Gag Order Archives - New Hip Hop News

Diddy’s Request For Gag Order On Alleged Victims Shot Down By Judge

November 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Diddy is currently behind bars on charges related to alleged sex trafficking and racketeering, and recently, he requested for a gag order to be placed on his alleged victims and their attorneys. “Mr. Combs has a constitutional right to a fair trial, free from the influence of prejudicial statements in the press,” his lawyer Marc Agnifilo wrote. “These prospective witnesses and their lawyers have made numerous inflammatory extrajudicial statements aimed at assassinating Mr. Combs’s character in the press.”

Yesterday (November 8), Judge Arun Subramanian denied his request, arguing that the gag order could potentially threaten free speech. “The court has an affirmative constitutional duty to ensure that Combs receives a fair trial,” Judge Subramanian explained. “But this essential … Requirement must be balanced with the protections the First Amendment affords to those claiming to be Combs’s victims.”

Judge Argues Gag Order Could Have Threatened Free Speech

Diddy’s Request For Gag Order On Alleged Victims Shot Down By Judge — Jul 25, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Recording artist DJ Khaled and Sean Combs attend the game between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium. Jasen Vinlove / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“The unprecedented relief that Combs seeks on this motion is unwarranted,” he also added. The judge’s ruling arrived on the same day that Diddy’s team filed yet another request for bail. They’ve been denied twice previously. Their proposal is a $50 million bond as well as constant surveillance. His team cited similar bond cases from the past in their motion. This included a case involving a CEO accused of sex trafficking dozens of young men.

Reportedly, the government asked for a $10 million bond for the CEO and a $500K bond for an accomplice accused of intimidating witnesses. What do you think of Diddy’s request for a gag order getting denied? What about the judge claiming it could potentially threaten free speech? Do you agree with this or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Diddy’s Lawyers Demand Response To Gag Order Request As Alleged Witnesses Continue To Speak Out

November 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Diddy’s attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, said in a letter on Sunday that there has been a “deluge of improper pretrial publicity” and once again asked the judge presiding over the Bad Boy mogul’s ongoing criminal case to order potential alleged witnesses to stop speaking with the media. As caught by ABC News, they wrote that the alleged victims are “undermining Mr. Combs’ right to a fair trial and the integrity of the grand jury proceedings.”

“These stories have spread rapidly through the media and created the impression that such videos exist, which is false, and that the government is actually crediting his sensational claims, which is profoundly prejudicial,” the letter said. Prosecutors have previously countered the defense’s point, arguing that plaintiffs in civil litigation can’t be impacted by this court. As also noted by ABC News, Diddy’s team has fired back: “It makes little sense that civil litigants seeking to capitalize on the criminal allegations against Mr. Combs can nonetheless claim that they are not involved in the criminal proceedings.”

Marc Agnifilo Leaves The Courthouse After Diddy’s Arrest

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Lawyer for Sean Combs, Marc Agnifilo, leaves U.S. District Court on September 17, 2024, in New York City. Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in Manhattan on September. 16 in a sex trafficking probe following a federal indictment. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

As noted by TMZ, the latest update comes after one witness, Courtney Burgess, spoke publically several times in recent days. On Thursday, he discussed the allegations surrounding Diddy during an interview with NewsNation’s Banfield. Burgess alleged that he was once given 11 flash drives containing at least eight sex tapes involving eight celebrities. He further alleged that “two to three” of the alleged victims were minors. He had testified in front of a grand jury in the Southern District of New York, earlier in the day.

Authorities arrested Diddy on charges of alleged sex trafficking and racketeering, back in September. He’s already pleaded not guilty and denied all of the allegations he’s faced over the last year. Be on the lookout for further updates on Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

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Cassie’s Lawyer Calls Out Diddy & His Family Amid Gag Order Bid

November 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s no secret that Diddy is currently in a world of legal trouble, as he’s currently behind bars on charges of alleged racketeering and sex trafficking. Throughout his legal battle so far, the Bad Boy founder’s family members have been vocal with their support. Cassie’s lawyer Douglas H. Wigdor, however, thinks this might be working against him.

According to a new exclusive report by AllHipHop, Wigdor filed a letter with the court yesterday (November 1), in which he mentioned Diddy’s family. He argued that the gag order Diddy recently requested was hypocritical, considering some of the public statements they’ve recently made in support of the mogul.

