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  • Seven New Lawsuits Filed Against Sean “Diddy” Combs

    Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing seven new civil lawsuits filed in federal court in New York. The lawsuits, brought by four men and three women, accuse the hip-hop mogul of sexually assaulting them during various parties in Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. Notably, one of the plaintiffs was...

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    Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing seven new civil lawsuits filed in federal court in New York. The lawsuits, brought by four men and three women, accuse the hip-hop mogul of sexually assaulting them during various parties in Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. Notably, one of the plaintiffs was just 13 years old at the time of the alleged incident.

    Combs remains in custody at a Brooklyn jail and is awaiting trial for federal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering, charges he denies. His legal team has been contacted for comments regarding the new cases. In previous statements, his lawyers described the ongoing lawsuits as “clear attempts to garner publicity,” asserting that “Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone—adult or minor, man or woman.”

    The new civil cases allege that Combs, or his associates, drugged alcoholic beverages at the events, causing the plaintiffs to feel dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented. Several accusations involve more severe allegations, where plaintiffs claim Combs raped them, forced oral sex upon them, or groped them aggressively.

    One specific case claims that Combs and another unidentified male celebrity raped a 13-year-old girl at a 2000 VMAs after-party. Another lawsuit involves an independent musical artist who asserts that Combs drugged her at a party and raped her; she reported awakening in pain with marks on her arms suggesting she was tied up.

    Additional allegations include Combs exposing himself and inappropriately touching a man, as well as an incident involving a personal trainer who claims Combs assaulted him in a Hollywood Hills home. The trainer reported observing numerous celebrities engaging in sexual activities before being led into a small room where Combs allegedly performed non-consensual oral sex on him.

    Other lawsuits detail claims of women being drugged and waking up in compromising situations, such as one woman who says she found herself naked in bed with Combs after being drugged at a hotel party.

    One case describes a security firm employee who was allegedly drugged at a party and assaulted by Combs after being invited to a private room.

    These recent lawsuits add to a growing list of allegations that Combs has faced, with reports indicating that over 100 individuals are preparing to sue him for various offenses, including sexual assault and exploitation. Prosecutors have characterized Combs as the leader of a criminal enterprise who employed threats of violence to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters.

    Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been denied bail multiple times. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.

    Credit: BBC News

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    22 October 22 2024
    Celebrity News
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208925
  • Musk Offers $1M to US Voters: Legal Concerns Arise

    Elon Musk’s initiative to provide cash incentives to swing-state voters who sign his petition has sparked legal questions as the U.S. election on November 5 approaches. The petition, created by Musk’s group America PAC, aims to support Donald Trump in the presidential race. In Pennsylvania, voters are being offered cash...

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    Elon Musk’s initiative to provide cash incentives to swing-state voters who sign his petition has sparked legal questions as the U.S. election on November 5 approaches. The petition, created by Musk’s group America PAC, aims to support Donald Trump in the presidential race.

    In Pennsylvania, voters are being offered cash sums simply for signing the petition, while one lucky signatory from a swing state will win a $1 million prize daily until Election Day. However, legal experts warn that this approach may violate American election laws, particularly concerning payments for voter registration.

    The America PAC petition encourages voters in key states—Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina—to sign in support of free speech and Second Amendment rights. Those who refer additional voters also receive a monetary reward, with figures reaching $100 in Pennsylvania.

    Paul Schiff Berman, a law professor at George Washington University, stated, “I believe Musk’s offer is likely illegal,” citing U.S. Code which prohibits payments for voter registration or voting. He pointed out that since the offer targets registered voters, it might contravene this law.

    While the U.S. Department of Justice has declined to comment, some experts suggest that Musk’s initiative could slip through a legal loophole, as participants are not being directly compensated for registering to vote. Brad Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, noted the ambiguity, claiming the giveaways could be considered “a grey area.”

    However, election law expert Michael Kang expressed concerns about the intent behind the initiative, arguing that it is designed to encourage voter registration in a legally questionable manner. Adav Noti from the Campaign Legal Center stated that Musk’s scheme “violates federal law,” emphasizing that offering money contingent on voter registration is illegal.

    Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has called the initiative “deeply concerning” and urged law enforcement investigation, to which Musk responded by questioning the governor’s comments.

