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Inter Miami Make Club World Cup History, Advance to Knockout Stage Amid Messi-Led Surge

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Inter Miami Make Club World Cup History, Advance to Knockout Stage Amid Messi-Led Surge

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (BN24) — In a landmark moment for Major League Soccer, Inter Miami CF clinched a place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage, becoming the first MLS team to do so following a 2-2 draw with South American champions Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night.

Fueled by a stunning solo goal from Luis Suárez and an early strike by Tadeo Allende, the Herons advanced from Group A with five points, earning a Round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. While Palmeiras secured the top spot in the group thanks to late goals from Paulinho and Maurício, Miami’s draw was enough to write MLS history.

In front of a raucous crowd split between pink-clad Miami fans and Palmeiras supporters, Allende opened the scoring with a 60-yard solo run and clinical finish in the 16th minute. But it was Suárez who electrified the stadium in the 65th, turning back the clock with a bulldozing run through defenders before slotting home the second goal.

Palmeiras responded with relentless pressure and found their equalizer in the final minutes, but Inter Miami had done enough to escape the group and secure a place in the Club World Cup’s next round—a first for any MLS side.

While Lionel Messi didn’t score Monday, his presence loomed large throughout the match—and across Inter Miami’s entire Club World Cup campaign. From his free-kick winner against FC Porto last week to the intangible leadership he provides, Messi has not only transformed Miami’s fortunes but elevated the club into global relevance.

“He’s a player who guides us,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “His hunger, his resilience, his desire to compete at any level—it shows us where we need to go.”

Messi’s arrival sparked a roster revolution: former Barcelona teammates like Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba joined, while South American prospects flocked to the club, drawn by the chance to play with the GOAT. The result? Perhaps the most formidable squad in MLS history.

Inter Miami’s success is remarkable—but it stands in sharp contrast to the broader MLS performance at the Club World Cup. Seattle Sounders and LAFC both exited early, unable to win a single match. LAFC’s loss to Tunisian champions Espérance remains a stain on MLS’s competitive credibility.

The difference is stark: Inter Miami is an outlier, a superteam built around Messi with resources, allure, and a brand few MLS teams can match. While the league continues to emphasize parity, Miami has broken the mold—and rewritten what’s possible for North American soccer on the global stage.

With their place in history secured, Inter Miami now face their biggest challenge yet—European giants PSG. The knockout round match in Atlanta will mark another chapter in a meteoric rise for a club that only entered MLS in 2020.

As Mascherano put it, “We’ve shown the world that we can compete.” Whether Miami’s success can be replicated across MLS—or remains a Messi-fueled anomaly—remains to be seen.

But for now, Inter Miami stand alone as MLS’s breakthrough on the world stage—and their journey continues.

Zelenskyy Warns Russia Could Attack NATO Country Within 5 Years

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Zelenskyy Warns Russia Could Attack NATO Country Within 5 Years

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia could launch an attack on a NATO member within five years, arguing that Western allies must accelerate their defense spending plans to deter future aggression from the Kremlin.

In a televised interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin might attempt to test the unity of the NATO alliance by striking one of its members within the next several years.

“If Putin wins in Ukraine, he won’t stop there,” Zelenskyy said. “He needs a pause to rebuild, and then he could target a NATO country to test the alliance. That could happen within five years.”

Zelenskyy criticized NATO’s recently proposed plan for members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, calling the timeline “very slow” and potentially dangerous given Russia’s growing military ambitions.

“We believe that, starting from 2030, Putin can have significantly greater capabilities,” Zelenskyy warned. “Right now, Ukraine is holding him back. But if we lose, or the West slows its support, he will use that time to drill and rebuild his army.”

The 5% goal, to be formally discussed this week in The Hague, includes 3.5% for traditional military defense and 1.5% for related areas, including infrastructure and cybersecurity. The benchmark mirrors Cold War-era military investment levels across the alliance.

When asked whether Putin might act within months, Zelenskyy said he does not believe the Russian leader is “ready” at this moment, citing massive Russian battlefield losses in Ukraine.

“His army is getting annihilated. He’s not ready right now. But give him 10 years, and he will be,” Zelenskyy cautioned. “He needs a pause, he needs sanctions lifted, and he needs time to prepare a new army.”

The remarks come as NATO members gather in The Hague for a summit expected to focus on security spending, strategic posture, and long-term deterrence amid rising global threats. Western leaders have long feared that a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden Moscow and test NATO’s Article 5 collective defense clause.

Zelenskyy continues to urge NATO nations to increase support for Ukraine as a frontline state defending Europe’s eastern flank.

