testify

Diddy Raid: Ex-Motown CEO Confirms She Won’t Testify Against The Rap Mogul

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Across the past few months, Diddy has faced numerous lawsuits from various accusers claiming decades of bad behavior. It all came to a head last week when the feds raided two of his properties in Miami and Los Angeles. They confirmed that it was part of an investigation into sex trafficking allegations against the rap mogul. In the week since, many of the people who have been involved in the allegations have spoken out.

The newest is the former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam. She was named in one particular lawsuit filed by producer Lil Rod back in February. She was accused of being aware that alcoholic beverages at parties hosted by Diddy were spiked with various illegal substances. Since then she’s been dropped from the case and took the chance to clarify the reason. “Mr. Blackburn has falsely represented to various social media sites and other media outlets that I agreed to ‘testify against’ Mr. Combs. This is completely untrue. I have no personal knowledge of any alleged wrongdoing by Mr. Combs and there is nothing I could testify to that would be against his interest,” she said to AllHipHop.

Read More: Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Accuses Him Of Grooming Usher

Former Motown Head Won’t Testify Against Diddy

There’s already been news leaking out from the police raid over the last week. Reports claim that multiple guns were found during the home search. Other reports claim that the feds were specifically searching for electronics during the raid and grabbed any phones or computers they could find. One of Diddy’s associates was arrested after his plane was intercepted in Miami the same day as the raids.

Many on social media have been having a field day with Diddy since the raids happened. Subsequently, celebs like 50 Cent and Antonio Brown have posted jokes repeatedly to social media taking aim at the rap mogul. What do you think of the former Motown CEO refusing to testify against Diddy? Do you think the sex trafficking investigation will result in any charges against him? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: What Is Diddy’s Best-Selling Album?

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Diddy’s Former Bodyguard, Gene Deal, Expresses Readiness To Testify Against Rapper In Near Future

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Things continue to ramp up in all of the wrong ways for Diddy. Everyday there is a new story, a different angle on a past headline, or new people speaking out against him. However, out all of the recent developing stories, the home raids were perhaps what caught most people’s attention. His Los Angeles and Miami homes were ransacked by Homeland Security Investigation teams, and it led many wondering how Diddy was not retained during them. But it seems that it will take more and more witnesses coming forward to place the mogul in court. Gene Deal, a former bodyguard for Diddy, can be added to the list of people willing to testify.

According to AllHipHop, Deal expressed his feelings about everything surrounding the rapper and businessman in an interview with The Art Of Dialogue. People have been reaching out to Gene in every way, saying that he is trying to purposefully drag Diddy’s name through the mud. However, he feels he has more than enough proof to make a compelling case. “I get all kinds of hate mail, IG’s, talking about that I am trying to take a Black man down. No, I went through every step you are supposed to go through when you got an issue with a man,” Gene explained.

Read More: R. Kelly Slams Diddy Sex Trafficking Investigation From Prison: “I Know What They Did”

Gene Deal Does Not Feel Bad For Diddy

“By him doing the things he did, and taking the avenue he took, he’s suffering the consequences, and I don’t feel bad at all.” Gene also feels that when “Money, Power & Respect” by The LOX, DMX, and Lil’ Kim came out, he thinks Diddy had that message of the song “a** backwards.” “You got your respect in the street, that gave you your power, that brought you your money… Do I care what happens? Got enough money to buy his way out of it… so we think.” He even believes that the rapper could commit su*cide in prison because he is a “narcissist.”

What are your thoughts on former Diddy bodyguard Gene Deal willing to testify about the mogul? Does this surprise you at all, why or why not? What do you think the rapper’s fate will be and how soon will he be heading to court? Do you think Gene will be the most important witness throughout this process? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Diddy and Gene Deal. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the worlds of music and crime.