    Critics also point out that Musk’s approach contradicts traditional campaign practices. Mark Cuban, a billionaire investor supporting Kamala Harris, described the strategy as both “innovative and desperate,” highlighting the uncertainty of its effectiveness.

    In defense of his actions, Musk claimed that similar initiatives have been funded by Democrats in the past, referencing Mark Zuckerberg’s $400 million donation in 2020 to support logistical efforts around postal ballots—not direct payments to voters.

    Past Democratic efforts to mobilize voters, such as a $25 million campaign for voter registration in the 2022 midterms, did not involve direct cash incentives to voters but rather fund broader outreach efforts.

    Musk’s involvement in American politics has intensified recently, as he has shifted his support towards the Republican party, including significant donations to America PAC, which launched in July to back Trump’s 2024 campaign. With reports of making at least $75 million in contributions to the PAC, Musk’s actions continue to attract scrutiny as Election Day nears.

    Credit: BBC News

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    22 October 22 2024
    Global Politics
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208922
  • Putin Hosts Summit to Counter Western Pressure Amid Sanctions

    Imagine you are Vladimir Putin, facing international isolation after invading Ukraine. With sanctions targeting your economy and an arrest warrant issued from the International Criminal Court, how do you demonstrate that the pressure is ineffective? By hosting a summit. This week, President Putin will welcome over 20 heads of state...

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    Imagine you are Vladimir Putin, facing international isolation after invading Ukraine. With sanctions targeting your economy and an arrest warrant issued from the International Criminal Court, how do you demonstrate that the pressure is ineffective? By hosting a summit.

    This week, President Putin will welcome over 20 heads of state to the Brics summit in Kazan, Russia. Notable attendees include China’s Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Kremlin has touted this as one of the “largest-scale foreign policy events ever” held in Russia.

    Chris Weafer, founding partner of Macro-Advisory, notes, “The clear message is that attempts to isolate Russia have failed. It’s a part of the Kremlin’s narrative that Russia is weathering sanctions. Although there are serious underlying issues, at a geopolitical level, Russia appears to have a large network of allies.”

    So who are these allies? The Brics coalition includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, positioning itself as a counterbalance to Western influence. Recently, the group has expanded to incorporate Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Saudi Arabia also being invited to join.

    With combined economies valued at over $28.5 trillion (£22 trillion), the Brics nations represent approximately 28% of the global economy and account for 45% of the world’s population. Russian officials indicate that 30 additional countries are seeking to join or strengthen ties with Brics, suggesting a focus on the “global majority” during the summit discussions in Kazan.

    However, the event’s actual achievements remain uncertain. Putin is likely to advocate for an alternative to the U.S. dollar for international payments as a way to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions. According to Weafer, “Many of Russia’s economic challenges stem from cross-border trade and payments heavily linked to the U.S. dollar.”

    With the U.S. Treasury holding significant sway over global trade due to the dollar’s dominance, Russia is keen to establish a new trade mechanism involving Brics nations that doesn’t rely on the dollar, euro, or any G7 currencies, thereby diminishing the effects of sanctions.

    Critics, however, highlight the disparities among Brics members. Jim O’Neill, former Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs, points out the lack of alignment, noting, “In some ways, it’s good for the West that China and India often fail to agree. If they did, Brics could wield substantial influence.”

    Despite O’Neill’s initial vision for “Bric” as a group of four emerging economies central to global policymaking, the coalition’s direction has become complex. While seeking to challenge the G7’s dominance, internal tensions exist, such as between Egypt and Ethiopia, and historically between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

    O’Neill suggests it’s unrealistic to expect a significant consensus among the members of Brics. Amidst Russia’s ambitions to create a new world order fueled by anti-Western sentiment, other nations like India are eager to maintain relations with the West.

    At the summit in Kazan, Putin’s challenge will be to gloss over these differences and project an image of unity, demonstrating to both the Russian public and the international community that his country is far from isolated.

    Credit: BBC News

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    22 October 22 2024
    Global Politics
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208919
  • UK Provides £2.26bn Loan to Ukraine Amid Russia Conflict

    The UK has announced a £2.26 billion loan to support Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia’s invasion, with plans for the loan to be covered by profits generated from Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen by Western nations since the onset of the full-scale war. UK Defence Secretary...

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    The UK has announced a £2.26 billion loan to support Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia’s invasion, with plans for the loan to be covered by profits generated from Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen by Western nations since the onset of the full-scale war. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stated that this funding “can help turn the tables on Putin’s war machine.”

