It looks like LA Times has finally removed the story on the paper's website linking Diddy to Tupac's murder. The LA Times has already publicly apologized for the story, now it appears the paper has finally retracted the story. In a statement on the Times website, they publicly retracted because the article "relied heavily on information that the Times no longer believes to be credible."
MTV.com
"The Times has since concluded that the FBI reports were fabricated and that some of the other sources relied on — including the person Philips previously believed to be the 'confidential source' cited in the FBI reports — do not support major elements of the story," the paper explained in the retraction. Along with retracting the front-page Web story from March 17 and a shorter version that appeared in the actual paper on March 19, the Times also retracted the text of two online chats that Philips participated in on March 18 and March 25, and comments from the Times' Soundboard blog from March 21
It's good The Times finally taken the steps to retract this bogus story.
Sean "Diddy" Combs recently talked to MTV News about the story that appeared in the LA Times. The story linked Combs and Biggie Smalls to Tupac Shakur's death stating both, Combs and Biggie had prior knowledge to the murder. In the first public comments since the story, Combs told MTV News.
"I've been through so much; hip-hop has been through so much; Biggie's, Tupac's [families] have been through so much," Combs told MTV News.
"To rehash the lies and just rumors like that, I didn't understand where that was coming from. I knew that I would never -- me and Biggie would never be involved, or even have any knowledge of that. Because if we have knowledge of something, we the type of people that's gonna warn somebody, we're gonna tell somebody. It just really hurt."
"Just knowing how people in this day and age, what they read online and what they see in the papers, they just take it as fact," Diddy explained. "It's like, come on, I been working so hard to rise above all of this stuff, and to see it now trying to pull me back down.
"[But] I stayed focused," he continued. "I was still. My grandmother told me, 'Be still.' No matter what it feels like, be still. And I was still and then the truth came out the way it was to come out. I didn't jump up and down about it. I let them give the apology and let people go back to the things they need to be focusing on about me, which is the #1 albums I'm dropping with Danity Kane and Day26, #1 fragrances, Janelle Monae, making this black history. And that's what it's about. But it's important to really deal with things however they come at you. And I've always done that my whole life and just always told the truth."
"I don't know how marriage works. If you're raised by a married couple, you see how they interact; their good days, their bad days, how they work through things - you see the love. I wasn't brought up like that and I still don't know to do it. I never saw (my parents') relationship up-close, so every time I've been in a relationship I haven't known what to do and that's really scared me."
Nonetheless that would be understandable. And, plus when you have so many fine looking ladies around, commitment comes a little harder.
The NY Post's Page Six reports Sean "Diddy" Combs is upset with People Magazine. Combs reportedly didn't take to kind to his twins [D'Lila Star and Jessie James] being published in the back of the magazine and J-Lo's twins published on the cover and large layout.
An insider told Page Six..
"It was the last straw for Diddy," a person close to Combs said. "They gave him lousy placement [in the Feb. 12, 2007] issue when Kim [Porter] had his twins, D'Lila Star and Jessie James."
A Combs' rep denied the article stating, "Sean loves People magazine and all the wonderful coverage they have given him over the years."
The LA Times newspaper has issued Sean Combs an apology. That after the paper published forged documents linking Combs to Tupac Shakur's murder. The articles writer, Chuck Phillips, and Times editor, Russ Stanton apology appeared on the paper's front page.
Philips wrote he was "sorry" and admitted: "In relying on documents that I now believe were fake, I failed to do my job."
Meanwhile, editor Russ Stanton said: "We published this story with the sincere belief that the documents were genuine, but our good intentions are beside the point."
Wow! This is a interesting story, The Smoking Gun published concerning the Tupac-Diddy murder link. According TSG, the information the LA Times story was based off of were fabricated FBI documents. The source of the LA Times story, federal convict, James Sabatino, supplied the Times with false statements and forged documents.
It was only a week ago the paper published, "FBI records recently obtained by The Times." Well only if we knew those documents were forged, and the story was trash from the beginning. Maybe, the well-paid journalist at the Times next time will be more thorough when they receive any sensitive documents or records.
It appears Sean Combs has settled a suit filed by a partygoer out of court. Gerard Rechnitzer alleges Combs assaulted him at a post-Oscar party, previously LA District Attorney declined to file charges against Combs.
After Sean Combs and Jimmy Rosemond rejected the story that linked them both to Tupac Shakur's death. LA Times writer, Chuck Phillips defended his published story on Tupac/Bad Boy link.
From Rolling Stone... The writer of the Los Angeles Times exposé on a 1994 Tupac Shakur shooting has defended the article despite denials by both Sean “Diddy” Combs and James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond. In a live chat on the Los Angeles Times website, Chuck Phillips said he didn’t seek out the story -- which alleged two Bad Boy Records associates were behind the ‘94 robbery and shooting of Shakur -- but that he “stumbled on it last year after learning the street names of the assailants.”
