News

Jury finds Kevin Spacey did not molest Anthony Rapp

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2022

Ahron Young

A jury has found that Kevin Spacey did not molest Anthony Rapp, who had sued claiming the actor tried to sexually abuse him when he was 14

Rapp, 50, and Spacey, 63, each gave evidence over several days at the three-week trial in New York.

The lawsuit sought $40m in damages.

An emotional Kevin Spacey says he regrets apologising to actor Anthony Rapp over claims that he made an unwanted sexual advance when Mr Rapp was 14.

Mr Rapp, now 50, sued Spacey for millions of dollars in damage in 2020 for battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and testified earlier this month that an intoxicated Mr Spacey — then 26 and acting on Broadway — climbed on top of him at a party at his Manhattan apartment.

Mr Spacey, 63, dabbed tears from his eyes with a tissue as he described immediate intense pressure from publicists and lawyers to respond with an apology.

“They told me I couldn’t push back on the story,” Mr Spacey said.

“I knew I wouldn’t have any sexual interest in Anthony Rapp or any child. That I knew.

“I regret my entire statement.”

At the time, with the #MeToo movement gaining momentum which Mr Spacey said contributed to fear in the entertainment world.

“The industry was very nervous. There was a lot of fear in the air about who was going to be next,” he said.

“I was shocked. I was frightened and I was confused … I knew I had never been alone with Anthony Rapp.”

News

Trump and Netanyahu outline bold Middle East peace plan

Trump and Netanyahu unveil a Middle East peace plan; explore implications for hostages, ceasefire, and regional dynamics.

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump and Netanyahu unveil a Middle East peace plan; explore implications for hostages, ceasefire, and regional dynamics.

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a new plan to end the war in the Middle East. The announcement sets out an ambitious path that could reshape negotiations and redefine the region’s future.

In today’s episode, we explore what this plan means for hostages, the prospects for a ceasefire, and the risks of legitimising groups like Hamas. Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins us to break down the key messages and the global response.

Could this be a turning point, or just another failed attempt at peace? We look at the stakes for Jewish communities worldwide, the message it sends to other leaders in the region, and whether this moment rewards terrorism or sets a path for justice. Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#MiddleEast #PeaceDeal #Trump #Netanyahu #Hamas #Israel #TickerNews #GlobalPolitics

News

Diddy sentenced to over four years for prostitution charges

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to over four years in prison for prostitution-related charges stemming from drug-fueled sex performances

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to over four years in prison for prostitution-related charges stemming from drug-fueled sex performances

In Short:
– Sean Combs sentenced to 50 months in prison for prostitution-related charges involving male escorts.
– Combs expressed remorse and plans to appeal the sentence, citing parental plea for leniency.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to over four years in prison following his conviction for prostitution-related charges.

The sentence of 50 months was handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court. Combs, aged 55, was found guilty after a jury determined he arranged for male escorts to travel across state lines for drug-fueled sexual performances with his girlfriends.

Combs faced a maximum of 20 years but was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering, that could have led to a life sentence.

The allegations included claims that he coerced his girlfriends into participating in these encounters through threats and violence. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his 2024 arrest, is expected to appeal.

Emotional Statements

During the sentencing, Combs expressed remorse and stated he had learned his lesson. He acknowledged past abuses but maintained that the performances were consensual. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence of 14 months, citing his prior time served, while prosecutors advocated for a more extended sentence, highlighting the seriousness of the abuse.

Combs’ children also spoke during the proceedings, requesting leniency from the judge, stating that he had improved since his arrest. They pleaded for their father’s presence in their lives, with his daughter emotionally addressing the court.

The case has drawn significant media attention, marking Combs as a prominent figure facing serious charges in the entertainment industry.

News

Hamas agrees to hostages release under peace conditions

Hamas agrees to release Gaza hostages contingent on peace agreement, as Trump urges Israel to halt bombings during negotiations

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Hamas agrees to release Gaza hostages contingent on peace agreement, as Trump urges Israel to halt bombings during negotiations

In Short:
– Hamas is willing to release hostages but needs clarity on Trump’s peace plan.
– Negotiations continue, with Hamas requesting changes to disarmament and Israeli withdrawal terms.

Hamas has indicated a willingness to release the remaining hostages in Gaza, contingent on conditions linked to a broader peace agreement. The group’s response to mediators did not provide clarity on many aspects of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.Hamas expressed gratitude for Trump’s peace efforts but sought specifics on issues like the timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and assurances regarding the cessation of hostilities.

Trump welcomed the dialogue, urging Israel to pause its military actions while negotiations progress, which may exceed the Sunday deadline he set for a deal.

The group has agreed to release all prisoners associated with the occupation as part of Trump’s exchange proposal. However, Hamas maintains that discussions on Gaza’s future and the rights of the Palestinian populations require an inclusive Palestinian framework.

Reports suggest that 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group needs further negotiations before committing fully to Trump’s plan and indicated that releasing the hostages in 72 hours is unrealistic.

Ongoing Negotiations

Trump’s peace initiative aims for the release of all hostages and proposes a transitional governance board for Gaza. While Hamas has shown some willingness to support the plan, it insists on modifications, particularly around disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Complexities within Hamas’s leadership further complicate consensus on the deal, as previous U.S. attempts to persuade the group have faltered.