As Diddy’s sex trafficking trial continues, more shocking allegations are being revealed.  On Wednesday (June 4), fashion designer Bryana “Bonna” Bongolan testified that Diddy described himself as “the devil” and dangled her from a 17th-floor balcony. The alleged incident took place in September 2016 and “held” her on the rail of the balcony of Cassie Ventura‘s 17th-floor Los Angeles apartment, adding that it lasted for around 10 or 15 seconds. “He basically came up from behind me,” she said. “He lifted me up and had me on top of the rail. I was trying not to slip and pushing back… For a split second, I was thinking that I was going to fall,” Bongolan said. “Do you know what the f**k you did?” she recalled Diddy asking her, Then he tossed her onto some furniture nearby. Following the incident, Bongolan experienced back and neck pain, was bruised on her leg, and photographs of her injuries taken by an ex-girlfriend were shown to the jury. Bongolan also testified that she continues to “have night terrors and paranoia as the result of the alleged incident.” “I used to scream a lot in my sleep,” she said. Last year, Bongolan filed a $10 million lawsuit against Diddy over the incident. She testified that she sued the Bad Boy Records founder  to “seek justice for what happened to me on the balcony.” Diddy’s attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, who cross-examined Bongolan, got her to admit that she and Cassie Ventura frequently had used drugs together. She also said she sold drugs on a “weekly basis.” She explained that both of them loved what she called “coco puffs,” which is cocaine sprinkled inside of marijuana blunts. Bongolan cross-examination continues on Thursday, June 5.

Vic Mensa recently opened up about the emotional weight artists carry in today’s streaming-driven music industry. On June 3rd, the Chicago rapper shared a vulnerable moment on social media, describing how the devaluation of music impacts mental health. “I just broke down in the shower. I was thinking about the weight of being an artist in a time when work is so devalued and appreciated,” he said, tears visible in his video. Vic discussed James Blake’s Vault platform, which allows artists to sell unreleased tracks directly to fans. He recalled reading a comment questioning why anyone would pay $10 for a single artist’s music when they could get access to “all artists ever” for the same price on streaming services. “At the time, I was like, you know, that’s so fried of a mentality,” he explained. But later, he realized how deeply that attitude hurts artists. “People feel like that s**t not worth $10. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s hilarious at the same time.” He was candid about the mental health challenges many artists face. “Artists are already people that are predisposed to suicide,” Vic said. The financial struggles only add another layer. “It’s not funny, but that’s real. To add into that a dimension of economic inequity so profound that not even the record labels know what to do about this. Like, they don’t even know how to get the money right now.” In his caption, Vic admitted he was nervous about sharing his feelings but felt it was necessary. “I was just feeling this way today, and I felt like, I’m feeling this way, and I’m blessed to have touched millions of people with my art. I have a wonderful life. If I’m feeling this way, then I know there are many smaller artists and larger dealing with the same things, man.” His message sheds light on the harsh realities behind the music industry’s glittering surface.

Jamie Foxx took some time to address Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal trouble.   Taking to the standup stage, the Oscar winner had the audience in stitches at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. “That Diddy sh*t crazy, huh?” Foxx began as the crowd erupted into laughter. “I don’t know if he’s going to jail, but he’s a nasty motherf**ker! Am I right? Especially for our community,” he said. “White people, it’s cool, but for Black people, like, that was our hero! All that goddamn baby oil, boy.” He then spoke about how Diddy’s fall from grace has impacted his standing in the Black community. “For the Black people in here, you know how that hurts us. ‘Cause Diddy was, ‘It’s all about the Benjamins.’ That was our whole culture. Now, ‘It’s all about the baby oil.” This isn’t the first time that Foxx addressed the allegations levied at Diddy. In his comedy special What Had Happened Was, Foxx spoke about all the speculation that Diddy was involved in his 2023 medical emergency. Before his sudden illness, Foxx recalled an eerie conversation just before his 2023 near-death medical emergency. During the Los Angeles premiere of the two-part Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, Foxx shared he was told to get his affairs in order. “You know what’s crazy? Before it happened, I was talking to my people that handle my stuff [and they asked], ‘Jamie, wanna go over some papers just in case something happens?’ ” Foxx told PEOPLE. .