MTV News is reporting, Bad Boy Entertainment and it's CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs is among listed parties of an $130 million dollar civil suit. Combs recently completed his deposition on the December 1999 NYC shooting. The judge must still decide rather the suit will go to trial and which parties will then follow.
From MTV News, After nearly two years, Sean "Diddy" Combs completed his deposition last week in the $130 million civil lawsuit stemming from the 1999 Club New York shooting that sent the Bad Boy CEO's former protégé, Shyne, to prison, MTV News has learned.According to Shyne's legal counsel, Oscar Michelen, Diddy completed his deposition on Wednesday, which now puts the wheels in motion for a trial date to be set, possibly as soon as early 2009. Diddy's busy schedule, along with litigation from the charges against Shyne, resulted in the hip-hop mogul's deposition being stretched out over time. Bad Boy employee Derek Ferguson is the next and last party scheduled for deposition, Michelen said.
Combs' lawyers responded to the story telling MTV News.
"Mr. Combs was acquitted by a jury of all charges related to this 1999 incident and we are confident that he will prevail in this civil lawsuit," an e-mail sent to MTV News read.
Sean "Diddy" Combs and manager Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond issued quick and angry denials about an L.A. Times report released Monday morning claiming they were behind the 1994 shooting of Tupac Shakur at Quad Recording Studios in Times Square.
"This story is beyond ridiculous and is completely false," Diddy said in a statement Monday. "Neither Biggie [Smalls, the rapper at the center of Combs' Bad Boy Productions company] nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during, or after it happened. It is a complete lie to suggest that there was any involvement by Biggie or myself. I am shocked that the Los Angeles Times would be so irresponsible as to publish such a baseless and completely untrue story."
Rosemond, now CEO of Czar Entertainment, said in a statement, "in the past 14 years, I have not even been questioned by law enforcement with regard to the assault of Tupac Shakur, let alone brought up on charges."
The Los Angeles Times reports an apparent connection between Sean Combs and Tupac Shakur's death. The Times goes in-depth of the murder of Shakur.. Here is an excerpt
Now, newly discovered information, including interviews with people who were at the studio that night, lends credence to Shakur's insistence that associates of rap impresario Sean "Diddy" Combs were behind the assault. Their alleged motives: to punish Shakur for disrespecting them and rejecting their business overtures and, not incidentally, to curry favor with Combs.
The information focuses on two New York hip-hop figures -- talent manager James "Jimmy Henchman" Rosemond and promoter James Sabatino, who is now in prison for unrelated crimes.
FBI records obtained recently by The Times say that a confidential informant told authorities in 2002 that Rosemond and Sabatino "set up the rapper Tupac Shakur to get shot at Quad Studios." The informant said Sabatino had told him that Shakur "had to be dealt with."
The records -- summaries of FBI interviews with the informant conducted in July and December 2002 -- provide details of how Shakur was lured to the studio and ambushed. Others with knowledge of the incident corroborated the informant's account in interviews with The Times and gave additional details.
One would think, any information from informants has to be called into question.. Especially with the unknown backgrounds of the individuals.. We'll follow it for any further developments.
What more can Diddy get himself into? The entrepreneur and Bad Boy CEO is looking to expand his business portfolio into the chauffeur business, transporting A-list celebrities from after parties and clubs.. Now, I am sure Diddy will have pimped out rides but really? Do A-list celebrities really need this? They already have like millions of dollars and people to do these things.. Although, I do appalled Diddy's efforts to keep the good people like Paris Hilton outta jail!
From US Magazine The mogul plans to launch a car service for A-listers too tipsy to drive after a night out, Us Weekly reports in its latest issue, on newsstands now. "After partnering with Ciroc vodka, he wants to make sure everyone's partying responsibly," his rep tells Us. One campaign goal? "Making sure nobody gets arrested!" Combs, the father of twins, says.
Looks like Sean "Diddy" Combs is getting some serious inquires on acting roles. And, the sounds of it, maybe, one of the could led to a big budget action film.
Well MediaTakeOut.com is hearing whispers that the founder of Bad Boy Records is set to go on a series of auditions - one for the lead in a big budget action film.
A person familiar with the details told MediaTakeOut.com, "The director requested that [Diddy] come in and read for the role .. it's early, but so far things are looking good."
