The sexual assault lawsuit against Jay-Z and Diddy took the pop culture landscape by storm on Sunday night (December 8), and it’s hard not to think about it when recent examples of celebrity conversations pop up. In a key example of this, Soulja Boy’s recent rant about how the powers that be allegedly target famous people feels eerily connected to this legal upheaval. Of course, these are all just allegations at the end of the day. Still, context and cultural atmosphere inform a lot of Soulja’s statements, whether viewed through the lens of Black art or commercial exploitation as a whole.
“When you in this industry, bro, you got to stand on business,” Soulja Boy’s rant began, which is one of a few recent comments on legal hip-hop fare. “They gon’ lie on your name, n***a. They gon’ try to take you down, n***a, they don’t want to see us winning, they don’t want to see us having this money. When you in this rap industry, when you a celebrity, you a target, n***a. Know what I’m saying? But I love all my fans, I do this s**t for my fans, though, I don’t give a f**k. I’ve been standing on business, I already know. Me becoming famous, I already knew I was sacrificing the regular life. I already knew what time it was. You feel me?”
However, Soulja Boy has some legal trouble of his own to deal with, as a sexual abuse lawsuit against him will reportedly move forward. His former personal assistant and ex girlfriend’s suit will see its day in court following a judge’s decision. For those unaware, the rapper’s legal team sought to dismiss the filing, which includes allegations of sexual abuse, gender violence, hostile work environment, and negligence.
Meanwhile, the hip-hop world continues to react to the Jay-Z and Diddy situation with even stronger or harsher words than what Soulja Boy relayed. In this period of strife and confusion, it’s always important to keep our eye on legal updates and the laws that will provide true accountability and justice… On occasion. We’ll see how else this scandal will develop.
The Diddy allegations brought up other unnamed celebrities in addition to Sean Combs and his alleged sex trafficking crimes as proposed by federal prosecutors. However, there are even more famous faces allegedly tied to the civil suits against him for alleged sexual assault and other accusations. We don’t know who any of them are beyond some supposed pictures, testimonies, descriptions, and personal recollections. But attorney Tony Buzbee is coming for them all. For those unaware, he’s the lawyer representing over 120 alleged victims against the Bad Boy mogul, and he wants to target other superstars who attended his alleged “freak-off” parties.
Tony Buzbee remarked this during his appearance on TMZ‘s Tubi documentary, The Downfall Of Diddy: Inside The Freak-Offs. He claims that if celebrities witnessed alleged sexual abuse and drugging – but did not do anything to report it, prevent it, or condemn it – then they are just as liable as the alleged perpetrators of these crimes. According to the attorney, he already has more famous people in his sights, sending demand letters to some of them that urge them to cough up cash or face a huge public lawsuit that could tarnish their reputation. It sounds like some sort of preliminary settlement, but that’s just a claim.
Jul 25, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Recording artist Sean Combs attends the game between the Atlanta United and the Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
This wasn’t the only thing that this Diddy documentary discussed when it comes to other celebrities’ alleged involvement. Ray J also alleged that various superstars reached out to him and revealed their efforts to settle with alleged victims before their case can gather any momentum. In fact, Ray’s been a big anti-Puff advocate in recent months, catching a lot of heat and attention for his statements and antics. As such, the notion that other famous friends reached out to him doesn’t come as a surprise.
Meanwhile, these civil cases against Diddy continue to develop as his federal and criminal trial is still in set-up mode, as well. For example, a woman suing him for alleged sexual assault recently revealed her identity due to a court order. It’s unclear whether this situation will affect other civil lawsuits under similar circumstances, so we’ll see if it preludes anything significant.
While many celebrities have been outspoken against the alleged crimes of Diddy, there are also plenty of people who haven’t spoken out at all. However, this could be for a variety of reasons. Maybe they just don’t want to comment on it publicly, maybe they were never the type to engage in online discussion, or they have other personal reasons to stay away from the topic. Still, during a recent interview with Enthusiast Report, 50 Cent posited that many celebrities are silent because they participated in Sean Combs’ “freak-off” parties. As such, Fif thinks that they could be complicit in these alleged crimes.