    This financial assistance is part of a broader commitment made by the G7 group of advanced economies in June, which pledged a total of $50 billion (£38.5 billion) to Ukraine for military, budgetary, and reconstruction needs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey detailed the UK’s contributions to this significant initiative, ensuring that Ukraine can acquire essential weapons and support without having to repay the loan directly to British taxpayers.

    Credit: Sky News

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    22 October 22 2024
    Global Politics
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208916
  • Israelis Aim to Settle Gaza Amid Tensions and Protests

    As the sun beats down near Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel, Avi gazes toward Gaza, less than two miles away, expressing a strong desire to move there with his wife and three young children. Their plan? To settle in Gaza when it is deemed safe. Avi’s sentiments echo those of several...

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    As the sun beats down near Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel, Avi gazes toward Gaza, less than two miles away, expressing a strong desire to move there with his wife and three young children. Their plan? To settle in Gaza when it is deemed safe.

    Avi’s sentiments echo those of several other Israelis gathered for a resettlement conference in Kibbutz Be’eri, where a collective determination to reclaim the land is palpable. Despite the underlying tensions, the atmosphere is charged with a mix of frustration, entitlement, and excitement, highlighted by the presence of firearms.

    One attendee, Reshit, the daughter of an Israeli soldier, confidently declares, “This is our homeland,” referencing the Torah to justify their claim to the land. Her conviction is stark: “So many soldiers have died for this. We must continue their legacy.”

    When asked about the Palestinians currently living in Gaza, Reshit’s response is alarming, stating, “We should kill them, every last one of them,” or, if the government won’t act, to simply expel them. Such extreme views reflect broader sentiments among some attendees, who seem to support the removal of Palestinians from their land.

    Boris, identifying himself as a Likud activist, posits that historically, nations that lose wars relinquish their land, painting a grim picture of the ongoing conflict. In recent times, the idea of settling Israelis in Gaza has gained unexpected traction, now championed by right-wing politicians eager to not just defeat Hamas but reshape the region.

    Among the politicians supporting this movement is Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, who endorses the removal of Palestinians from the territory. Ariel Kallner, a Likud MP, asserts that true victory in the ongoing conflict can only be realized when settlers establish a community in northern Gaza.

    As the event unfolds, Daniella Weiss, a prominent figure in settlement advocacy, takes the stage to share her expertise accumulated over decades of establishing settlements in the West Bank. With a focus now on Gaza, she offers insights on navigating the political landscape to facilitate the establishment of new communities.

    Amid the conference, tensions rise as counter-demonstrators arrive, igniting protests and drawing a police presence. Mickal Frucktman, a frustrated opponent of the settlement initiative, proclaims it illegal and warns of the moral degradation it could inflict on Israel.

    As opposing sides exchange glances filled with animosity, another shell is fired into Gaza, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the deep divisions within Israeli society regarding the future of the region.

    Credit: Sky News

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    22 October 22 2024
    Global Politics
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208913
  • Monks lose over B1bn to stock fraud

    Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has been directed to investigate an alleged pyramid scheme that reportedly defrauded monks in the northeast, leading to damages exceeding one billion baht. PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil, who oversees the NOB, addressed the situation regarding the pyramid scheme known as “Ban Share Nong...

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    Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has been directed to investigate an alleged pyramid scheme that reportedly defrauded monks in the northeast, leading to damages exceeding one billion baht.

    PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil, who oversees the NOB, addressed the situation regarding the pyramid scheme known as “Ban Share Nong Carrot,” which has reportedly affected a large number of monks. He noted that he has yet to receive a detailed report but emphasized that the NOB should conduct its investigation first.

    When asked about a potential meeting with the NOB, given that monks were targets in the alleged scam, Mr. Chousak stated that the NOB is currently working on the issue. He affirmed that actions are being taken as per instructions from the PM’s office and added that if the matter involves monastic discipline, it is up to the clergy to handle it. He clarified that any legal violations would fall under the jurisdiction of police investigators.

    The controversy emerged following a report on the “E-Sor Khayee Khao” Facebook page, which stated that the Ban Share Nong Carrot scheme had collapsed. According to the report, a company had lured monks and villagers into seminars and training sessions.