Read More: Nipsey Hussle’s Death Anniversary Sparks Heartfelt Lauren London Tribute: “Energy Never Dies”

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DJ Envy Might Testify Against Cesar Pina In Real Estate Fraud Case: Report

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New reports from AllHipHop indicate that DJ Envy might testify against his former business partner Cesar Pina if a judge calls for it in their real estate fraud case. For those unaware, both men face various accusations of wrongdoing for their business practices, allegedly defrauding investors out of millions of dollars. Moreover, back in December, the court ordered the media personality to provide documentation about Pina’s bankruptcy filing and their transactions around this time, as they allegedly had a very close relationship. Despite this suspicion, Envy’s legal team stated that they handed over all requested info, and that he will testify if so required by the legal process.

“We are aware that on December 20, 2023, the Court issued an Order compelling the production of documents demanded in those subpoenas,” DJ Envy’s attorney Daniel Marchese expressed in court documents reportedly obtained by AllHipHop. “At this time, I am happy to report that on Friday, January 5, 2024, we forwarded our responses and document production to counsel for the Trustee in these aforementioned cases. Given the professional back-and-forth between counsel and I since then, it would appear that indeed the responses and the production were acknowledged and received by the Trustee. With this writing, I therefore confirm my client’s compliance with Your Honor’s Order. As I offered to Trustee’s counsel, I will likewise offer to the Court that should sworn testimony (in any form) be needed to affirm my client’s responses and production, he would readily oblige.”

Read More: Cesar Pina Accused Of Dodging People Trying To Serve Him New Lawsuit

DJ Envy At The 2022 BET Hip-Hop Awards

DJ Envy Cesar Pina Fraud Case Testimony Hip Hop News
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: DJ Envy attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at The Cobb Theater on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Furthermore, this development also elaborates on the schemes that DJ Envy allegedly participated in. For example, Cesar Pina’s several fraud charges include those related to mortgage, wire, and bank conspiracy. Also, prosecutors accused him of shifting property prices to inflate loans from financial institutions, and using these for personal gain and other endeavors. VIBE reported that Pina is considering a plea deal, and he previously claimed Envy played no part in these lawsuits or their accusations. However, it’s unclear what consequences the Breakfast Club host or his ventures could face if this plea deal goes through. After all, this already blemished his reputation.

Meanwhile, the radio commentator voiced concerns with other issues this week alongside his on-air teammate, Charlamagne Tha God. They wondered what the hosting situation of The Breakfast Club will look like after various departures and substitutions. As is the case with this alleged fraud scheme, only time will tell what their future holds. On that note, come back to HNHH for more news and the latest updates on DJ Envy and Cesar Pina.

Read More: Keith Lee Accuses DJ Envy Of Calling Him “Ghetto” On “The Breakfast Club”

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The post DJ Envy Might Testify Against Cesar Pina In Real Estate Fraud Case: Report appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Pras Testifies In His Own Federal Trial

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Pras took the stand in his own federal trial on Tuesday, during which he discussed his relationship with Malaysian financier Jho Low. In doing so, he revealed that he worked as an FBI informant in China’s efforts to extradite billionaire Guo Wengui.

Pras explained that he made the decision to testify, an unusual move by a defendant, “after consulting with my attorneys and the universe.” In addition to covering Guo Wengiu, Pras says that he also discussed three Americans that China was holding hostage with the FBI. “I took it upon myself to report because I thought the FBI should know,” he said.

Pras Arrives At Court

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 03: Pras Michel, a member of the Fugees and his lawyer David Kenner (R) arrive at U.S. District Court on April 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

As for his relationship with Jho Low, Pras told jurors he served as his “celebrity surrogate.” He added that Low paid him $20 million to get him a photo with former President Barrack Obama in 2012. “They didn’t want the optics at that time,” Pras said. “At that point, Jho Low was a party guy — Vegas, champagne, parties with Paris Hilton. The campaign just didn’t want that.”

While Pras claims that all of his actions were by the book, the prosecution alleges the Fugees rapper was paid hundreds of millions of embezzled Malaysian dollars to run a foreign-influence campaign against the U.S. government. “The defendant needed money and was willing to do anything to get it, including being an agent of the Chinese government,” prosecutor Nicole Lockhart said. “The defendant wanted money and was willing to break any laws necessary to get paid.”