“He did it. No, he did it,” 50 Cent expressed regarding Diddy. “He did it, he did it. And I’m the only one who’s been vocal about this long before it actually… But I also didn’t participate. I also didn’t go to those parties. So a lot of the celebrity culture that you don’t hear saying anything, it’s because they participated. I’m just not with all that freaky s**t. Like, all of the stuff that he’s doing, I’m not into that type of stuff. I’m just a little more… Maybe you could say basic or normal.”
50 Cent Explains Why He Thinks Celebrities Are Silent About Diddy
50 Cent says a lot of celebrities aren’t saying anything about Diddy’s arrest because they participated
“he did it and I’m the only one thats been vocal about this long before… I also didn’t participate I also didn’t go to those parties… I just not with all that freaky sh*t”… pic.twitter.com/MAQbiufc0B
Of course, we don’t need to do a ton of research to see how long 50 Cent has criticized Diddy and how much he continues to bash him. Most recently, he joked about the Bad Boy mogul starting his own baby oil line on Instagram and briefly addressed his long-standing issues with Combs in another IG post. “I been telling y’all about all this weird s**t, I don’t do NO puffy party’s. You didn’t believe me but I bet you believe me now!”
Meanwhile, this comes amid news that a Texas law firm will reportedly represent over 50 other alleged sexual assault victims of Diddy and his colleagues. “This group of brave individuals include both men and women,” their statement partially read. “Many were minors when the abuse occurred. Some of these brave individuals reported the incidents to the police, others did not. Each individual story is gut wrenching and heartbreaking.”
Jason Lee dropped a couple of bombshells when he specifically named many celebrities he’s seen at Diddy’s parties, even though he made it clear that this doesn’t actually implicate them in his scandal in any way. “You know, a lot of these celebrities… Every single celebrity in the culture has been to Diddy’s house,” he said on Instagram Live. “Which means they’ve gone through all his phones, text messages. I can read you my text messages to Diddy. ‘What day is it airing on the show, on the network? Are you coming on the show? Diddy, what’s this?’ It’s all been business for me. It’s been business for me.
“I don’t have nothing inappropriate to them people, because I don’t deal with them like that,” Jason Lee continued concerning Diddy. “So you mean to tell me, all those late nights, ‘What you doing, where you at?’ I’ve seen Jay-Z at his house, I’ve seen TD Jakes, Chris Brown, Jordyn Woods, Travis Scott, Beyoncé, Teyana Taylor, I’ve seen them all. Now, we was all in the backyard, but I’ve seen them all. I’ve seen Usher there, DaBaby, Justin Bieber, I’ve seen… Everybody’s been to a Diddy party!
“I’ve seen Lindsay Lohan, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Tyrese, Amber Rose, I’ve seen them all up in there!” Jason Lee went on. “Mary J. Blige. I’ve seen them all. But just because you go to a Diddy party doesn’t mean that you were getting sprayed down with vaseline and baby oil. ‘Cause I can tell you right now, ain’t nobody ever sprayed me with nothing, and I don’t even play around like that. Let me tell you about me. I am so private with my personal intimacy that I love the fact that my business is private. Anything I’ve ever made public, I’ve talked about on my show.
“I’ve been pretty much an open book with the action and activities,” Jason Lee concluded. “But I try to conceal the names because I don’t want people bothering them. I learned, as people started getting to know me, they would go track down anybody I’m involved with and then harass them. The people I deal with are private people. They don’t want their business in the streets, and we ain’t spraying each other down with baby oil.”
The Academy Awards are almost upon us, and a slew of A-list celebrities chose to party in Hollywood ahead of Sunday night (March 10). Moreover, Usher, Busta Rhymes, and Teyana Taylor were among many in attendance for a pre-Oscars bash at the “Godfather” mansion in Beverly Hills on Friday night (March 8) for the William Morris Endeavor talent agency. Others that were there included John Legend, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and many more. Of course, as one of the entertainment industry’s biggest nights that encompasses a lot of different areas of it, it’s no surprise that many hip-hop artists have won big at the ceremony before.
While there’s not much of that this year, it will still be interesting to see if Oppenheimer ends up sweeping or if there will be some surprise picks. But Teyana Taylor is definitely one who could win big at the Oscars one day, as her creative strides extend far beyond just music. She is very prolific and beloved in the film industry, and is actually shooting a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio at press time. Hopefully the multi-hyphenate singer will one day grace that stage and accept the result of yet another big step in her trajectory.
