Sean “Diddy” Combs Ordered to Pay NBCUniversal $477,700 in Legal Fees
Sean “Diddy” Combs has suffered another legal setback while serving his prison sentence. The music mogul, 56, has reportedly been ordered by a judge to pay NBCUniversal $477,700.50 in attorneys’ fees after the company successfully defended itself against his lawsuit over the documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy. According to court documents obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, October 6, NBCUniversal had initially requested approximately $990,292 in legal fees, but the judge reportedly determined that portions of the billing were excessive and unreasonable.
Combs’ representative, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed the ruling to TMZ while emphasizing that the court reduced the company’s request by more than $512,000. Engelmayer said NBCUniversal had sought nearly $1 million and argued that the judge’s decision reflected concerns about the reasonableness of its legal bills. He also pointed out the irony that arguments challenging excessive legal fees were made by a law firm that recently withdrew from representing Combs amid its own billing dispute with the entertainer. Combs, whose fortune has been estimated at $400 million by Celebrity Net Worth, built his wealth through music, record production, fashion and business partnerships.
The latest development comes as Combs continues serving a 50-month prison sentence following his conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution. He is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and is expected to remain behind bars until at least 2028. Earlier this week, reports also surfaced that Combs had been placed in solitary confinement following scrutiny of his alleged prison privileges and lifestyle. Additionally, President Donald Trump told The New York Times earlier this year that Combs had written him seeking a presidential pardon, but Trump indicated he would not consider granting the request.
Irish-Nigerian singer-songwriter Olorunns returns with “Tie Your Laces,” a tender new single exploring childhood, family and the emotional challenges of leaving home. The London-based artist, who earned widespread attention in 2024 for her viral cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris,” delivers heartfelt vocals on the intimate release. Raised in Ireland in a musical Christian household, Olorunns describes the song as a love letter to her parents, reflecting on their bond and the lasting connection they share despite the distance.
Gospel singer-songwriter Lisa Page Brooks returns with her latest single, “HAND ON ME,” a Gospel-Hip-Hop influenced track released through My Block Inc. The song marks her first release since signing with mega-producer Warryn Campbell’s label earlier this year. Written and produced by Campbell and Eric Dawkkins, “HAND ON ME” reflects Brooks’ personal journey through challenges, resilience and faith. The Gospel legend, who has inspired audiences worldwide since the late 1980s, says the song celebrates God’s presence throughout her life.
Future has released the Cole Bennett-directed video for “Build A Bitch,” featuring a stark black-and-white visual in which he uses animatronics to create his ideal woman from pieces of the iconic Rock-afire Explosion. The song appears on The Real Me, Future’s 12th No. 1 album and 17th R&B/Hip-Hop chart-topper.
Rising R&B singer Sy’Rai Smith has released the official music video for “Mind Ya Business,” a fan-favorite from her debut EP, Cold War, released August 28. In the visual, Sy’Rai pays homage to her mother, R&B superstar Brandy, recreating some of her iconic dance moves. Directed by Damien Sandoval and Shaun Andru, the video builds on the growing buzz surrounding Sy’Rai’s debut project as she continues establishing her own identity in contemporary R&B.
Nigerian singer BNXN explores the discipline, routine and personal costs of success on “16,” the third track from his six-song EP Still In Charge. Released October 1, on Nigeria’s Independence Day, the project features guest appearances from Asake and FOLA. While the EP’s title suggests confidence, the aforementioned track “16” offers a more reflective perspective, examining how years of repetition, ambition and achievement have shaped BNXN’s journey and influenced the person he has become.