Cassie’s Lawyer Points Out Hypocrisy In New Letter

Cassie’s Lawyer Calls Out Diddy’s Family Amid Gag Order Bid — Feb 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Recording artist/rapper Sean Combs aka Diddy performs during the Revolt Party at the Time Warner Cable Studios. Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Widgor noted how Diddy’s son Quincy Brown took to Instagram last week to comment on his father’s current situation. “The past month has devastated our family. Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media. We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family, WE MISS YOU & LOVE YOU DAD,” Quincy declared at the time.

Widgor argued that if Diddy’s family is allowed to speak their minds, it’s only fair for Cassie and his other alleged victims to be allowed to as well. “It is not clear exactly whom Mr. Combs seeks to silence with his requested relief, but his submission suggests that anyone who has claimed to have been a victim of Mr. Combs—regardless of whether their experience is relevant or connected to the criminal case at hand—must be prevented from speaking out about their allegations,” he wrote. What do you think of Cassie’s lawyer Douglas H. Wigdor calling out Diddy for requesting a gag order despite his family’s latest public statements? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Diddy’s Attempted Gag Order Over Alleged Government Leaks Falls Through

October 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Diddy and his legal team’s attempt to get a gag order on government agencies involved in investigating his alleged racketeering and sex trafficking case has proven unsuccessful. His attorneys had accused them of leaking information to the press as stories about his allegations continue to make headlines. Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision on Friday, as caught by USA Today, but still implemented a similar order forbidding federal agents, investigators, and the rapper’s own team from leaking grand jury proceedings.

“To be clear, this order isn’t based on a finding that there has been any wrongdoing thus far, as the Court has made no findings at this juncture relating to defendant’s allegations that information related to the case has been leaked,” Subramanian wrote. “The point of this order is to help ensure that nothing happens from now on that would interfere with a fair trial.”

Diddy’s Attorney, Marc Agnifilo, Speaks Outside Of His Arraignment

Marc Agnifilo (L), lawyer for rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy.” Combs, speaks outside federal court after Combs’ arraignment hearing on September 17. 2024, in New York. A US judge on Tuesday refused a bail request from Combs and ordered the superstar rapper jailed pending his trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

The update comes after Diddy’s lawyers previously accused the government of allegedly leaking the video of him hitting Cassie at a hotel in 2016 to “mortally wound the reputation and the prospect of Sean Combs successfully defending himself against these allegations,” according to filing obtained by Page Six. CNN published the footage, earlier this year. Diddy’s team further alleged: “Rather than using the videotape as trial evidence, alongside other evidence that gives it context and meaning, the agents misused it in the most prejudicial and damaging way possible.”

Diddy is currently residing at a jail in Brooklyn while awaiting trial in the case. He already pleaded not guilty to the alleged crimes. Be on the lookout for further updates on Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

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Diddy Continues To Target Federal Agents For Allegedly Leaking Crucial Info To The Press

October 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Diddy and his legal team continue to accuse the federal government of allegedly leaking crucial information to the press. According to these allegations, these leaks include trial materials, the Cassie assault video, and “confidential, damaging and false” claims and statements. The defense attempted to account for these alleged leaks once again, as Sean Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo filed a motion requesting a judge to enact a gag order “as partial relief” for these supposed leaks, per court documents reportedly obtained by AllHipHop. Homeland Security and other federal authorities have already denied any leaks whatsoever. Other allegations against Combs continue to mount, all of which he and his team have also denied.

“The defense believes that Exhibit A accomplishes the intended purposes of the requested relief,” Diddy’s team’s motion reportedly reads. “To ensure that leaks, as well as damaging and false information which are undermining Mr. Combs’ right to a fair trial stop, while including reciprocal restraints on the defense. […] Unfortunately, however, we are unable to submit Exhibit A as a joint proposal, because after extensive back and forth since the October 10 conference, the parties were unable to reach agreement on the order. We did narrow the disputes, however, and understand that most, but not all, of the language in Exhibit A is acceptable to the government.”

Diddy At The 2022 Oscars

Diddy Trial Gag Order Government Leaks Allegations Court Hip Hop News — HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs speaks onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Marc Agnifilo and Diddy’s legal team also alleged that Homeland Security agents “have continued their leaks” and relays of allegedly false info to press after an October 10 status conference that raised this supposed issue. As such, they believe that a gag order is crucial. In addition, the court documents reportedly alleged several examples of “sources” that spoke to CNN about the investigation as an insider scoop.