Pras says that he never made any political donations on Low’s behalf and he only ever used his own money. He also says he ran everything he did by his lawyers to ensure he was doing everything correctly. Pras has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and falsifying records. He faces 22 years in prison if convicted.

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Leonardo DiCaprio Testifies Against Pras Michel

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In one of the strangest media crossover events so far this year, Leonardo DiCaprio testified against Pras Michel in the latter’s ongoing conspiracy trial. Moreover, the former Fugees member stands accused of collaborating with Malaysian businessman Jho Low to illegally finance Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, embezzle billions from the Malaysian government, and more. During his testimony, the silver screen star went over his relationship with Low in interesting detail. While Pras pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, Leo is not criminally involved in this case.

Instead, prosecutors likely used him as an example of Low coercing influential people in the States and seeking favor with them for his own personal gain. Before anyone starts speculating, DiCaprio’s testimony does not incriminate him or his collaborators in any way. In the hour-long testimony, the Inception actor said he became friends with Low upon meeting at a birthday party in 2010. Two years later, Low allegedly told him about his plan to donate between $20 million and $30 million to the Democratic Party throughout the 2012 presidential election.

Leonardo DiCaprio & Pras Michel On Opposite Sides Of Courtroom

Not only that, but prosecutors maintain that Low used a film production company called Red Granite Pictures to launder his embezzled money. Furthermore, this relates to Leo because, apparently, they offered to finance his flick The Wolf Of Wall Street. Before accepting, the actor’s legal team and third party collaborators ran financial background checks on the production company. Surprisingly (and clearly incorrectly), everything seemed normal. What’s more is that the 48-year-old even thanked Low during his Golden Globes acceptance speech for Best Actor for his role in the film.

Meanwhile, Leo said that he met Pras once or twice. The first time was during a Fugees concert in the ’90s, whereas he hazily remembered interacting with him on another occasion at DiCaprio’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Funnily enough, the actor recently hung out with Q-Tip courtside at a basketball game, so his hip-hop roots run deep. Regardless, the rapper stands accused of making illegal campaign contributions with Low in 2012, failing to register as an agent of China’s government, and witness tampering. With all that in mind, log back into HNHH for the latest on Leonardo DiCaprio and Pras Michel.

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Troy Ave Seemingly Compares Himself To Jay-Z Testifying In Court

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Troy Ave apparently thinks he’s like Jay-Z, at least from an Instagram post that he published talking about his court testimony. Moreover, he testified today (March 13) in Taxstone’s murder case, in which the latter stands accused of murdering Ave’s bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter. Furthermore, he posted a picture of Hov on the witness stand during his 2021 Parlux Fragrances lawsuit and included his classic The Blueprint cut “U Don’t Know.” Afterwards, he shared a message in the caption honoring his fallen friend and spoke of his long journey to get to this point.

“No F**K n***az formed against ME shall prosper…. #FreeTroyAve,” he wrote on top of his post. Then, he continued in the caption itself. “To all my real ones that been riding with & for Me, today is the day I finally get to clear my name. It’s been almost 7 years since I lost one of my closest friends #RIPBANGA, 7 years of a narrative about it being my fault, 7 years of my character being assassinated all the while Trying to defend myself without saying much!

Troy Ave Evokes Jay-Z In Court Testimony Post

“I took it all on the chin, never complained about the stress even tho I felt it,” he went on. “Never complained about the pain even tho it hurt! Never shed a tear even tho my heart was crying! At my weakest points I drew strength from GOD! drew strength from my Children & drew strength from Yall! But today … Ya Boi is Strong! Today .. is our day! We in court & the facts will speak louder than any words! It’s time to get this false narrative off my name and dark cloud off my head.