"Combs delivers a sterling performance." - Wall Street Journal
"Combs embodies its [Raisins] spirit of striving" - USA Today
"...Combs holds his own in his first major movie role." - O, Oprah Magazine
"[Combs] turns in a heart breaking performance!" - Us Weekly
"Combs has Passion and Heart..." - Star Magazine
"You'll Never Look at Sean Same Way Again!" - The New York Post
"Combs holds his own in his first major movie role." - The Hollywood Reporter
"Combs... reminds us he can act with fullhearted expressiveness. He holds his own with Rashad.. Indeed, the whole production is a model of subtle adaption." - Entertainment Weekly
'A Raisin in the Sun' ABC 8 ET/PT Monday, February 25
Sean Combs on bringing A Raisin in the Sun to another generation: "We felt it was important to expose it to a new audience. Lorraine Hansberry [the play's author] is our African-American Shakespeare," said Combs on "Good Morning America" today. (ABC News) Sean Combs' interview with Kae Williams at newsblaze.com who gives the film 4 stars: KW: Diddy, did you speak to Sidney Poitier, who originated your role on Broadway back in 1959, in preparation?
SC: Yes, yes. When I got offered the role, I immediately called Sidney Poitier, reached out to him, because I just wanted to tell him myself. And he was very excited and he's been very supportive. He just literally passed me the baton, and we went out to lunch in L.A. He really supported me and gave me confidence, and so did Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis. They took me under their wing, because they felt it was important to share this story with a new generation. (More of the Q&A at newsblaze.com)
Producer Craig Zadan on airing the movie at Sundance Film Festival: "Sundance was sort of negative," Zadan says later from his L.A. offices. "We asked them just to look at it, no hard feelings if they didn't like it. It took them three months, and when they finally did, they said they'd be thrilled to show it." (USAToday.com) A Raisin in the Sun Trailer:
Background: Set in 1950s Chicago, the drama centers on the Younger family, who anxiously awaits a $10,000 insurance check - and the ensuing squabbles over how to spend it. Looking to assert his manhood and to use the money to finance his dreams of owning a business, Walter Lee (Combs) finds himself at odds with his widowed mother, Lena (Rashad), his ambitious sister, Beneatha (Lathan) and long-suffering wife, Ruth (McDonald). (AP)
Staring: Sean Combs as Walter Lee, Jr., Phylicia Rashad as Lena Younger, Audra McDonald as Ruth, Sanaa Lathan as Beneatha, John Stamos as Mr. Lindner, Justin Martin as Travis, Sean Patrick Thomas as George Murchison, David Oyelowo as Joseph Asagai, Bill Nunn as Bobo and Ron Cephas Jones as Willy Harris. (A Raisin in the Sun Production Credits)
Sean Combs will keep his moniker Diddy.. Well, thats what his rep is telling MTV News..
Despite widespread reports that Sean "Diddy" Combs had changed his name to Sean John, his rep clarified the situation to MTV News on Thursday (January 24). "Recent reports of a name change are totally false, he is still Diddy," the rep wrote. "He is currently in 'Sean John' mode as the upcoming Sean John fashion show is scheduled for February 8 in New York."
This all comes after a report, where Combs' reportedly said, "Right now I want to be Sean John because that's where I am."
Who knows, Puffy has yet to use the Sean John moniker officially..
What happens when Diddy and friends throw house parties in quiet Utah? The good folks of Utah aren't so impressed. According to UK's The Sun,
"The rapper parked security cars in nearby driveways in order to prevent uninvited guests smuggling themselves in. And one resident blasted: "We came back from Main Street to see cars packed on our property and numerous people being dropped off by taxis to his house. "It made it quite hard for other residents to drive down the road."
The party attracted the celebrities including Paris and Nicky Hilton, NFL Star Reggie Bush and the Olson Twins to name a few. Diddy is at this year's Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah to present his film A Rasin in the Sun.
Four witnesses have come forward to support claims Diddy assaulted Gerard Rechnitzer, a partygoer at a post-Oscars party last year. Though, at the time Sean Combs wasn't charged with assault after an confrontation, currently Combs has a pending lawsuit on the matter. From New York Daily News...
Court documents filed last week detail statements given by witnesses to the dustup. "I just kind of remember seeing [Rechnitzer] go flying, not flying as in like feet off the ground, but he went back significantly," Marianna Ruiz said in her deposition. "I was just in shock that somebody would ... just kind of strike somebody out of nowhere." Witness Michael Sherman said, "All of a sudden, [Diddy] hit him. And there was a taxi behind Gerard. Gerard got knocked into the taxi." Rechnitzer, 27, is seeking unspecified damages in the suit.
According to RollingStone.com, VH1 and Sean "Diddy" Combs are working on a reality show. The show centered around Combs' search for a personal assistant. Whyyy fill the airwaves with more reality shows?
VH1 and Diddy are taking resumes/auditions via Mediabistro in hopes of finding twenty qualified PAs who will duke it out on cable TV for the opportunity to buy Diddy’s groceries, do his laundry and pack his luggage.
It looks like LA Times has finally removed the story on the paper's website linking Diddy to Tupac's murder. The LA Times has already publicly apologized for the story, now it appears the paper has finally retracted the story. In a statement on the Times website, they publicly retracted because the article "relied heavily on information that the Times no longer believes to be credible."