The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs moved forward this week with gripping testimony and newly scrutinized evidence, including a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Diddy allegedly assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The clip, released last year by CNN, has become a centerpiece in a case that spans claims of sexual assault, trafficking, and racketeering. Eddy Garcia, a former security officer at the hotel where the incident occurred, told jurors that Diddy paid $100,000 for the video, fearing its release would severely damage his reputation. “The video was concerning for him,” Garcia testified. “He feared its release would endanger his standing in the industry.” Garcia claimed Diddy initially offered $50,000 but doubled it after emphasizing the need for confidentiality. The incident first surfaced in Ventura Fine’s 2023 lawsuit, which drew national attention even before the trial began. Coercion claims and financial twists escalate Diddy’s trial Prosecutors argue that the alleged cover-up adds weight to their broader case against the music mogul, who was arrested last fall and remains in custody without bail. Witnesses this week included a former assistant known as “Mia,” who told the court she felt “brainwashed” during her employment under Diddy. She described a work culture of coercion and emotional control. Meanwhile, Derek Ferguson, former CFO of Bad Boy Entertainment, appeared hesitant during questioning, especially when asked about company finances and Diddy’s alleged behavior. One key moment came when jurors were shown financial records indicating a $20,000 transfer from Ventura’s family to Diddy in 2011. According to Ventura’s mother, the payment was made under pressure, in hopes of suppressing tapes she feared would harm her daughter. The defense has yet to respond in full to this claim but has maintained that Diddy never extorted money from anyone. Tensions ran high in the courtroom, culminating in one spectator being removed after shouting at Diddy during proceedings. The judge is aiming for a conclusion by early July, but with more witnesses—including radio host Enrique Santos—still expected to testify, the road ahead remains unpredictable.

Tony Buzbee has declined the invitation to represent Moriah Mills in her potential lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, NBA star Zion Williamson. On Tuesday (June 2), Buzbee, who has a reputation for representing rape accusers, shared his reasons why he couldn’t be Mills’ attorney if she proceeds with litigation. “A member of our staff spoke to her,” the trial lawyer told TMZ. “After review, we declined to take her case.” “We can’t comment about the details or merits of her claims. As you know, we are contacted by numerous people across the United States daily with grievances. We can’t help them all. Some of those we do take are resolved quietly,” Buzbee continued. “A number are filed and litigated, like the $640 million jury verdict we achieved a few weeks back. Only a small few become public.” Mills also confirmed to TMZ that Buzbee declined to litigate the case, explaining that her case doesn’t exactly fall under his purview.” Mills’ potential suit follows Williamson being levied by another ex-girlfriend. As HOT97 previously reported, the lawsuit was filed last week in Los Angeles Superior Court. The plaintiff, identified as “Jane Doe”, Williamson is accused of “sexual, physical, emotional, and financial” abuse over a multi-year relationship. The suit alleges that Williamson repeatedly raped the plantiff, “hit and kicked her and made her fear for her life in several instances, before the relationship ended in June 2023.” Additionally, she accused him of stalking her, falsely imprisoning her, and threatening to kill her, and Williamson had a pattern of “abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior” throughout their relationship. In a statement issued through his attorneys, Williamson has vehemently denied each allegation. “The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless,” Williamson’s legal team’s statement read. “While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court,” the statement continued. “We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.”

Eddy Garcia took the stand on the 15th day of testimony in Diddy’s federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial in New York City. At the time, Garcia supervised security at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, where Cassie’s assault video was filmed. In mid-March 2016, someone alerted Garcia about an incident involving Diddy. He reviewed the security footage, recognized the music mogul, and later learned Cassie Ventura was the other person involved. Garcia confirmed that the police were never called because Cassie decided not to involve law enforcement. Shortly after, Garcia received a phone call from Kristina Khorram, Diddy’s chief of staff. She asked about the assault video and said Diddy was intoxicated during the incident and didn’t remember what happened. According to TMZ, the judge barred this statement after the defense objected. Garcia advised Khorram to take the matter up with hotel management. Later, she showed up at the hotel asking for the footage. Garcia stood firm, saying she would need a subpoena or approval from management. Privately, he warned her the video contained disturbing material. Garcia said Khorram later called back and connected him with Diddy, who nervously demanded the video and implied he could “take care” of Garcia to get it. After speaking with his supervisor, Bill Medrano, Garcia learned Medrano was willing to retrieve the footage for $50,000. Diddy arranged a meeting in West Los Angeles to collect the video on a USB drive, ensuring no copies existed online. During a FaceTime call, Cassie expressed her desire to keep the assault video private due to an upcoming movie. Diddy asked for identification from Garcia and other security officers to secure the deal. Garcia explained that they prepared NDAs carrying a $1 million penalty. He witnessed Diddy counting $100,000 in cash, which included bribes for Garcia and another officer. Garcia used some of the money to buy a used car. Years later, Garcia saw the video publicly and deleted all related messages, admitting he initially lied to investigators to avoid involvement.