Pre-Oscars Party At The Beverly Estate: Watch Clips
As for Usher, his big Super Bowl halftime show might win him an Emmy in one of the televised performance categories, but we don’t know how he would fare at the Oscars. Of course, he’s as good as writing, performing, and recording songs as ever, so we’re sure that he could get a nomination in the music categories one day. If you need contemporary proof of that, look no further than the Dallas native’s recently expanded album COMING HOME. Then try to tell anyone that he doesn’t at least have the potential to get that little golden statue for a big movie song or soundtrack.
Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes’ talent warrants all the awards in the world, and whatever he does with his career will be a treat. In fact, he just announced that his rap group, Flipmode Squad, will drop their first new album in over twenty years. Let’s see whether the Oscars this Sunday results in any more comeback announcements. For more news and the latest curious updates on the crossover between pop culture, R&B, and rap, come back to HNHH.
Throughout history, the public gaze on the lives of celebrities has been unrelenting. The spotlight is unforgiving, and the personal lives of stars often become a compelling narrative of their own. Within this narrative, few chapters are as scrutinized and dissected as the tales of cheating celebrities and extramarital affairs. This is one of the times when the fans NEVER forget.
Although it may come as a surprise to some, these affairs are quite common in the entertainment industry. In some way, it’s almost become a part of celebrity culture. Over the years, there have been countless rumors about cheating celebrities, and some have even been caught red-handed. Contrarily, some, although not outrightly caught, have admitted to having affairs. Whether through songs or statements, many of these celebrities have publicly owned up to their mistakes and admitted to cheating. Here’s a list of seven such celebrities who have done so.
7. Eric Benét
Eric Benet and Halle Berry at the premiere of “Evelyn” at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Ca. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.
In the early 2000s, Eric Benét and Halle Berry’s marriage was in the spotlight, marked by their glamorous union and red-carpet appearances. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when reports surfaced on Benét’s infidelity. Subsequently, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer admitted to cheating on Berry during their marriage, and they divorced soon after. Even for celebrities, cheating can be a dealbreaker sometimes. Speaking to People in 2005, Benét said, “We all know I cheated. It was out there. It’s a betrayal.”
6. Shawn Stockman
LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 07: Sharonda Jones (L) and singer Shawn Stockman of Boys II Men attend the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Joining the list of celebrities who have admitted to cheating is Shawn Stockman. In 2016, the Boyz II Men singer uploaded a video apologizing to his wife Sharonda Jones for cheating. At the time, the two had been married for 15 years, and the news of his affair shocked fans. In the video, Stockman said, “I’m apologizing on record to my wife for my infidelity, about me doing things outside of the marriage that I’m not supposed to be doing with people who I had no business dealing with. For them to be as cavalier as to do the things that they did to try to break my family apart. I’m apologizing on record to my family and to anyone else that I have hurt.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian pose for a photo as Remy Martin celebrates Tristan Thompson’s Birthday at Beauty & Essex on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Remy Martin )
Unfortunately, Tristan Thompson cheating on Khloe Kardashian is something that has happened more than once. This remains one of the biggest cheating scandals involving celebrities in recent years. In 2019, the couple broke up because Thompson allegedly cheated on Kardashian with her good friend Jordyn Woods. However, in 2020, they reconciled and began dating again. Unfortunately, in 2022, after a paternity test revealed he was the father of Maralee Nichols’ newborn child, it became evident he had cheated again. Addressing the topic, Thompson wrote a statement on his Instagram story. It read, “Today, paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols. I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established, I look forward to amicably raising our son. I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both publicly and privately.”
Singer Usher (right) with Tameka Foster (Photo by Moses Robinson/WireImage)
The famed R&B singer and his ex-wife Tameka Foster married in 2007 and divorced in 2009. Three years after their separation, in an interview with Oprah, Usher finally spoke about the end of his marriage. When Oprah asked the singer if he was faithful during their marriage, he responded, “I was faithful at heart, but not faithful all the way. Even having a conversation with another woman, period, about matters of your relationship or emotions is, in my opinion, not being faithful.”