Finally, Agnifilo characterized the defense and prosecution’s disagreement over this matter as the latter “resisting language” which would cover all agents possibly exposed to grand jury information and other confidential elements about the investigation and prosecution. We’ll see whether or not the court grants this order, which could limit how information about the Diddy trial is shared. But the gag order’s hypothetical effect, if granted, still isn’t completely clear in practice.

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Ne-Yo’s Ex Facing Gag Order Relating To Custody Battle

October 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

R&B singer Ne-Yo and his ex Sade Bagnerise are currently locked in a custody battle in the courts. Earlier this year the singer, whose real name is Shaffer Smith, filed in court to establish himself as the father of the pair’s two children. According to The Jasmine Brand, he asked for multiple things from the judge in the trial. Included in his requests is a DNA test on the younger child. He requested it so that the child could be given Smith’s last name. He’s also seeking joint legal and physical custody of the children alongside his ex.

In a countersuit filed by Bagnerise, she requests that he be given legal custody, but she retains primary physical custody. “In Sadè’s counterclaim, she reportedly requested that Ne-Yo have the children every other weekend with alternating holiday time. She also asked for court-ordered temporary and permanent child support,” they explain. After the court made the easy decision of giving Ne-Yo joint legal custody, they’re beginning the more involved legal process of sorting out the physical custody of the children. Check out Jasmine Brand‘s entire report on the legal battles below.

Ne-Yo Scores Legal Victory In Keeping His Ex Quiet Publicly

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In the newest court proceedings, Ne-Yo is making sure that Bagnerise can’t speak on their case publicly. “In his newest motion, Ne-Yo argued it would best benefit his children to keep certain information about the case — such as his finances, the location of his homes, the amount of child support he will be paying, and the entire settlement agreement — hidden from the public.”

He also doubled down on keeping the case private. He’s not only requesting that the results be kept private, but also that Bagnerise be barred from speaking on the legal battles in any public format while they’re ongoing. With her unable to speak to the media info on the case may be hard to come by as it unfolds. What do you think of Ne-Yo’s ex not being allowed to speak publicly on their ongoing legal battles? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Mystikal Wants Gag Order In Rape Case: Report

March 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Another legal setback has Mystikal by the reigns. The No Limit icon, real name Michael Tyler, has been in jail without bail since last July. Mystikal was arrested on charges related to an accusation of rape from a woman he’s reportedly known for upwards of two decades. According to the purported victim, she visited the rapper’s home to receive financial assistance for someone who needed money for an apartment. During the meeting, an alleged violent altercation occurred, and the woman claimed she was assaulted.

The Advocate reported the woman told authorities Mystikal prevented her from leaving his home by taking her car keys and mobile phone. She said he strangled and raped her, in addition to threatening to remove “bad spirits” from her with a pair of scissors. It’s also said that Mystikal believed the woman owed him money. The “Danger” hitmaker allegedly only let her leave his residence once she paid him $150 through a money app.

Mystikal Retains A New Attorney

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – SEPTEMBER 25: Mystikal performs at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall on September 25, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)

Mystikal’s trial is set for the summer, and he’s hired a new attorney as the hearing looms. Recently, Tiffany Myles Crosby filed a motion to set a gag order in place due to the “inordinate amount of publicity.” The rapper’s case has elicited conversations about his past run-ins with the law, including several allegations of sexual assault. In 2020, Mystikal scored a victory after a previous rape charge was tossed out of court. However, in 2004, Mystikal was sentenced to six years for sexual battery against his hairstylist.

In this latest case, Crosby wants this gag order to further include “all potential witnesses and law enforcement officials who either will or might testify at the trial of this case or who have information” about the matter. The Advocate noted Mystikal’s previous legal team opted to be more hands-on with the press, while Crosby moves more privately.

Facing A Severe Sentence

LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 14: Mystikal performs during the Louisville Old School Hip Hop Festival at KFC YUM! Center on February 14, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)

In other court documents, it was alleged that Mystikal didn’t understand the previous motions filed on his behalf. Additionally, Mystikal has pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape and false imprisonment. If convicted, he could spend the remainder of his life in prison.

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