Diddy cleared of most serious charges

Summary

Detailed Summary of “Here’s the Scoop” – Episode: Diddy Cleared of Most Serious Charges

Release Date: July 2, 2025

In this episode of NBC News' "Here’s the Scoop," host Yasmin Vossoughian addresses a high-profile legal case, explores the ongoing impact of the MeToo movement, provides insights into Iran's political climate, and covers several other significant headlines. The episode seamlessly blends in-depth reporting with expert analysis to keep listeners informed on pressing issues.

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1. Sean "Diddy" Combs Cleared of Serious Charges

Verdict Overview ([00:25] - [02:47])

Yasmin Vossoughian opens the episode with breaking news about Sean "Diddy" Combs' recent court case. After only 13 hours of jury deliberation, Combs was acquitted of major charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. However, he was convicted on two lesser charges related to the transportation of former girlfriends for prostitution.

Notable Moment:
Chloe Melas, an entertainment reporter present in the courtroom, vividly describes the scene:
"Combs getting down on his knees and starting to pray, his family clapping. One of his attorneys, Tenny Garagos, wiping away tears." ([01:25])

Impact and Public Perception ([02:47] - [07:17])

The verdict has sparked discussions about accountability for powerful individuals in the entertainment industry. Combs, known for his influence in rap music, fashion, and business, now joins a list of high-profile figures accused of sexual misconduct.

Yasmin introduces Attorney Lisa Banks, a prominent figure in the MeToo movement, to provide expert commentary on the case's implications.

Lisa Banks comments:
"I wasn't honestly surprised. I know there's people who seem to be surprised, but I always thought that the sex trafficking and racketeering charges were risky." ([01:55])

Banks delves into the challenges victims face when bringing allegations against influential men, emphasizing the courage required to come forward amidst fears of personal and professional repercussions.

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2. Exploring the MeToo Movement and Sexual Assault Allegations

Courtroom Testimonies and Victim Experiences ([02:47] - [04:59])

Yasmin discusses the emotional and psychological toll on women who accuse powerful men of sexual assault, particularly when complex relationships are involved. She references Cassie Ventura’s testimony, who, despite being a victim, expressed lingering feelings for Combs during the trial.

Yasmin asks Banks:
"You've been in the room with women before they take the stand, facing off against the people they are accusing of sexual assault. What is it like for them?" ([02:47])

Lisa Banks responds:
"It's absolutely terrifying. For these women, it requires so much courage and bravery, which is why it's always so difficult for them to make that decision to come forward." ([02:47])

Banks highlights the societal struggle to understand and support victims, especially when the perpetrator remains influential and powerful.

Defense Strategies and Legal Nuances ([06:42] - [08:02])

The conversation shifts to the defense's portrayal of Combs as an abuser with peculiar sexual practices, questioning the relevance of such characterizations to the charges at hand.

Yasmin notes:
"The defense attorney described Combs as someone with odd sexual practices and an abuser, yet questioned his involvement in racketeering." ([06:42])

Lisa Banks explains:
"They argued that even if he admitted to being an abuser, it wasn't relevant to the specific charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. It was a unique legal strategy." ([07:17])

Future of Accountability in the MeToo Era ([08:02] - [09:06])

Yasmin raises concerns about whether the current legal system adequately holds powerful men accountable for their actions, drawing parallels to other high-profile cases like Harvey Weinstein.

Yasmin asks:
"Do you feel like there is an appetite for holding them accountable?" ([05:47])

Lisa Banks affirms:
"I think that the MeToo movement was a sea change in terms of the expectations of society. Women now feel much more emboldened to bring these issues forward." ([05:47])

Banks remains optimistic about the ongoing push for accountability, despite setbacks and public sentiment that may suggest otherwise.

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3. International Focus: Iran’s Withdrawal from IAEA Cooperation

Iran's Political Decision ([10:07] - [12:35])

Transitioning to international news, Yasmin interviews Richard Engel, NBC News' chief foreign correspondent currently stationed in Tehran. Engel reports that Iran's president has ordered the country to cease cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following a recent parliamentary law.

