Diddy in court, Jay-Z v Buzbee, row plus Kanye’s song - Diddy on Trial, BBC World Service

Key Concepts:

• Sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, racketeering (RICO)
• Superseding indictment
• Admissibility of evidence (Cassie video)
• 404(b) evidence (prior bad acts)
• Rule 413 (similar crimes in sexual assault cases)
• Probative vs. prejudicial evidence
• Defamation case
• Jury trial vs. bench trial
• Disinformation and manipulated media

1. Arraignment and Diddy's Appearance:

• Sean "Diddy" Combs was arraigned on a second superseding indictment, which expanded the RICO charge to include forced labor and abuse of employees.
• The first superseding indictment added two new victims.
• Diddy pleaded not guilty to the new accusations.
• His appearance was noted as shocking, with grey hair and a beard, suggesting the toll of his detention since September.
• Shaun Kent explained that defendants are typically given haircuts and suits before trial to avoid jurors knowing they were incarcerated.

2. The Cassie Video and Admissibility of Evidence:

• Diddy's team is attempting to have the video of him assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 excluded from evidence.
• Their argument is that the video may have been doctored or edited by CNN, making it not the "best evidence."
• The prosecution argues that the video is relevant to the sex trafficking charge, showing a pattern of abuse.
• CNN denies altering the video and claims to have retained the original copy.
• Shaun Kent explained the legal concept of 404(b) evidence, which generally prohibits using prior bad acts to prove a defendant's bad character.
• However, prosecutors can introduce such evidence to show motive, intent, or absence of mistake.
• Rule 413 in the federal system allows evidence of prior sexual assaults in sexual assault cases, even if it would normally be considered inadmissible under 404(b).
• The prosecution plans to present their case over six weeks, building it "brick by brick," with the Cassie video being just one piece of evidence.
• Jury selection is scheduled for May 5th, with opening statements on May 12th.

3. Kanye West (Ye)'s Support and New Song:

• Kanye West (Ye) has publicly shown support for Diddy, including collaborating on a new song with Diddy and his son, King Combs.
• The song reportedly includes a phone call with Diddy from jail.
• Diddy's team has not confirmed the authenticity of the phone call.

4. Jay-Z and Buzbee Defamation Case:

• Jane Doe voluntarily dismissed her civil lawsuit against Jay-Z and Diddy.
• Jay-Z is pursuing a defamation case against Tony Buzbee and Jane Doe in Alabama.
• Jay-Z claims to have evidence from private investigators that Jane Doe stated Buzbee pressured her to include Jay-Z in the allegations.
• Buzbee denies these claims and stands by his client.
• ABC News obtained a recording of the Jane Doe's statement to the investigators, which is circulating on social media.
• Buzbee argues that Jay-Z's evidence should be removed because it "advances a factual narrative that is demonstrably and indisputably false and lacks probative value."
• Shaun Kent explained the legal concepts of "probative" versus "prejudicial" evidence.
• Jay-Z's team accuses Buzbee of a "pathetic non investigation" of his client's claims.
• Jay-Z is demanding a jury trial in Alabama.
• Shaun Kent explained the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial (trial by judge).

5. Fact or Fiction: Disinformation and Manipulated Media:

• A manipulated video was circulating online, splicing together clips from the podcast with unrelated news footage about Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore.
• The manipulated video falsely claimed that Ashton Kutcher was found guilty in the Diddy case.
• The video used dramatic music, fonts, and filters to elicit an emotional response and spread disinformation.
• This example highlights the dangers of manipulated media and the importance of critical thinking when consuming online content.

6. Notable Quotes:

• Shaun Kent: "The great prosecutors in the United States will build their case slowly, painfully, brick by brick. They will not rush. This six weeks is not going to be some jaw dropping shocking evidence. It's going to be bit by bit by bit by bit. It's like the death of a thousand cuts."
• Jay-Z's side: "Defendants have burdened the record. With more than 100 pages of this material, they hope to either distract from what is genuinely at issue, or justify their pathetic non investigation of their client's claims, their reckless disregard of obvious facts that raise red flags about her mind boggling assertion."

7. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act): A federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization.
• Superseding Indictment: A new indictment issued while a previous indictment is still pending, often adding new charges or defendants.
• 404(b) Evidence: Evidence of prior bad acts or crimes that is generally inadmissible to prove a defendant's bad character, but may be admissible for other purposes, such as proving motive, intent, or absence of mistake.
• Rule 413: A federal rule of evidence that allows the admission of evidence of prior sexual assaults in sexual assault cases.
• Probative Value: The degree to which evidence tends to prove or disprove a fact in issue.
• Prejudicial Evidence: Evidence that is likely to unfairly bias or sway a jury, even if it is relevant to the case.
• Jury Trial: A trial in which the factual issues are decided by a jury of citizens.
• Bench Trial: A trial in which the factual issues are decided by a judge, without a jury.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The Diddy case continues to unfold with legal battles over evidence admissibility, public support from controversial figures, and a complex defamation case involving Jay-Z. The prosecution is building a case brick by brick, while the defense is challenging the evidence and raising concerns about manipulated media. The legal proceedings are intertwined with public opinion and social media narratives, making it a high-profile and closely watched case.