“To all my supporters today is the day you can tell whoever went against Us ‘Eat a D! I Told you So,’” he concluded. “Let’s continue to spread Love & Destroy Hate! wether u sending prayers or pulling up to the court today with positive energy I dead a** appreciate it all! #FREETROYAVE #SelfDefense.” Given all the years and feuds that led to this point, it will be interesting to see how the case plays out. Regardless, stay logged into HNHH for the latest updates on this story and more news from Troy Ave.

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Troy Ave & Taxstone Beef Over Testifying In Trial

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Rapper Troy Ave and former podcaster Taxstone just stared a Twitter beef over the latter’s criminal trial. For those of you who don’t remember, Taxstone stands accused of involvement in a 2016 Irving Plaza shooting in New York City that took the life of Ave’s bodyguard, Ronald “Banga” McPhatter. On Thursday (March 9), Taxstone wrote a tweet that many believed took aim at Troy Ave testifying in his case. Afterwards, the New York rapper responded in kind and let off some Twitter subliminals of his own to fuel the fire.

“Can’t wait for this delusional lying ass bozo to testify on Monday !!!” Taxstone fired off on Thursday. Then, Ave took the jab as a shot and replied. “A call to action is crazy. ‘I can’t wait’ Said the person with nothing but time… his friends cooked him VERY WELL DONE! I might jus bring the dessert , wat kind y’all want #UnSafeTho#BeSmartTho.” In another tweet, he inexplicably asked former President Barack Obama for help. “Dear @POTUS44 this Hater tryna frame the murder of MY FRIEND on Me. I’m innocent I boomed @ the hater off self defense! His Mans Caswell & Malcolm ate the [cheese] on him already! My new album gon be called ‘DEAR HATER I WON’ pre order uP MONDAY!”

Twitter Beef Over Testifying Ensues

Later, Taxstone seemed to retort against the 37-year-old in some more subliminal messages via Twitter. “Rejecting self reflection at any cost,” he began his series of reflections. “Lowlifes think the most highly of themselves. Keeping their face far from mirrors but placing them in front of everyone else’s face. Sometimes we get lost and have to find ourselves but never forget to self reflect.” What’s more is that even Taxstone’s attorney confirmed that Troy Ave is expected to testify in his trial.

With all this in mind, it will be interesting to see how Taxstone’s trial progresses on Monday. Twitter beef is one thing, but if such antagonism comes into the courtroom, it could spell trouble for either party. Hopefully the trial’s outcome doesn’t become part of more social media antics. Regardless, check out the tweets below and stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Taxstone and Troy Ave.

Taxstone & Troy Ave Go Back & Forth

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Detective Testifies In XXXTentacion Trial

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A detective involved in the investigation into the murder of XXXTentacion has taken the stand in the trial of those accused of killing the South Florida rapper. He says that suspect Dedrick Williams changed his story several times. He also confirmed that the suspect never mentioned Drake, Migos, or any other rap groups as having hired him. The defense previously suggested that Drake may have been involved in the killing.

On the stand, the detective explained that Williams changed his story for a third time after being told that the property had security cameras. In addition to Williams, Michael Boatwright and Trayvon Newsome have also been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery regarding X’s death. The group faces up to life in prison if convicted.

The Detective’s Testimony

As for Drake’s involvement, the defense cited a tweet from XXXTentacion prior to his death during their opening statements. “Before X died, he said, ‘If anybody kills me, it’s Drake.’ Do you think sitting here years later, any detective has ever asked Drake or anybody like that? No,” attorney Mauricio Padilla said according to Complex. “This is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Excluding an order from this court, we all know that I will never be able to take his deposition.”

They ended up getting their wish and Drake has a deposition scheduled for February 24. “If deponent Aubrey Drake Graham does not appear to deposition he must appear before this court on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. EST at so [sic] the court can determine why he should not be held in contempt,” the motion reads. Outside of the out of context tweet from X, there’s no other evidence of Drake being involved in his killing.

