NEWS
Diddy's criminal trial officially kicked off this week, and jury selection is in full swing. According to TMZ, the third day of the process featured a few people who have ties to the case. One of the potential jurors, for example, worked with Judge Arun Subramanian on anti-class action cases in the past. He said the case could hinder his ability to represent his own client too, and he was ultimately dismissed.
Another one of the potential jurors took the stand and revealed that he works at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Diddy is currently being held. He was also dismissed. Judge Subramanian called out both the prosecution and the defense, telling them they needed to step up their game when it comes to filtering candidates.
As for the other potential jurors who took the stand, one described himself as "lazy." He wasn't ruled out. Another one admitted to reposting a meme about Diddy that he found while "doomscrolling." This is a term he had to explain to the judge. He was also kept in the jury pool.
So far, 35 people have been added to the jury pool so far, and they've been mostly men. Reportedly, the breakdown is currently "5 white men, 4 Black men, 3 Black women, 2 white women, 1 Latino man and 1 woman whose ethnicity isn't clear."
Diddy was arrested in September of 2024 on charges related to alleged sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He's pleaded not guilty to these charges, also turning down a plea deal at his final pre-trial hearing. At the time, he said he understood this could mean a longer sentence for him if he's convicted.
NEWS
The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