KILDARE, IRELAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Tiger Woods and his wife Elin look on during the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club on September 21, 2006 in Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
One of the most famous sports celebrities, the legendary golfer Tiger Woods faced a highly publicized cheating scandal in 2009 when reports emerged of his extramarital affair. The situation involved multiple women coming forward, negatively impacting Woods’ personal and professional life. Following the statements from the women, Woods addressed the issue, and admitted to infidelity. In a statement that was posted on his website in December 2009, Woods wrote, “I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children.” Afterward, on August 23, 2010, Tigers Woods and Elin Nordegren, who had been married for six years, divorced.
2. Kevin Hart
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Actor Kevin Hart and wife Eniko Parrish attend the GQ Men of the Year party at Chateau Marmont on December 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Sometime in 2017, Kevin Hart was unfaithful to his wife Eniko and he openly admitted to it on two known occasions. Firstly, in a video he uploaded on Instagram on September 17, 2017, he spoke about making a “bad error in judgment.” The post was captioned, “Sending so many apologies to my wife & kids. I gotta do better and I will. I’m not perfect and have never claimed to be …I love you all.”
Afterward, Hart appeared on The Breakfast Club on December 14th and addressed it again. Speaking about his then-pregnant wife Eniko Parrish, he said, “I’m hoping that she has a heart to where she can forgive me and understand that this is not going to be a reoccurring thing and allow me to recover from my f***ing massive mistake.” The actor seems to deeply regret being regarded as one of the celebrities with a cheating scandal.
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 20: Jay Z and Beyoncé attend the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Undoubtedly, Jay-Z is one of the biggest celebrities with a cheating scandal on this list. Famously, his extramarital affair inspired, and is highlighted on Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed 2016 album, Lemonade. The album alluded to infidelity and relationship struggles, but neither Jay-Z nor Beyoncé made explicit statements about it. However, in Jay-Z’s album 4:44, he addressed personal growth. On the track “4:44,” he apologized for his actions, suggesting that he had indeed been unfaithful.
Jay-Z is no stranger to big names and big money, both of which are coming together at an upcoming event he’s hosting. In order to raise funds for his Reform Alliance, he’s having a high-stakes blackjack party with some extremely high-profile guests. According to Page Six, the event is limited to just 300 attendees and some of those expected to show up are Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, and Travis Scott. Kevin Hart has also been tapped to serve as the host and MC of the event.
Those actually participating in the high rollers event will pay $100k to attend the function. While nonplayers get off a bit easier and will pay just $50k to get in. The event is currently set to take place later this month on September 30. Guests will gather at the Ocean Resort & Casino in Atlantic City for the highly exclusive function. Insiders also report that the party’s theme was inspired by an event Jay-Z attended earlier this year. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin hosted a Fourth of July party with an all-white dress code and Jay delivered a killer look. While other big stars in both music and sports have been rumored attendees, none have been confirmed quite yet.
Jay-Z’s Spy-Themed Blackjack Night In Atlantic City
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 14: Jay-Z attends the Shawn Carter Foundation 20th Anniversary Black Tie Gala at Pier 60 on July 14, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Last week it was announced that Jay-Z would be putting his financial weight behind a viral case of wrongful arrest and police misconduct. Hov and Team ROC will help fund the defense of Jermelle English Jr. a Wisconsin man. English was beaten by police and arrested while they were looking for someone else, then still charged anyway.
Jay-Z also returned to Instagram last month, albeit only for one post so far. He started a new account on the platform to share a trailer for a film he executive produced which is dropping next year. What do you think of Jay-Z’s star-studded James Bond-themed blackjack night? Let us know in the comment section below.
Dr. Dre will be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024. Others to be celebrated will include Gwen Stefani, Def Leppard, Brandy Norwood, Charles Fox, Darius Rucker, Glen Ballard, Sammy Hagar, and Toni Braxton, among a total of 31 others.