“The faster you act now, the less you’ll have to fight later,” he said.

5 Sent to Hospital After American Airlines Flight Hit by Severe Turbulence Over North Carolina

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5 Sent to Hospital After American Airlines Flight Hit by Severe Turbulence Over North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — Five people were transported to a hospital after an American Airlines flight encountered unexpected turbulence Sunday night as it descended toward Raleigh-Durham International Airport, airline and federal officials said.

Flight 1286, an Airbus A321 en route from Miami International Airport, hit turbulence while passengers were seated and the seat belt sign was illuminated, the airline confirmed.

The flight crew reported possible injuries to both passengers and crew members, prompting emergency personnel to meet the aircraft upon landing at approximately 10:50 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

In a statement Monday, American Airlines said three flight attendants and two passengers were evaluated and taken to a nearby hospital for observation. All five were later released, and no serious injuries have been reported.

“We thank our crew members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding,” the airline said, adding that safety remains its top priority.

The exact cause and intensity of the turbulence were not disclosed, but the FAA said it would investigate the incident as standard procedure.

The event adds to a recent string of turbulence-related injuries that have drawn renewed attention to in-flight safety. Aviation experts continue to stress the importance of wearing seat belts at all times when seated, even if the seat belt sign is off.

While commercial aircraft are designed to withstand turbulent conditions, sudden air disturbances—especially during descent or in storm-prone areas—can pose serious risks to unrestrained passengers and crew.

Flight 1286 landed without further incident, and no delays or disruptions to other flights at Raleigh-Durham were reported.

American Airlines said it is cooperating fully with the FAA review and will continue monitoring the health of those involved.

3 Hikers Found Dead After Leaping Into Northern California Waterfall

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3 Hikers Found Dead After Leaping Into Northern California Waterfall

SODA SPRINGS, Calif. (BN24) — Three men who vanished after jumping into a waterfall in a remote part of Northern California have been found dead, authorities confirmed Sunday, marking a tragic end to a hiking trip near Lake Tahoe.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said the victims were among a group of six hikers trekking Wednesday through rugged terrain near Rattlesnake Falls, about 30 miles west of North Lake Tahoe in the Soda Springs area.

The three men jumped into the waterfall and did not resurface, prompting an emergency call just before 3 p.m. that led to the deployment of a dive team via helicopter, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Search-and-rescue crews worked swiftly, airlifting the remaining three hikers out of the remote area on Wednesday night. But efforts to recover the missing men were hampered by treacherous weather, including powerful winds and poor underwater visibility, which forced the suspension of operations on Thursday afternoon.

The search resumed on Sunday under improved weather conditions, allowing divers to safely navigate the fast-moving waters around Rattlesnake Falls, a notoriously slippery and isolated spot.

The sheriff’s office confirmed the bodies were recovered but did not release further details on the victims’ identities or the exact circumstances of their deaths.

The incident adds to a growing list of tragedies involving visitors drawn to California’s scenic but hazardous waterfalls. While picturesque, many such areas—including Rattlesnake Falls—pose severe dangers due to cold, swift currents, hidden rocks, and limited access for emergency responders.

Officials have not confirmed whether the hikers were swept away by the current or struck by debris in the water, but urged the public to remain cautious during outdoor adventures.

“Waterfalls are beautiful but unpredictable,” a Placer County official said. “Even strong swimmers can find themselves in grave danger.”

The sheriff’s office said it will continue to investigate the drownings and work with the families of the victims. No foul play is suspected.

As summer draws more hikers into Northern California’s backcountry, authorities are reminding visitors to exercise extreme caution around fast-moving water—especially in remote, hard-to-reach locations like Rattlesnake Falls.

Supreme Court Allows Trump to Resume Third-Country Deportations Amid Warnings of Grave Risk

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Supreme Court Allows Trump to Resume Third-Country Deportations Amid Warnings of Grave Risk

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The Supreme Court on Monday gave President Donald Trump the green light to resume deporting migrants to third countries, lifting a previous federal court order that required due process for individuals facing removal to places other than their homeland.

The decision, issued without explanation from the conservative majority, came over the strong objection of the Court’s three liberal justices, who warned the move could expose thousands of migrants to “torture or death.”

Deportations Resume Under Controversial Policy

The high court’s ruling clears the path for immigration officials to restart rapid deportations under Trump’s expanded third-country removal policy, a cornerstone of his ongoing immigration crackdown. The policy allows the U.S. to deport individuals not to their countries of origin, but to third nations willing to accept them—regardless of the risks they may face there.