Richard Engel states:
"They felt that they were negotiating, that they were willing to have inspectors here. And by the way, I was in Iran right before the war happened for an extended period of time and they were cooperating and then they got attacked. So they feel that they were cheated." ([11:33])

Engel explains that Iran perceives the IAEA’s actions as betrayals, especially in the context of recent military conflicts, leading to a hardened stance against international inspections.

Public Sentiment and Government Trust ([12:56] - [16:26])

Engel provides insights into the Iranian public's reaction post-conflict, noting an unexpected surge in support for the government despite ongoing discontent.

Engel observes:
"People are rallying around the government more. Those who are opposed to the government don't like the government, I'm sure, still don't like the government." ([12:56])

A local Iranian woman shares her perspective, highlighting that the government's response during the 12-day war with Israel has strengthened her trust in hardliners rather than diminishing it. This sentiment contrasts with expectations of widespread public uprising following military aggression.

Local Woman says:
"They think they're helping us and that the hardliners have been strengthened by this 12-day war, not weakened." ([14:21])

Engel draws parallels to post-9/11 sentiment in the United States, suggesting that the current rally-around-the-flag effect in Iran may have lasting implications for the country's political landscape.

Engel concludes:
"I think it has more lasting power than that." ([14:54])

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4. Additional Headlines

Criminal Justice Updates ([16:29] - [16:42])

Bryan Kohberger has pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and burglary, related to the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students. As part of a plea deal, he will avoid the death penalty, and families of the victims will have the opportunity to speak during his sentencing scheduled for later in July.

Media and Legal Settlements ([16:42] - [17:30])

Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris conducted in 2024. The settlement does not include an apology or admission of wrongdoing but allocates funds toward Trump's legal expenses and his planned presidential library. Additionally, Paramount committed to releasing full transcripts of all future interviews with presidential candidates. This development follows the abrupt resignation of longtime 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens, who cited concerns over the loss of editorial independence.

Health and Lifestyle Insight ([17:30] - [18:47])

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that consuming dairy products such as cheese, milk, or ice cream before bedtime is linked to more vivid and disturbing nightmares, particularly among individuals with lactose intolerance or food allergies. The research suggests that digestive distress disrupts sleep, leading to unsettling dreams.

Yasmin summarizes:
"Researchers say digestive distress can disrupt sleep and invite more vivid, unsettling dreams. Spicy foods and sweets aren't innocent either, but dairy steals the spotlight in this horror show." ([17:30])

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Conclusion

Yasmin wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of staying informed and hints at upcoming segments, ensuring listeners remain engaged and prepared for the next day’s news cycle.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments within the transcript were summarized briefly to maintain focus on the core topics of the episode.

Transcript

[Kristen Welker]

This week on MEET THE press, after a surprise upset in New York, Zoran Mandani joins Kristen Welker for an exclusive sit down. Plus, Senators Mark Wayne Mullen and Chris Murphy on the Iran strikes and the push to get the president's signature bill to his desk this week on MEET THE press. Listen to the full episode now, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

Hey, everybody, it's Yasmin Vesugian with here's the scoop from NBC News. We've put together a big show today. Our Richard Engel has made his way to to Tehran. Up first, though, after just 13 hours of deliberations, the jury handed down a mixed verdict for Sean Diddy Combs. Combs was acquitted of the biggest charges, racketeering and sex trafficking. He was found guilty on two lesser charges of transportation of former girlfriends for prostitution. Entertainment reporter Chloe Melas was in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Combs getting down on his knees and starting to pray, his family clapping. One of his attorneys, Tenny Garagos, wiping away tears. Sean Combs power and fame seem to touch every corner of the celebrity world, from his popularity in his rap music to his fashion line and his liquor brands. Whether you've known him as Puff or P. Diddy, he's been a fixture in pop culture for decades. And then he became another name in the long list of people accused of sexual abuse. As we saw in surveillance video, Combs was brazen enough to beat his girlfriend at the time, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles. But if you're wealthy, powerful and a man, will you be held accountable? Many accusers would say no. Joining me now is attorney Lisa Banks, who is considered to be one of the leading attorneys of the MeToo movement. She represented Christine Blasey Ford, who came forward with allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court Justice Brett KAVANAUGH back in 2018. Lisa, thanks for joining us.