Selection committee member and radio host, Ellen K, reacted to the final list, as noted by Uproxx. “The committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people,” she said. “We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Dr. Dre, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Eminem attend the ceremony honoring Curtis. “50 Cent” with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Dr. Dre has participated in the ceremonies honoring numerous other hip-hop artists over the years including 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest producers in the history of the genre. Dre began his career as a member of the iconic rap group, N.W.A. Critics often credit him as a key figure in the popularization of West Coast G-funk in the 1990s. The Library of Congress has selected his debut studio album, The Chronic, for preservation in the National Recording Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” In the 2000s, he shifted his focus to helping other artists with their own careers, signing both Eminem in 1998 and 50 Cent in 2002.
In addition to his music career, Dre is also the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He also co-founded and previously served as the president of Death Row Records. The Hollywood Walk Of Fame has yet to announce an exact date next year for his star unveiling ceremony. Be on the lookout for that announcement on HotNewHipHop.
Jay-Z’s mother, Gloria Carter, recently tied the knot with her longtime partner, Roxanne Wilshire, and it was a star-studded affair. Of course, Hov, his wife Beyoncé, and their family were among the many A-listers in attendance at the ceremony. However, that was far from the end of the guest list, with a lot of other celebrities pulling up to join the heartwarming festivities. Tyler Perry, Kelly Rowland, Robin Roberts, Corey Gamble, and Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles went to the wedding. Apparently, they wrapped things up at around 11am, so it was probably a very fun time with all those big names in there, and with the biggest ones’ celebration.
Furthermore, Jay-Z and Gloria Carter have always had an incredibly strong bond and consistently show each other all the love and support in the world. Back in 2017, Gloria came out on his 2017 4:44 track “Smile,” speaking on “living in the shadows” as a homosexual woman. Whenever either of them are celebrated by their peers or the world at large, they are by each other’s sides. For example, she received an award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for telling her personal story.
During the ceremony for this honor, Jay-Z thanked Gloria Carter for allowing him to relay her story to his listeners. She had thankful words of her own to share as well. “Thanks to you, to all the people whose lives I touched, for your support, by just telling my truth,” Carter shared. “‘Smile’ became a reality because I shared with my son who I am. Not that people didn’t know; I was just someone they didn’t talk about but they loved me anyway. But for me, this was the first time that I spoke to anyone about who I really am.
“Love gave me the courage to take the power that I allowed other people to have over my life for fear of them revealing my secret that wasn’t really a secret,” she continued. “Here I am, I’m loving, I’m respectful, I’m productive, and I’m a human being who has a right to love who I love. So everybody, just smile, be free. Thank you, and God bless.” Keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Jay-Z.
Blueface’s mother Karlissa Saffold is almost always matching her son when it comes to antics and wild statements. However, her most recent claims have many online raising their eyebrows, as they involve some big names. Moreover, she recently named a bunch of celebrities whose romantic advances she allegedly turned down. Of course, many reacted in disbelief, or comically stating that it was actually the other way around when it came to shooting their (or her) shot. Still, we mostly know her for her relationship with her son, so many are perhaps too quick to judge or make assumptions about her earlier life.
“Whew, y’all already know I wasn’t nothing to deal with 20 years ago,” Blueface’s mother said in an Instagram video showing off her body on a walk. “S**t 25, put a week on it. Wasn’t nothing to play with, okay? Ask somebody. Who I turned down? 50, Shaq, Cube… Who else? Usher… It was a no! So momma didn’t play. Better ask somebody, I wasn’t nothing to deal with. It was a no.” Beyond her speculated love life, she always defends her son against the naysayers despite their own complicated history.
Furthermore, the most recent example of that was against neo-soul legend Erykah Badu. She wrote “He’s trash, universe do your thing” on her Instagram Story with a picture of Blueface surrounded by women, and Karlissa Saffold unsurprisingly came through with a response. “Girl you was just calling Tyrone and paying his cousins and homeboys way don’t and ain’t nobody said something to you,” she commented. That being said, she recently formed a better bond with the rapper’s future baby mama Chrisean Rock.
“For those of y’all who keep having an opinion about how I feel about Rock,” she stated on social media. “I wanted the best for her and always will. I been there since the beginning and I’ll be here until the end.” Considering the drama surrounding Chrisean’s pregnancy and her own relationship with the Los Angeles native, we’ll see how this reconciliation pans out. Regardless, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest on Blueface and his mother Karlissa Saffold.