The Department of Homeland Security hailed the ruling as a “MAJOR win for the safety and security of the American people,” according to a social media post from spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

In May, officials attempted to deport eight individuals—including refugees from Myanmar, Vietnam, Cuba, and others convicted of violent crimes in the U.S.—to South Sudan, a country ravaged by internal conflict. That flight was diverted to a U.S. naval base in Djibouti after a federal judge intervened.

FILE – The Supreme Court is pictured, Jan. 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Sotomayor Issues Fierce Dissent

In a scathing 19-page dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, rebuked the court’s majority for abdicating its responsibility to protect vulnerable people from life-threatening harm.

“The government has made clear in word and deed that it feels itself unconstrained by law,” Sotomayor wrote. “[It] is free to deport anyone anywhere without notice or an opportunity to be heard.”

She warned that the Court’s inaction effectively exposes migrants to potentially fatal outcomes, including torture and extrajudicial violence in countries where U.S. deportations lack oversight or transparency.

Lower Court Judge Had Blocked Deportations

The Supreme Court’s order overturned an April ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy of Massachusetts, who had prohibited the deportation of migrants to third countries without giving them a meaningful opportunity to argue they would face serious danger there.

Murphy’s decision came after reports that migrants deported to Djibouti were confined in converted shipping containers, raising further concerns about the humanitarian conditions tied to the Trump administration’s deportation logistics.

The judge emphasized that while third-country deportations were not inherently illegal, due process demands that individuals be given a chance to raise fears of persecution or torture before removal.

Murphy, appointed by President Joe Biden, had also previously ordered the return of a gay Guatemalan man who had been deported to Mexico and allegedly raped and extorted, calling the original deportation unlawful.

Broader Implications of the Ruling

Trump’s resumed deportation program comes amid new bilateral agreements with countries like Costa Rica and Panama to receive deported migrants. Many of these migrants originate from nations that are either unwilling or unable to take them back directly.

The legal battle over third-country removals has emerged as a major flashpoint in Trump’s second-term immigration agenda. Critics warn that the policy undermines international protections for asylum seekers and refugees, while supporters argue it is essential for restoring border security and removing criminal aliens.

Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, said the ramifications of Monday’s ruling are “horrifying.”

“We are talking about real people with credible fears of persecution,” she said. “This ruling could cost lives.”

AP

Trump Says Israel and Iran Have Agreed to ‘Complete and Total’ Ceasefire

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Trump Says Israel and Iran Have Agreed to ‘Complete and Total’ Ceasefire

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” that will be implemented in phases over 24 hours, potentially ending what he termed “THE 12 DAY WAR” between the two Middle Eastern powers.

The ceasefire announcement came after Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar following American strikes over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump said on Truth Social that the ceasefire would bring an “Official END” to the war, marking a significant shift in hostilities that have escalated dramatically since mid-June.

Trump’s social media post outlined a specific timeline for the ceasefire implementation, stating it would begin at approximately midnight Tuesday EST. Under the proposed schedule, both countries would have six hours to wind down and complete their ongoing military operations. Iran would then cease attacks first, followed 12 hours later by Israel stopping its strikes at noon EST Tuesday. After an additional 12 hours, “the War will be considered, ENDED!” according to Trump’s announcement.

The conflict began June 13 when Israel launched surprise attacks on sites in Iran, with Israeli officials claiming the strikes were necessary to prevent what they described as an imminent threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons. Iran responded with a series of missile and drone strikes against Israel, while Israel continued targeting Iranian sites in an escalating cycle of retaliation.

The most recent escalation occurred when Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar earlier Monday. A Qatari military officer reported that Iran launched 19 missiles at the facility, with one impacting the base but causing no casualties. Trump’s account differed slightly, stating that 14 missiles were fired, 13 were intercepted, and one was “set free.”

Iran characterized its missile attack as matching the number of bombs the United States dropped on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, signaling what analysts interpreted as Tehran’s desire to de-escalate the situation. Iranian officials said they deliberately targeted the Qatar base because it was located outside populated areas, minimizing potential civilian casualties.

Trump acknowledged that Iran provided advance warning of the missile attack, thanking Iranian leaders for the “early notice” and expressing hope that this would be their only response to the American nuclear facility strikes. He described Iran’s retaliation as “very weak” while praising the country for the advance notification.

Congressional leaders quickly praised Trump’s ceasefire announcement. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it “a really remarkable achievement” and credited Trump’s approach, stating that “President Trump deserves all the credit. This is what peace through strength looks like. We haven’t seen this in a while, and it’s really a big sigh of relief here on Capitol Hill.”