R&B singer Nivea has revealed she is in remission just months after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Appearing on The Tamron Hall Show on October 7, the 44-year-old singer became emotional as host Tamron Hall shared the news with the audience. Nivea expressed gratitude, explaining that recent medical tests confirmed the encouraging development, although her treatment remains ongoing. The Grammy-nominated vocalist described the experience as an adjustment, citing fatigue, bleeding and fibroids among the challenges she continues to manage while taking an FDA-approved targeted medication. Nivea acknowledged that her doctors must monitor how her body responds to treatment, noting that every patient’s experience is different. Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic and determined to continue pursuing her personal and professional goals without allowing her diagnosis to define her life. Nivea is also returning her attention to music and education. During an appearance on Atlanta-based social media show Cadillac Chronicles TV, she revealed that she is working on music and studying audio engineering, with a particular interest in mixing. The singer, who signed with Jive Records at 18 and scored hits on the pop charts, also emphasized spending time with her children and appreciating new opportunities. She shares children with producer The-Dream and rapper Lil Wayne.
Halle Berry’s fiancé, musician Van Hunt, is supporting the actress as she navigates an ongoing custody dispute with ex-husband Olivier Martinez, according to a source cited by Star. The couple’s situation has reportedly become increasingly difficult following Martinez’s request for sole custody of their 13-year-old son, Maceo. Martinez alleges that Berry physically abused the teenager in September and claims there have been other incidents in the past. Berry has filed her own court documents seeking to restore the former couple’s 50/50 custody arrangement and requesting that Martinez participate in court-ordered therapy sessions. According to the source, Berry believes Martinez’s legal actions threaten her relationship with their son, making the dispute particularly painful for the actress. The source also claims the custody conflict has become a major part of Berry’s life and has intensified tensions surrounding the family. Hunt, 56, has reportedly remained by Berry’s side despite the difficult circumstances. The source says he loves Berry and wants to support her but finds it challenging to know what to say or do as she deals with the legal battle. Martinez’s representative emphasized that his primary concern is Maceo’s safety and well-being, adding that he is not interested in attacking Berry publicly or engaging in media mudslinging.
This Throwback Thursday, we remember the late Freddie Jackson with “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” the smooth R&B ballad that helped establish him as one of the genre’s leading voices in the 1980s. Jackson’s debut single, written and produced by Paul Laurence, served as the title track from his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, released on Capitol Records. The song showcased Jackson’s rich vocals and romantic delivery, qualities that would become hallmarks of his celebrated career. Released in 1985, “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” became the year’s top-selling R&B single, spending six weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart. The record also reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1986. It marked the first of 10 No. 1 hits Jackson would earn on the U.S. R&B chart, cementing his place among the era’s most successful contemporary R&B artists. This week’s Throwback Thursday carries added significance following the announcement of Jackson’s recent passing. His team shared the sad news on social media on Tuesday, October 6, reporting that the Grammy-nominated singer had died the previous evening, October 5, at age 70. Best known for timeless favorites such as “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” Jackson leaves behind a lasting musical legacy, memorable performances and generations of devoted fans. Today, we celebrate his life and artistry by revisiting a classic that continues to capture the romance and elegance of ’80s R&B.
Skincare startup Topicals has announced a new round of financing featuring investments from WNBA standout Angel Reese and Nigerian music star Rema. The announcement, made Jan. 7, adds two prominent figures from sports and entertainment to the company’s growing list of supporters. According to Business of Fashion, the funding round also includes other investors from the entertainment industry, although the company has not disclosed the financial terms. Founded in 2020 by Olamide Olowe, Topicals has raised more than $22.6 million since its launch. The brand has gained recognition for combining clinically focused skincare products with culturally relevant marketing and storytelling. Its popular offerings include $22 under-eye masks and a $38 Faded Serum designed to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Although many of its products target skin concerns that disproportionately affect people with darker skin tones, Olowe has worked to expand the company’s appeal to a broader audience. Topicals has sold more than one million eye patches and operates in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Nigeria. The company also expanded into France last November.
Emerging singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan embraces spontaneity on her latest single “worst case,” out now via Arista Records. Inspired by a true-life encounter with a man she met in Paris, the song recounts Jordan impulsively flying to New York after he invited her to visit. Blending youthful freedom with fearless curiosity, “worst case” celebrates trusting your intuition, taking chances, and discovering that sometimes the biggest risk is not saying yes.