[Lisa Banks]

My pleasure.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

I first want to get your reaction, Lisa, to the verdict for Sean Diddy Combs today.

[Lisa Banks]

I wasn't honestly surprised. I know there's people seem to be surprised, but I always thought that the sex trafficking and racketeering charges were risky.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

I want to talk about some of the testimony we heard from inside the courtroom. And Cassie Ventura was really pregnant, as she testified in that courtroom, a former girlfriend of Sean Diddy Combs who was featured in that now infamous video inside of Intercontinental hotel room in Los Angeles being dragged down the hallway by him. Right. A Jane Doe who actually said during her testimony that she still loved him as he sat across from her at the defense table. You've been in the room with women before they take the stand, facing off against the people they are accusing of sexual assault. What is it like for them?

[Lisa Banks]

It's absolutely terrifying. For these women, it requires so much courage and bravery, which is why it's always so difficult for them to make that decision to come forward. Partly because they're afraid of what might happen to them personally, but they're also afraid that it won't be successful and it will all be for naught.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

Do you think that society has been able to reconcile a woman accusing a man, for instance, of sexual assault, but being in a relationship with them or continuing a relationship with them, even after the event they say occurred?

[Lisa Banks]

I think our society struggles with that because it's complicated. It's hard for people to understand, particularly if they're not involved in something similar. What I understand about this is that it's really about power or lack thereof. And many women are fearful. They feel that they don't have the power, that if they try to leave, something even worse will happen to them.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

And by the way, we can talk about accusing a regular dude who nobody knows, but this is also Sean Diddy Combs. The case that we're talking about. In particular, you represented Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault back in 2018. The fear that she must have had going up against someone like that, knowing all eyes were on her testimony. What was that like for her?

[Lisa Banks]

It's interesting in that situation. I'm not sure she was even aware how many eyes would be on that at the time. And in her view, she was doing her civic duty. She was gonna come forward, and she was gonna tell the United States Senate what she knew, and then they could make the decision they wanted to make. And obviously, it took on a life of its own, and it was the centerpiece of the MeToo movement. And certainly she was nervous about coming forward, but had no idea that it would turn into what it did, which was death threats and her being known around the world?

[Yasmin Vesugian]

It's important for me to note, Lisa, as we're talking, that Justice Brett Kavanaugh has continuously denied any claims and allegations made by your client, Christine Blasey Ford, as he sits on the bench even today. But as we circle back to Sean Diddy Combs, you're going to have women today and in the days to follow after this Sean Diddy Combs verdict, scratching their heads and saying, will any of these men be held accountable if they, in fact, feel that he should have been guilty on all counts. Looking at the partial verdict for Harvey Weinstein, most recently here in New York with the retrial. And so I ask you, do you feel as if powerful men who are accused of these types of crimes in this country, in this society, do you feel like there is an appetite for holding them accountable?

[Lisa Banks]

I actually do. I think that the MeToo movement was a sea change in terms of the expectations of society. And women now feel much more emboldened to bring these issues forward and to raise these concerns and to report abuse. In my practice working with sexual harassment victims, it would be standard practice that CEOs or rainmakers and corporations were never held accountable for harassment if they brought in money. Usually it was swept under the rug. And now since MeToo, that really has changed. And so the regular guy that you speak about is held accountable. The CEO is held accountable. Famous men are held accountable.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

I was really struck by what one of the defense attorneys said in the courtroom weeks back in describing Combs and his opening statements. And I'm paraphrasing here, but he said, this guy has odd sexual practices. He is an abuser. We saw him drag Cassie Ventura down a hall. We saw him kick her and punch her and pull her by her hair. But does he have a huge criminal enterprise? Is he involved in racketeering and coercion? No. Even just the picture that was painted by the defense attorn about the man that he said Sean Diddy Combs was. Was. Was astounding to me.