Vice President JD Vance, appearing on Fox News Channel minutes after the ceasefire announcement, described the Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities as “an important reset moment for the entire region.” Vance expressed hope that Iran had learned that any future attempts to build nuclear weapons would result in confrontation with “a very, very powerful American military.”

The White House reinforced Trump’s message by reposting his social media announcement, accompanying it with a photo of the president holding a red hat emblazoned with “Trump was right about everything” in capital letters.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports indicated that Israel continued striking Iranian targets with what its defense minister described as “unprecedented force.” However, Israeli government sources suggested through Arab intermediaries that the country was prepared to conclude the conflict within days. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly expressed disinterest in a prolonged war of attrition, particularly as Israel faces depletion of its missile interceptors after ten days of Iranian attacks that breached defense systems and caused casualties and property damage.

Intelligence assessments suggest both sides may be seeking an exit strategy from the conflict. Trump’s measured response to Iran’s Monday missile attack, combined with Israel’s diplomatic messaging through regional partners, appears to represent a coordinated effort to signal Tehran that both countries are prepared to end hostilities if Iran agrees to cease operations.

As of Monday evening, neither Israel nor Iran had officially confirmed or responded to Trump’s ceasefire announcement, leaving the implementation timeline and verification mechanisms unclear. The lack of immediate response from both countries underscores the tentative nature of the proposed agreement and raises questions about enforcement and compliance monitoring.

The ceasefire announcement represents a significant diplomatic development in a conflict that has raised fears of broader Middle Eastern warfare and potential disruption to global oil markets. The successful implementation of Trump’s proposed timeline would mark a rapid conclusion to hostilities that began with Israel’s preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

Analysts noted that the ball remains in Tehran’s court as the Iranian government, described as severely weakened by the conflict, must decide whether to accept the ceasefire terms and formally end what both sides appear ready to conclude after nearly two weeks of escalating military exchanges.

Colombian Army Says 57 Soldiers Kidnapped by Civilians Coerced by FARC Dissidents

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Colombian Army Says 57 Soldiers Kidnapped by Civilians Coerced by FARC Dissidents

BOGOTÁ, Colombia (BN24) — The Colombian army on Sunday reported that 57 of its soldiers were kidnapped in the country’s volatile southwest by civilians allegedly acting under coercion from dissident factions of the FARC, the defunct rebel group that once dominated Colombia’s long civil conflict.

Military officials said the mass abduction took place near El Plateado, a mountainous area in the department of Cauca, long regarded as a strategic corridor for cocaine production and trafficking. The army described the civilians’ actions as being carried out “under pressure and threats” from FARC dissidents who have refused to lay down arms despite a 2016 peace accord.

“This is not an isolated incident, but a sign of how dissident groups are using civilian populations as tools in their escalating campaign against the state,” a senior military official told local media, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation.

The Cauca region remains one of Colombia’s most contested zones, plagued by clashes between armed groups vying for control of lucrative drug routes, illegal mining operations, and local governance. Although the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) formally demobilized following the peace deal nearly a decade ago, numerous splinter factions have since emerged and continued to operate with impunity in remote parts of the country.

The army did not release detailed information on the conditions of the detained soldiers or efforts to secure their release, but said it was “coordinating a response” to de-escalate the crisis without further endangering the hostages or local residents.

Russia, China, Pakistan Push UN Resolution Condemning U.S. Strikes on Iran, Demanding Ceasefire

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Russia, China, Pakistan Push UN Resolution Condemning U.S. Strikes on Iran, Demanding Ceasefire

UNITED NATIONS (BN24) — Russia, China, and Pakistan have jointly introduced a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and calling for an immediate ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to a copy of the proposal obtained by The Associated Press.

The draft resolution, distributed Monday to the 15 members of the Security Council for review, accuses the United States of targeting “peaceful nuclear sites under safeguard” by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and demands that such attacks be condemned “in the strongest terms.”

The proposed resolution also calls for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and renewed diplomatic engagement to resolve tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. It urges that any peaceful resolution include guarantees of Iran’s compliance with peaceful nuclear development, in exchange for the lifting of both unilateral and multilateral sanctions.

While the document marks a strong rebuke of Washington’s recent military action, its current language is almost certain to face a veto by the United States, one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. However, revisions through negotiation remain possible, diplomats said.

The U.S. strikes over the weekend targeted three major Iranian nuclear sites — including the underground Fordow facility — prompting a wave of condemnation from Iran’s allies and renewed global alarm over a possible regional war. The draft resolution reflects mounting unease over the potential for broader destabilization in the Middle East.

