Podcast Title: Good Guys
Hosts: Josh Peck & Ben Soffer
Episode: Diddy, Read, and Lively, Oh My!
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of the Good Guys podcast, hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer engage in a deep dive into two high-profile legal cases: the ongoing trial of Karen Reed and the allegations against music mogul Diddy. Joined by legal expert Limor Mojdehi Azad, the discussion explores the intricacies of each case, the impact of media on legal proceedings, and broader insights into the justice system.

Karen Reed's Second Trial

Overview of the Case:
Karen Reed is currently undergoing her second trial for the alleged murder of her boyfriend, a Boston state trooper named O'Keefe. The first trial ended in a hung jury, leading to a mistrial. Reed faces life imprisonment if convicted.

Key Points Discussed:

• Incident Details: On a snowy night, after a spat and drinking at a bar, Reed allegedly backed her car into O'Keefe and drove away, leaving him to die in the snow.

  Limor Mojdehi Azad [03:16]: “It's alleged she killed her boyfriend... She drives off again. Snowstorm. She's possibly drunk driving away.”

• Prosecution vs. Defense:

  • Prosecution Claims: Reed intentionally left O'Keefe to die by backing her car into him.
  • Defense Strategy: Limor argues that there's reasonable doubt, pointing out inconsistencies like the lack of substantial injuries from the alleged vehicular impact and the suspicious presence of O'Keefe's hair near Reed's car.

    Ben Soffer [23:17]: “That's very troubling... she was drunk driving and left him for dead. But there's a shadow of doubt.”

• Impact of the Documentary:
  Karen Reed released a documentary between the first and second trials, presenting her side of the story. Limor highlights how this serves as her testimony and the potential admissibility issues.

  Josh Peck [07:40]: “Yo, stop doing these documentaries. They got Robert Durst like this.”

Notable Quotes:

• Limor Mojdehi Azad [12:07]: “I think the prosecution, they figure out that we're never gonna win this. Let's just, we're not gonna try it again. But they've decided to try her again.”

• Ben Soffer [24:41]: “I believe that she accidentally hit him... This is a mistrial.”

Diddy's Legal Troubles

Overview of the Case:
Diddy faces serious allegations including sex trafficking, RICO charges, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. The federal case scrutinizes his business operations and personal conduct.

Key Points Discussed:

• Charges Explained:

  • Sex Trafficking: Involves coercing individuals into sexual activities.
  • RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act): Suggests an organized enterprise behind the crimes.

    Limor Mojdehi Azad [42:03]: “They used an enterprise to do all of these things. Think of the mafia or mob.”

• Courtroom Dynamics:

  • Diddy's Appearance: Appears older and more subdued, possibly to evoke sympathy or portray helplessness.

    Ben Soffer [38:27]: “I think he's like a man whose secrets are eating away at his insides.”

  • Defense Strategy: Argues that the charges are overreaching and that the evidence does not meet the burden of proof for such serious allegations.

    Limor Mojdehi Azad [45:07]: “Cassie settled her suit for $20 million... it's, it's like OJ going to prison for stealing back his memorabilia.”

• Impact of High-Profile Representation:

  • Diddy's defense is led by prominent attorney Alan Jackson, who is known for handling high-stakes cases.

    Limor Mojdehi Azad [18:00]: “I've worked with Alan Jackson before. He is so kick ass.”

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Peck [36:02]: “I'm going to say no because as attorneys like us know, it's better that nine guilty men go free than one innocent man goes away.”

• Ben Soffer [44:43]: “Because it is like, as you say that, like, wouldn't you just rather like him go away for the things that he for sure did versus this enormous, like maybe he did this huge organized crime situation.”

Legal System and Media Influence

Discussion Points:

• Trial by Media:
  The hosts and guest discuss how extensive media coverage, documentaries, and viral content can influence public perception and potentially the jury's impartiality.

  Ben Soffer [29:21]: “Like, I don't understand how you try this again if everybody already has seen the documentary.”

• Jury Bias and Public Opinion:
  Concerns are raised about jurors potentially being influenced by prior media exposure, challenging the fairness of the trial.

  Limor Mojdehi Azad [28:44]: “It's a very good question. It's absolutely the people you know, 100% the people you know.”

• Access to High-Profile Attorneys:
  The disparity between defendants who can afford top-tier legal representation versus those who rely on public defenders is highlighted.

  Limor Mojdehi Azad [19:33]: “So if you have Alan Jackson power. Let's do it.”

Insights on Legal Representation and High-Profile Cases

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Legal Expertise:
  High-profile cases often require exceptional legal teams who can navigate complex legal landscapes and media scrutiny.

  Ben Soffer [21:52]: “You need that. What Alan Jackson and his team can do is not what the public defenders can do.”

• Impact of Personal Branding:
  Defendants' public personas and media strategies play a significant role in shaping narratives and influencing trial outcomes.

  Limor Mojdehi Azad [26:03]: “You have to show deference to the court. You have to...what expressions to make or not make.”

• Financial Implications of Legal Battles:
  The cost of prolonged legal battles can be astronomical, often influencing decisions to settle or continue litigation.

  Ben Soffer [46:05]: “Because it is like, as you say that, like, wouldn't you just rather like him go away for the things that he for sure did versus this enormous…”

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of two significant legal cases, emphasizing the complexities of high-profile trials, the influence of media, and the disparities in legal representation. Hosts Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, alongside legal expert Limor Mojdehi Azad, offer insightful perspectives on the interplay between law, media, and public perception, underscoring the challenges of ensuring justice in the spotlight.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Josh Peck:

  • “[02:24] What are you nuts?!”

• Ben Soffer:

  • “[23:17] That's very troubling...”

• Limor Mojdehi Azad:

  • “[12:07] I think the prosecution, they figure…”