    Participants were encouraged to recruit others into a network trading company shares, with each member required to invest a minimum of 300,000 baht. One victim from Sukhothai described how a coworker introduced them to trading in 2020, claiming to have profited from the scheme.

    Eventually, the victim joined a trading group where the team leader shared photos of purported profits to build trust in the scheme. The company even offered demo coins for practice and created a LINE group for trading education.

    In November 2022, the victim attended a seminar in Rangsit, which attracted over 1,000 participants. The broker behind the scheme promised a crash course for those lacking patience or trading skills.

    In December, facing a cervical cancer diagnosis and financial difficulties, the victim sold their last piece of land to invest 316,000 baht, lured by promises of monthly profits between 10,000 and 20,000 baht.

    However, after three months, the company claimed it had suffered losses, and members were unable to withdraw their investments. The firm subsequently requested additional funds from its members.

    As of June 2023, no members had received returns on their investments, leading many to file complaints with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), but progress has been stalled.

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    21 October 21 2024
    Breaking News
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208910
  • Gang want 12 mill in Ransome

    Police are searching for an armed gang that allegedly abducted two Chinese businessmen from their office in Bangkok and demanded a ransom of about 12 million baht on Saturday. Pol Col Pornthep Chalermkiat, chief of the Sutthisarn station, reported that the two men, who are accommodation agents for Chinese visitors,...

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    Police are searching for an armed gang that allegedly abducted two Chinese businessmen from their office in Bangkok and demanded a ransom of about 12 million baht on Saturday.

    Pol Col Pornthep Chalermkiat, chief of the Sutthisarn station, reported that the two men, who are accommodation agents for Chinese visitors, filed a complaint with the police on Sunday night. They claimed they were kidnapped from their rented house, which also served as their office, located on Ratchadaphisek 24 Road in the Huai Khwang district.

    The men stated that on Saturday, an acquaintance had told them to have 3 million baht in cash ready, as the caller intended to cash digital currency with them. Later that day, five armed men entered their office, seized the 3 million baht, and abducted them.

    The victims reported that they were separated and taken to Nakhon Nayok province in two vehicles, where they were forced to transfer US$270,000 (approximately 8.9 million baht) to the gang’s account. After the transfer, they were returned to Bangkok in one vehicle and released in the Bang Khen district.

    Pol Col Pornthep noted that the gang’s vehicles bore false license plates and that they fled separately. One of the victims suspected that his former wife was involved in the crime, and the police chief believes both the gang and the former wife may be hiding within Thailand.

    Police completed their questioning of the two men around 3 AM on Monday, placing them under protection for their safety. Their names have not been released.

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    21 October 21 2024
    Breaking News
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208907
  • Woman arrested for call centre Scam

    Thai police arrested a 50-year-old woman, Laksamee, connected to a call center scam and money laundering scheme after her return to Thailand from a foreign prison. She was apprehended in Bangkok following a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on June 11, 2018, on charges of attempted fraud, participation in...

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    Thai police arrested a 50-year-old woman, Laksamee, connected to a call center scam and money laundering scheme after her return to Thailand from a foreign prison. She was apprehended in Bangkok following a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on June 11, 2018, on charges of attempted fraud, participation in a criminal organization, and involvement in transnational crime. Her arrest occurred outside a massage parlor in the Prawet district of Bangkok.

    The case began when a 64-year-old victim reported receiving a call from someone impersonating a police officer, who claimed the victim was implicated in drug and money laundering cases. The caller convinced the victim to transfer 120,000 baht to prevent the freezing of their bank account. Believing the ruse, the victim complied and later filed a complaint with the police.

    During the investigation, Laksamee confessed to her role in the scam. She explained that in 2018, she was working at a massage parlor in Bangkok when a colleague encouraged her to work in Malaysia. There, she became involved with a call center gang, earning 500 baht daily. Along with eight others, she was instructed by a Taiwanese gang leader to impersonate a Thai postal worker, using scripted lines to deceive victims before transferring calls to a male colleague posing as a police officer.

    Her phone and bank app were confiscated by the gang. The operation continued until Malaysian and Thai authorities raided their two-story hideout near the Thai border. Laksamee suspects that two colleagues, who were not arrested, acted as informants leading to the raid.

    She expressed regret over her imprisonment in Malaysia and her subsequent three-year sentence in Thailand, which she served due to good behavior. After her release, Laksamee returned to her hometown in Khon Kaen for two years before moving to Prawet for work. Despite her efforts to start anew, she was arrested again for her past crimes. She denied involvement in the specific 120,000 baht transfer, claiming it was the gang leader who controlled her phone.