The rare united front by Moscow, Beijing and Islamabad illustrates a growing axis of resistance to what they describe as unilateral Western military aggression. All three governments have previously voiced concerns about the legality and consequences of the U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran, especially as Iran’s nuclear sites remain under IAEA monitoring.

Diplomats say the draft is unlikely to pass without major changes, but its introduction signals an intensifying geopolitical split at the UN and a renewed attempt by Eastern powers to challenge Western dominance over international conflict narratives.

As tensions escalate, Security Council discussions over the draft resolution are expected to continue in the coming days, with international focus centered on whether any consensus can be reached — or if the UN will again find itself deadlocked amid a deepening global crisis.

Atletico Madrid Crash Out of Club World Cup as PSG, Botafogo Advance to Knockouts

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Atletico Madrid Crash Out of Club World Cup as PSG, Botafogo Advance to Knockouts

PASADENA, Calif. (BN24) — European giants Atletico Madrid suffered an early and stunning exit from the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, crashing out in the group stage despite a narrow victory over Brazilian champions Botafogo at the Rose Bowl.

Atletico’s hopes were dashed as Paris Saint-Germain sealed a 2-0 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders in a simultaneous Group B match, propelling the French side into the last 16 as group winners. Botafogo, despite the loss, advanced as group runners-up due to goal differential.

Antoine Griezmann struck late to secure a 1-0 win for Atletico Madrid in Pasadena, but the effort proved futile. Diego Simeone’s side entered the final matchday needing a victory and a favorable result in the PSG-Sounders game. While the win came, the math didn’t — PSG’s dominant performance left Atletico on the outside looking in.

The result marks a bitter disappointment for the Champions League semifinalists, who were widely expected to contend for the Club World Cup title. Instead, they become the first major European club eliminated in the group phase of this expanded global tournament.

With clinical finishes and composed play, PSG topped the group thanks to a confident win over the Seattle Sounders, confirming their status as title favorites. Their victory ensured a perfect record in Group B and safe passage into the knockout rounds.

Despite their defeat to Atletico, Botafogo’s earlier win and goal advantage were enough to send them through. The Brazilian side now joins PSG in the round of 16, while Atletico Madrid are left to ponder a missed opportunity on the global stage.

Court Evidence Photos Show Diddy’s Stockpile of Lingerie, Lubricants and Baby Oil Amid Federal Trial

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Court Evidence Photos Show Diddy’s Stockpile of Lingerie, Lubricants and Baby Oil Amid Federal Trial

NEW YORK (BN24) — Newly unveiled court photographs presented Monday in the federal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs offer a revealing look inside the embattled music mogul’s private world — one prosecutors claim was marked by coercion, control, and disturbing sexual behavior.

Among the most striking images introduced into evidence were pictures showing dozens of lingerie sets, high heels, fishnet stockings, whips, baby oil, and bottles of Astroglide lubricant — items prosecutors argue were used to orchestrate what they’ve described as “freak-off” sex marathons with women under duress.

Evidence Shows Massage, Intimate Setting

Several photos displayed in court appeared to depict Combs mid-massage, including one image where his leg is raised in the air as a female masseuse balances on a table, holding it up. Another shows him relaxed on an exercise bike, drink in hand, in a dimly lit room — part of what prosecutors say was a space carefully curated for exploitation.

The lingerie collection — reportedly belonging to or worn by Combs’ alleged victims — included various pieces of intimate apparel, stacked and folded alongside stilettos and accessories. According to prosecutors, the visual evidence supports claims that Combs weaponized his wealth and status to maintain control over women and isolate them for sexual exploitation.

Prosecutors Cite Explicit Texts: “Orgasms and Foodgasms”

In addition to the photographs, the court was shown explicit text messages between Combs and a woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe. In a message exchange dated November 7, 2021, Combs allegedly wrote:

“I’m serving orgasms and foodgasms.”

The exchange began innocently enough, with Combs asking Jane how her day was, followed by discussion of brunch — but quickly veered into sexually charged territory. Jane responded playfully to what appeared to be an explicit photo, replying:

“Sheesh, you need to come with a warning sign,” followed by emojis.

While the defense has admitted that Combs, 55, engaged in domestic abuse, they contend that the prosecution is attempting to “criminalize consensual sexual activity between adults.” His legal team is set to present their defense this week, rejecting the allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The evidence — both visual and digital — is part of a sweeping federal case that alleges Combs used intimidation, violence, and influence to entrap women and manipulate them sexually. Prosecutors argue these were not isolated encounters, but part of a calculated pattern involving coercion and control over multiple victims.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges.

The trial, already drawing national attention for its graphic and high-profile nature, is expected to continue making headlines as more testimony and evidence surface in the coming days.

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