[Lisa Banks]

It is astounding. And it's because of the unique nature of this case. They argued, the legal standards that they needed to. It didn't matter that he admitted that he was an abuser, because that really wasn't part of this case. It may be part of another case where he is being accused of sexual assault. And so it was stunning just because you so rarely hear that. But it made sense in the context of this case. Maybe the defense attorney felt like it made him seem more honest that he was admitting to what everybody was looking at. He wasn't trying to deny what everybody could see, but saying it's irrelevant to the charges.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

As we look ahead here, you got a lot of women that feel dejected about what has taken place really, over the last couple of years, especially when it comes to some of these decisions. They feel like we're going backwards versus moving forward. What do you say to that? Are we?

[Lisa Banks]

I don't think so, but I think the feeling comes from the times we're in. We're in a political and social environment right now where we all feel like we're going backwards in some way, shape or form. And so, of course, when you're talking about sort of the Me Too movement and how women are treated, do we feel like we're taking some steps back? Yes. But I think ultimately we're not because I think something shifted in women that's not going back, that women will not remain silent in the face of this kind of abuse. And they're going to continue to come forward. And that's something that began to change back in 2017 or thereabouts. By and large, I think we have moved forward and we're going to continue to move forward.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

Lisa Banks, thank you so much.

[Lisa Banks]

Thank you.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

All right. We're going to take a quick break. Then we are back in a moment talking to Richard Engel on the ground in Iran.

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[Yasmin Vesugian]

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[Yasmin Vesugian]

And we're back with here's the scoop. The president of Iran ordering the country to stop cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency today. That's according to state media. The move is following a law passed by Iran's parliament last week. Our own chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel has just Arrived in Tehran and he's joining us now. Hi, Richard.

[Richard Engel]

Good to be with you. Yes, just got in overnight.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

I want to talk a little bit about the politics of all of this. And you have heard, as we've all heard, Iran is now saying, and the president specifically is saying they are not going to comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency rebuilding.

[Richard Engel]

They felt they were cheated by it. The government feels, according to this senior official that I spoke to off camera, but I spoke to it at length. They feel that they were negotiating, that they were willing to have inspectors here. And by the way, I was in Iran right before the war happened for an extended period of time and they were cooperating and then they got attacked. So they feel that they were cheated. They feel that the IAEA was in on it and they said, why would we let these people back in so that they can cheat us again?

[Yasmin Vesugian]

So what are they telling you about the status of their program and their plans when it comes to rebuilding?

[Richard Engel]

When it comes to rebuilding, they say that that is a matter of principle. And they don't believe that even if they stopped that it would mean that the Israelis and or the Americans would be satisfied with that. They said we were negotiating and they bombed us. Okay, so let's say we say we agree to no enrichment, 0% enrichment, then what are they gonna ask for?

[Yasmin Vesugian]

So days before the 12 Day War began, if you had asked any Iranian on the streets how they felt about their government, if they wanted regime change, I would bet you would probably get the fact that they don't like their government. When you talk to Iranians today out in the streets, Richard, what are they saying to you about their current government after this war?

