Miami Bust Leads to Drug Program for Diddy Associate

Brendan Paul

Brendan Paul, a 25-year-old traveling companion of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, has avoided jail time by entering a drug diversion program after his arrest on cocaine possession charges, according to a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office.

The former Syracuse basketball player was arrested on March 25 at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, the same day federal agents raided Combs' residences in Miami and Los Angeles as part of a separate sex trafficking investigation. Combs' attorney has called the raids an "excessive show of force."

It remains unclear if Paul's arrest is connected to the investigation into Combs.

🗣️Brendan Paul, P. Diddy’s Alleged “Drug Mule” Arrested…Will he FLIP on Diddy…

I sat down with Law & Crime’s Sierra Gillespie to break down what we know about Brendan Paul, a man accused of being P. Diddy’s “drug mule.” Brendan Paul, 25 y/o, music producer, was arrested at… pic.twitter.com/oKCtqoFxON

— Bernarda Villalona (@VillalonaLaw) April 3, 2024

Authorities reportedly found cocaine and marijuana candy in Paul's luggage during a search at the airport, leading to his arrest. Paul initially pleaded not guilty, but later reached a plea deal.

"Brendan accepted the prosecutor's offer to permit his entry into the diversion program which, after successful completion, the case against him will be dismissed in its entirety," Paul's attorney, Brian Bieber, said in a statement to Rolling Stone.

The diversion program typically lasts around six months and includes substance abuse counseling. If Paul completes the program successfully, the charges will be dropped.

Combs has denied all allegations against him and has not been charged with any crimes.

Woman Sues DJ Akademiks, Alleging Rape, Defamation

MILLION DOLLAZ WORTH OF GAME, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Internet personality DJ Akademiks, whose legal name is Livingston Allen, faces accusations of rape and defamation in a newly filed lawsuit in Essex County, New Jersey.

Fauziya Abashe alleges she was invited to Allen's home in July 2022, expecting to be alone with him. Upon arrival, she encountered two unidentified men. The lawsuit claims Allen told these men Abashe was receptive to sex, without her knowledge.

Abashe refused a drink offered by one of the men, identified as an Allen employee. The employee, allegedly stating he was "in charge," insisted she have a drink he prepared.

Akademiks responds to the Rape and Defamation lawsuit pic.twitter.com/NRyEpjMiP5

— Keondre Harris (@1SlumBabii) May 14, 2024

Later, the employee pressured Abashe to wait for Allen in the hot tub. She agreed, believing the men would leave after setting it up. However, the lawsuit alleges both men forced her to consume alcohol and then assaulted her.

Abashe claims she woke up to Allen assaulting her around 4 a.m. The lawsuit alleges Allen later showed her partial surveillance footage of the assault and refused to provide the full recording.

Abashe contacted Allen later, reporting injuries sustained during the encounter. Text messages included in the lawsuit show she contacted police, who facilitated a recorded call where she questioned Allen. The lawsuit alleges Allen recounted details of the assault during the call.

Allen addressed the lawsuit on social media, saying, "I have no comment beyond what I've previously stated. This will be decided in court. I'm confident in my innocence."

Rap Legend Snoop Dogg to Guide Aspiring Singers on 'The Voice'

West Coast rap icon Snoop Dogg is gearing up to share his rhymes and coaching prowess on season 26 of "The Voice." The announcement comes as the hit show concludes its historic 25th season with a two-part finale on May 20 and 21.

This is not a joke....

Excited to join the Voice as this seasons mega mentor!!@blakeshelton @kellyclarkson @johnlegend @nickjonas@nbcthevoice @nbc pic.twitter.com/KRxdUacJig

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) April 1, 2021

Though this is his first official coaching role, Snoop Dogg is familiar with "The Voice" stage, having served as a mega mentor during season 20. His musical career is a powerhouse, with his debut album "Doggystyle" launching him to stardom and earning him 17 Grammy nominations and millions of albums sold domestically.

Snoop Dogg expressed his excitement about joining the coaching panel during NBC's upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall on Monday. "Since Reba [McEntire] is the queen of 'The Voice' who brings the sparkle," he said, "I can be the king who brings the style, the funk and the fun."

Beyond music, Snoop Dogg is a multifaceted entertainer. He's a published author with a successful cookbook, "From Crook to Cook," and holds influential positions within the music industry as Executive Creative and Strategic Consultant for Def Jam Recordings. He recently acquired Death Row Records.

Fans can expect Snoop Dogg to leverage his extensive experience and unique style to mentor contestants. Joining him on the coaching panel for season 26 is swing legend Michael Bublé, returning for the first time since his role as a season 3 advisor, alongside returning coaches Gwen Stefani and McEntire.