    Laksamee expressed deep remorse and urged others not to follow her path, as reported by KhaoSod.

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    21 October 21 2024
    Breaking News
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208904
  • Norwegian Expat Found Dead

    Norwegian Expat Found Dead Following Reported Self-Harm Incident at Pattaya Hotel At the scene, authorities discovered the 63-year-old Norwegian expat, whose name has been withheld pending investigation, lying naked in front of the bathroom on the second floor. He was bleeding profusely from his face and had multiple deep cuts....

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    Norwegian Expat Found Dead Following Reported Self-Harm Incident at Pattaya Hotel

    At the scene, authorities discovered the 63-year-old Norwegian expat, whose name has been withheld pending investigation, lying naked in front of the bathroom on the second floor. He was bleeding profusely from his face and had multiple deep cuts. The room was covered in blood, and broken glass shards were found on the bed.Rescue workers tried to staunch the bleeding from the man’s face and checked his pulse, which was critically low. They quickly prepared him for transport to a local hospital. However, his pulse ceased during the transfer, and despite efforts to perform CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was then sent to Banglamung Hospital for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.

    A hotel staff member reported that they heard loud noises coming from the deceased’s room, leading them to unlock the door for a check. Upon entering, they discovered the expat lying in a pool of blood; he was able to speak but was incoherent before losing consciousness. The staff immediately contacted emergency services.

    Pattaya Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel and conducting an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

    The post Norwegian Expat Found Dead appeared first on Pattaya One News.

    21 October 21 2024
    Breaking News
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208901
  • Cuba Faces Power Grid Collapse Amid Hurricane Oscar

    Cuba grapples with a severe energy crisis as its power grid collapsed for the fourth time in three days, leaving millions without electricity ahead of Hurricane Oscar’s arrival. The Cuban Electrical Union reported that only 16% of the country had regained power when the overloaded grid failed again late Saturday....

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    Cuba grapples with a severe energy crisis as its power grid collapsed for the fourth time in three days, leaving millions without electricity ahead of Hurricane Oscar’s arrival. The Cuban Electrical Union reported that only 16% of the country had regained power when the overloaded grid failed again late Saturday. As of Sunday afternoon, over 216,000 residents in the capital, Havana, managed to restore power, despite the ongoing challenges.

    Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced that 52,000 workers were deployed to restore electricity but acknowledged that Hurricane Oscar, making landfall in eastern Cuba as a Category 1 storm with winds of 80 mph, would likely hinder these efforts.

    Earlier, Oscar had struck Inagua Island in the Bahamas before hitting Baracoa around 5:50 p.m. EDT. The current crisis started on Friday with a major power plant failure, leading to an islandwide blackout that has persisted, impacting the lives of the 10 million citizens.

    The outages have thrust Cuba into a deeper crisis, complicating access to clean water and preserving food supplies. Social media platforms like WhatsApp have seen residents sharing updates on power availability and pooling resources to store medications in homes with electricity or generators.

    In Havana, residents endured long queues for bread as supplies dwindled. Frustration mounted as many felt overlooked while waiting in line for essential goods. Meanwhile, questions arose regarding the absence of support from Cuba’s traditional allies such as Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, who previously supplied crucial oil shipments.

    While tourists roamed Havana’s streets in vintage cars, many local hotels ran low on generator fuel. Reports indicated that José Martí International Airport was operating on emergency power, severely restricting services and leaving travelers without air conditioning or functioning ticketing systems.

    Protests reportedly erupted overnight into Sunday, reflecting the growing discontent. In response to the energy crisis, the Cuban government is suspending classes from Monday to Wednesday, having already canceled sessions on Friday, while non-essential workers have been advised to stay home.

    Cuban officials attribute the ongoing energy crisis to a convergence of factors, including U.S. economic sanctions and damage from recent hurricanes, compounded by the dire state of the country’s infrastructure. In a delayed televised address, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that much of the country’s limited production was halted to prioritize power generation for residents.

    Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda confirmed that health facilities are operating on backup generators, and staff continue to provide essential services despite the challenging conditions.

    Credit: CNN

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    21 October 21 2024
    International
    https://pattayaone.news/?p=208897