death was disclosed and James Earl Jones was 93 years old.