Joe Budden has admitted that he’s been feeling the urge to get back in the booth. During a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the “Pump It Up” rapper said the he’s been inspired lately by her peers and is thinking about making music again. “I want to rap,” Budden shared after hearing a recent verse and social media message from Ransom, a former collaborator. “I do, I ain’t gon’ lie.” He went on to say that all he needs is some new tracks before running off the names of several acclaimed producers. “The only thing stopping me is that I don’t have the beat packs and I don’t request them. But if I ever ask Alchemist or Chad West or one of these ni**as I love… Jake One,” Budden said. “I just start hitting up ni**as that I love, that I know got something, it’s gonna make me do something,” he continued. “I’ll call Ransom, Royce, 38 Spesh, all them ni**gas. “We back!” If he were to do a new album, Budden said he would create a “passion project.” “I feel like now, I’m almost to the point where I can do a passion project,” he said. “I’ve never in my life been in a place where I could do a passion project. What does that even look like or sound like?” In 2016, Budden released his last album, Rage & The Machine, before becoming a successful podcaster.

Questlove has offered an apology following a plethora of logistical issues and muddy conditions because of constant rain at the 18th annual Roots Picnic over the weekend. Taking to Instagram, Quest explained how the weather in his hometown of Philadelphia was the cause of an array of problems for the festival “Good People & The Attendees Of The Roots Picnic 2025. Aight— I know today wasn’t “ideal” for The Roots Picnic in this 18th year of 2025. This year has been particularly challenging to say the least,” his post began. “Transforming the Mann Center into our event takes about two weeks, but as many of you experienced, heavy rain from May 30th into the morning of the 31st caused significant damage (midnight to 7 am). We nearly canceled The Picnic because conditions were unsafe for everyone involved,” the post continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Questlove (@questlove) Quest then explained how he and the organizers sought to make the venue safe despite the inclement weather, which caused several delays and ticket holders to wait in lines for hours. “Ultimately, we chose to take extra time to repair the site to ensure safety for all ticket holders, which is why there was a 3-hour delay (Yes, I got numerous messages from attendees, family, everyone in the tristate). But we prioritized caution above all else,” Quest wrote. “After working hard to improve the site—factoring in the challenge of finding mulch to absorb excess water—we managed to revise the schedule so that all artists, including headliners Maxwell (whom we ALL owe an incredible amount of gratitude for doing us a solid with seconds on the clock) and Latto, could perform without violating city noise curfews.” Quest then expressed his appreciation to the staff who helped ensure the safety of concertgoers under difficult circumstances. “I’m personally thanking all the Live Nation Staff —led by Shawn Gee for moving at lightning speed in solving the many obstacles and puzzles it took to even make today happen.” This year’s Roots Picnic was headlined by Latto, GloRilla, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, Miguel, Tems, KAYTRANADA, and Jeezy.

If you anticipating a sequel to Sinners, then you may be waiting a long time, according to Ryan Cooler.  Speaking with EBONY in April, the renowned filmmaker shared that he has no intentions to create a sequel to his latest classic film. “I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,” he confessed. “I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me, and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.”  “I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees, and desserts, I wanted all of it there,” Coogler continued. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.” According to Variety, Sinners is one of the top 10 highest-grossing movies of the year, earning  $350 million at the global box office. The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. The film synopsis reads, “Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their Mississippi hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.” Taking to social media, Coogler expressed his gratitude for his fans supporting the film. “Eternal gratitude. My heart is bursting with it. I want to thank each and every one of you who bought a ticket to see Sinners,” read the letter. “Who decided to drive to see the film in different formats. Who bought popcorn and a drink, booked a sitter and carpooled, and stood in the lobby afterward and talked and made a friend. Who changed their work schedules. Who saw the film in groups.” “I had the gift of the opportunity of making a film inspired by my family and my ancestry, but it was always a film that we wanted to make for audiences, in theaters,” Coogler wrote. “We always had our minds on you, the audience, and felt a deep responsibility to entertain you, and move you in the way only cinema can.”

There’s no love lost between Pusha T and Drake. Adding to his list of grievances against the “6 God,” Pusha T took some time to share his thoughts on Drake’s lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar and his label, UMG. In a new interview with GQ, Pusha said he doesn’t rank Drake amongst the premier MCs after filing the lawsuit. ‘“I don’t rate him no more,” Pusha explained. “The suing thing is bigger than some rap s**t. It just kind of cheapens the art of it.” Pusha also spoke about his battle with Drake when he revealed that his nemesis had a son that he kept from the public in the classsic diss track “The Story of Adidon” in 2018.  “I did the dance for real,” he said. “Not to come back and tiptoe around anything.”  If Drake would throw shots in his direction, Pusha said, “I would only engage again if I felt like it.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by GQ (@gq) Back in January, Drake filed an 81-page federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging UMG “approved, published and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track that falsely accuses Drake of being a pedophile and calls for violent retribution against him.” In response, UMG vehemently denied all of Drake’s allegations, describing the suit as “frivolous,” “reckless,” and “misguided.” The label argued that the lyrics of songs are “non-actionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole” that are consistent in the long tradition of rap battles, and that taking them “as literal defamation threatens free speech and artistic expression.” After the last album, Til The Casket Drops, was released in 2009, the Clipse are set to drop their highly anticipated album, Let God Sort Em Out, on July 11.