Fans mostly responded to the detective’s testimony with doubt about Drake’s involvement. “They want tickets to Drake’s concerts so badly,” one wrote on a post from DJ Akademiks. Another added: “They want drake so damn bad. It should be illegal to try and drag a random man into court for a MURDER case and potentially ruin his career or life. It’s so weird.”

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Tory Lanez Reportedly Feels Regret For Not Testifying In Megan Thee Stallion Trial

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Just last month, Tory Lanez was found guilty on all three counts in his Megan Thee Stallion shooting case. Lanez was being tried for felony assault as well as two gun-related charges. Overall, it was an emotional case as Meg took the stand and recounted her story. Additionally, there was a lot of public interest considering the parties involved.

Since that time, some have rushed to Tory Lanez’s defense claiming that he truly is innocent and that the jury got it wrong. However, Lanez is still facing over 20 years in prison and he could even face deportation to Canada. Ultimately, that’s why the artist plans to appeal the case with his new lawyer, David Kenner.

Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez attends Shaq’s Fun House presented by FTX at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on February 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Tory Lanez Has Regrets

According to a new story from Rolling Stone, Lanez feels very regretful about how he went about his initial trial. Mostly, he just wishes he had actually testified in court. As many already know, Lanez was directed not to speak during the trial, and he ultimately took that advice.

Now, it seems as though Tory feels like his first lawyer George Mgdesyan gave him poor advice. Consequently, this led to the lawyer being taken off the case. Mgdesyan has since defended his departure from the case noting that he doesn’t do appeals.

Tory Lanez attends Rolling Stone Live Big Game Experience at Academy LA on February 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for MCM)

Moving forward, Lanez is set to receive his sentencing on February 28th. From there, his legal team can start the appeals process, and go from there. However, there are no guarantees that he can get this conviction overturned.

This is a developing story so stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates. Additionally, let us know what you think about this revelation, in the comments below.

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Alleged XXXTENTACION Murderer Says Drake Needs To Testify In Trial

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It’s been nearly five years since XXXTENTACION was murdered in Florida at just 20 years old. However, his legacy lives on because of his expressive music that continues to touch his fanbase. However, the Florida native did have a rather controversial past with violent accusations.

The suspect in his murder, Dedrick Williams, has pleaded not guilty. Now, he’s calling on some big names to testify due to their alleged involvement.

XXXTentacion (C) attends BET Hip Hop Awards 2017 on October 6, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/FilmMagic)

Just a couple of weeks ago, Williams’ attorney listed a bunch of high-profile people as potential witnesses in the case. Joe Budden, 6ix9ine, Quavo, Takeoff (R.I.P.) and Drake are on this list.

New reports from AllHipHop indicate that the alleged murderer really wants Drake to testify at the trial. “The testimony of the said Aubrey Drake Graham is material to the case, and it is necessary to take the deposition of the said Aubrey Drake Graham to prevent the failure of justice,” says the document.

Drizzy and the “SAD!” rapper had a documented beef that began in 2017. Upon the Toronto star releasing his More Life project that year, the Florida native took exception to one of its tracks, “KMT.” X publicly claimed that Drake was stealing his flow and cadence on the song. The track that he’s allegedly ripping off is X’s mega-hit, “Look At Me!”

Williams and his attorney allegedly believe that Drizzy’s talking about the murder in one of his most recent songs, “On BS,” is him talking about the murder. “Damn, maybe I should do a twenty, maybe I should break that twenty, do a ten / Maybe I should break that ten, do a five, then if it gets live, do a five again / If he held his tongue on that live, he’d be alive again,” he raps in the second verse.

Additionally, Williams and his legal team also want DJ Akademiks to testify in the trial. His attorney claims that the media personality consistently makes comments about the case while streaming.

“Mr. Allen, who goes by the stage name ‘DJ Akademiks’ posted his podcast on December 21, where he openly discusses the case, acknowledges being served and states, ‘I am not showing up to court to talk to y’all n****s’. It is clear that nothing short of a court order will ensure Mr. Allen’s participation in a deposition,” the document reads elsewhere.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think Drake should have to testify in the trial? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates.

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