[Richard Engel]

People are rallying around the government more. Those who are opposed to the government don't like the government, I'm sure, still don't like the government. The idea that this military action was suddenly going to bring people out onto the streets and start a popular uprising and lead to a people's revolt that would change the regime is not happening. There are signs all over the city of the civilians who died, who were killed by Israel. Iran says about 900 people were killed in this 12 day war, not just a handful of nuclear scientists or Revolutionary Guard generals. And I spoke to a woman who is not a fan of the current government and she said people felt rage when the Israelis attacked. People felt terrified when night after night for 12 days, Tehran itself was shaking. And she told me when she saw men in uniforms out on the street putting out fires, protecting people, that she didn't feel resentment and hatred toward those people. She thought they're helping us and that the hardliners hand has been strengthened by this 12 day war, not weakened, at least at this stage to anything close to the point where people would be rising up and demanding change.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

The comparison, Richard, that I make is what happened in this country in the United States after 911 essentially when the country rallied around than President George W. Bush, even if they didn't necessarily vote for him in that election because the country had been attacked and was under attack. Do you think that this sentiment that you're hearing amongst Iranians in the streets has lasting power or do you think this is a mere blip in reaction to being attacked by Israel?

[Richard Engel]

Some of it is emotional reaction. Immediately people were frightened, they were attacked and they're rallying around what they know. But I think it has more lasting power than that and I'll tell you why. They look around the Middle east and they see governments that have gotten into wars with Israel and or the United States and ended up destroyed. They look at the example of Iraq. The US invaded Iraq and it went into civil war for over a decade and is still a total basket case. Iraq is no place you'd want to live. It's corrupt, it's inefficient. They look at Lebanon, they look at Gaza and they think that Israel doesn't try and do regime change but regime destruction. And that's what they're worried about, that the real agenda here isn't to change the regime. It is to destroy the country, keep people down, keep people sort of miserable and therefore non threatening. And they don't want to accept that. So would they like to reform the government? Of course, many people would, but they don't trust Israel and the United States to bring regime change. They just say, look at the recent history, look around the map. Any good come of any of these projects, they will tell you immediately and definitively no way.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

Richard Engel, I hope that while you're there and you're doing your reporting, you're able to get your hands on some lavash, that hot piping, steaming Iranian bread that you can't get enough of when you're there. Stay safe. Thank you.

[Richard Engel]

Thank you.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

All right everybody, before we let you go, let's get to some headlines. First up, Bryan Kohberger has pled guilty to four counts of first degree murder and burglary.

[Richard Engel]

Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty? Yes.

[Yasmin Vesugian]

It's part of a plea deal that will help him avoid the death penalty for the killing of four University of Idaho students in 2022. Family members of the victims will be allowed to speak at his sentencing, which will be scheduled for later in July. In a move raising alarm amongst freedom of press advocates, Paramount Global will pay $16 million to settle Donald Trump's lawsuit over a 202460 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. The deal includes no apology or admission of wrongdoing, but Paramount said in a statement that the money will go towards legal costs and fees in Trump's planned presidential library. Paramount also agreed that 60 Minutes will release full transcripts of all future interviews with presidential candidates. Adding to this fallout, longtime 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens abruptly resigned back in April, citing a loss of editorial independence. The settlement is coming as Paramount will seek approval from the Trump administration for an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. Working on My Night Cheese Sweet dreams are made of cheese. Or are they? A new study in Frontiers in psychology surveyed over 1,000 people and found that eating cheese, milk or ice cream before bed was linked to more disturbing nightmares, especially for those with lactose intolerant or food allergies. It turns out when your gut is in turmoil, your brain hosts a midnight screening of your worst fears. Researchers say digestive distress can disrupt sleep and invite more vivid, unsettling dreams. Spicy foods and sweets aren't innocent either, but dairy steals the spotlight in this horror show. So if you're working on your night cheese, you know, it might come with a jump scare or two. And by the way, sorry about the singing at the top. Thanks for joining us on. Here's the scoop from NBC News. I'm Yasmin Vesugin. We'll be back here tomorrow with whatever the day may bring.

[Kristen Welker]

This week on Meet the Press. After a surprise upset in New York, Zoran Mundani joins Kristen Welker for an exclusive sit down. Plus, Senators Mark Wayne Mullen and Chris Murphy on the Iran strikes and the push to get the president's signature bill to his desk this week on Meet the Press. Listen to the full episode now. Wherever you get your podcasts.