The allegations made against Garth Brooks last week were the latest in a series of major claims that have rocked the music industry Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Arrest on charges of sexual crime.
Dozens of lawsuits were filed against Diddy last year, and one More than 100 victims accused Additional lawsuits are expected to be filed, with echoes of the #MeToo movement reaching high levels in an industry that was essentially sidelined in 2017.
#MeToo may count in the music industry, but San Diego criminal defense lawyer David P. Shapiro That said, the accountability allegation predates Diddy’s recent federal criminal court troubles.
Sean “Diddy” Combs and Garth Brooks have been accused of sexual assault. (Getty Images)
“A recent example from a few years ago was the case of another famous music mogul, R. Kelly, who is in jail right now,” Shapiro told Fox News Digital. r&b artist He was convicted of federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors and is currently serving a 31-year sentence in a medium-security prison in North Carolina.
Shapiro said, “For too long, victims of sexual assault have been exploited and left without a voice. They feared that no one would believe them and that society would always side with their powerful abuser. ” “While the #MeToo movement has provided valuable support for real victims of sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands and direction of powerful men, it has also validated concerns of overcorrection and the automatic belief of a sexual harassment complainant. Have to face logic and fact sometimes.
R. Kelly Rico is serving a 31-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. (associated Press)
“Such an approach is in direct contradiction to our system of proof beyond the reasonable doubt standard in criminal courts.”
“For too long, victims of sexual harassment have been exploited and left without a voice. They feared that no one would believe them and that society would always side with their powerful abuser.”
Didi was arrested on September 16 and charged with conspiracy to defraud the following day; Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper entered a not guilty plea just hours after the indictment detailing his alleged sex crimes was revealed.
Sean “Diddy” Combs was indicted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges in New York on September 16. (Shayan Asgarnia)
Authorities alleged that Diddy participated criminal enterprise Through his businesses, which include Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global, among others. According to the anonymous indictment obtained by Fox News Digital, he used “firearms, threats of violence, coercion, and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse” to satisfy his sexual desires.
Watch on Fox Nation: What Does Didi Do?
Diddy and his staff would intimidate, threaten, and lure female victims into Combs’ orbit, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship. Combs allegedly used force, force and threats of coercion to coerce the victims into engaging in extended sexual acts with the man. Commercial sex workers whom Combs referred to as, among other things, ‘freak offs’. According to the indictment, Diddy would often provide IV fluids to his victims after “freak offs” to help them recover from physical exertion and drug use.
The “Last Night” singer has maintained his innocence: “He’s going to fight this with all his energy and all his strength and the full confidence of his lawyers. And I expect a long fight with a good outcome for Mr. Combs.” I do.” ” His Lawyer, Mark AgnifiloSaid outside the courthouse on September 17.
Combs’ attorney, Mark Agnifilo, argued for Diddy’s release on bail following his arrest on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)
Shapiro said, “While there have always been, and unfortunately always will be, allegations like this against all famous and powerful musicians, Diddy’s case is already on its way to surpassing them all from a publicity standpoint, at least. Since the allegations made against Michael Jackson in the early 2000s.
“The fact that Diddy’s case will be heard in federal court should hinder any recording of the actual trial, if the case gets that far.”
TMZ Presents: The Fall of Didi
Garth Brooks was accused of rape According to court documents filed last week and obtained by Fox News Digital, his former makeup artist, “Jen Roe” during a work trip in 2019. She also accused Brooks of openly talking about sex in front of her, exposing his genitals, sharing sexual fantasies with her, sending her explicit messages, and physically touching her breasts.
The “Friends in Low Places” singer reportedly filed a countersuit attempting to stop her lawsuit and deny the claims.
A former makeup artist filed a lawsuit against Garth Brooks last week, accusing the country star of rape. (Jesse Grant)
“For the past two months, I have been harassed by threats, lies and sad stories about what my future would hold if I didn’t write a multi-million dollar check,” he said in a statement to Fox. News Digital. “It’s like waving a loaded gun in my face.”
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When it comes to any possible changes in music industry To protect victims, Shapiro noted the importance of victims coming forward to speak out against alleged accusers.
He added, “Hopefully, no matter the outcome of the case, the ultimate outcome of these allegations will change the music industry for the better, similar to the changes that were effected for the film industry following the Harvey Weinstein outing.” “But time and the decision of the jury of 12 people will likely be final.”
Brooks denied the allegations and claimed that the woman was trying to blackmail him for money. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Brand expert Doug Aldridge told Fox News Digital that only time will tell whether #MeToo is actually happening in the music industry, and the answer could go either way.
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“On the one hand, it’s too early to say. On the other hand, the more we learn, the less it seems like an ‘apples-to-apples’ comparison,” he said. “Weinstein and other Hollywood elites were finally exposed for the ‘casting couch’ environment that had pervaded (but never addressed) Hollywood for decades. In contrast, the scope and scale of the allegations against Diddy represent a broader, perhaps Paints a darker picture: sex trafficking, drugging party attendees, etc.
“Weinstein and other Hollywood elites were finally exposed for the ‘casting couch’ environment that had pervaded (but never addressed) Hollywood for decades. In contrast, the scope and scale of the allegations against Diddy represent a broader, perhaps Paints a darker picture: sex trafficking, drugging party attendees, etc.”
“That said, it is important to remember that at this stage of the legal process, these are purely allegations – as there are still months, if not a year, before the case goes to trial – but in the near future, it appears is a very different ship altogether.”
