The charges filed against Garth Brooks last week are just the latest in a series of serious accusations to rock the music industry following the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs on sex crime charges.
With dozens of lawsuits filed against Diddy last year and more than 100 additional victims expected to file additional lawsuits, the repercussions of the #MeToo movement were essentially ignored in 2017. It seems that the industry has reached its climax.
A #MeToo reckoning may be taking shape in the music industry, but a San Diego criminal defense attorney David P. Shapiro He said the push for accountability predated Mr. Diddy's recent troubles in federal criminal court.
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Sean “Diddy” Combs and Garth Brooks are facing sexual assault charges. (Getty Images)
“One recent example from a few years ago is the case of R. Kelly, another famous music mogul who is currently in prison,” Shapiro told FOX News Digital. The R&B artist is currently serving a 31-year sentence at a medium-security prison in North Carolina after being convicted of federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving the sexual abuse of a minor.
“For too long, victims of sexual assault have been exploited and left without a voice. They are believed by no one and society always sides with powerful abusers. “I was afraid that it would happen,” Shapiro said. “While the #MeToo movement has provided valuable support to real victims of sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands and direction of those in power, it has also provided over-correction and automatic denial of the words of sexual assault accusers. The face of logic and facts confirmed my fears.
R. Kelly is serving a 31-year sentence for RICO sex trafficking. (Related news organizations)
“Such an approach directly contradicts our system of proof beyond a reasonable doubt standard in criminal courts.”
“For too long, victims of sexual assault have been exploited and left without a voice. I was afraid I would stand up.”
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didi was arrested He was indicted on September 16 and charged with racketeering conspiracy the next day. Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Transportation for engaging in prostitution. The rapper entered his not guilty plea hours after the indictment detailing the alleged sex crimes was unsealed.
Sean “Diddy” Combs was indicted on September 16 in New York on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. (Shayan Asgarnia)
Authorities say Didi criminal organization Through his businesses such as Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, and Combs Global, among others. He used “firearms, threats of violence, coercion, and verbal, mental, physical, and sexual abuse” to satisfy his sexual desires, according to an unsealed indictment obtained by Fox News Digital. .
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Didi and his employees “blackmailed, intimidated, and lured female victims into Combs' orbit, often under the guise of romantic relationships. Combs then used force, threats of force, and coercion to coerce the victims. The indictment says Diddy would often put his victims on IV fluids after going on “freak-offs” to recover from physical labor or drug use.
The “Last Night” singer maintains his innocence: “He's going to fight with all his might, his full strength, and the full trust of his lawyers. And I look forward to a long battle with a good outcome for Mr. Combs.” ” his lawyer Mark Agnifilo said outside the courthouse on September 17th.
Combs' attorney, Mark Agnifilo, argued for bail for Didi, who was arrested on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. (Elizabeth Williams, via AP)
“While there have been, and unfortunately will continue to be, allegations like this against all famous and influential musicians, Diddy's lawsuit has already eclipsed them all from a publicity standpoint, at least since the allegations against Michael,” Shapiro said. We are on track to surpass that.” Jackson in the early 2000s.
“The fact that Diddy's case will be heard in federal court will impede the recording of the actual trial if the case goes that far.”
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Garth Brooks is accused of raping former makeup artist Jane Roe during a work trip in 2019, according to court documents filed last week and obtained by Fox News Digital. She also accused Brooks of openly talking about sex in front of her, exposing his genitals, sharing sexual fantasies with her, texting her explicit messages, and physically groping her breasts.
The “Friends in Low Places” singer filed a countersuit, denying the claims and claiming he was trying to block the lawsuit.
A former makeup artist filed a rape lawsuit against Garth Brooks last week. (Jesse Grant)
“For the past two months, I have been bombarded with endless threats, lies, and tragic stories about what my future holds if I don't write a check for millions of dollars,” he said in a statement provided to Fox. ” he said. News Digital. “It felt like a loaded gun was being waved at my face.”
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Regarding possible changes in the music industry to protect victims, Shapiro pointed to the importance of victims speaking out against their alleged accusers.
“Regardless of the outcome of the case, we hope that the end result of these accusations will change the music industry for the better, similar to the changes that occurred in the film industry after Harvey Weinstein's disappearance.” Ta. “But time and a jury of 12 will make the final decision.”
Brooks denied the accusations and claimed the woman was trying to extort him for money. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Brand expert Doug Eldridge told FOX News Digital that only time will tell if #MeToo is really happening in the music industry, but the answer could go in any direction.
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“On the one hand, it's too early to say. On the other hand, the more we learn, the more it seems like this is not an 'apples to apples comparison,'” he said. “Weinstein and other Hollywood elites were finally exposed for the 'casting couch' environment that pervaded Hollywood (but was never addressed) for decades. By contrast, The scope and scale of the charges against Diddy paint a broader, perhaps darker picture: sex trafficking, drug trafficking of partygoers, etc.
“Weinstein and other Hollywood elites were finally exposed for the 'casting couch' environment that pervaded Hollywood (but was never addressed) for decades. By contrast, The scope and scale of the charges against Diddy paint a broader, possibly darker picture: sex trafficking, drugging partygoers, etc.
“Having said that, it is important to remember that at this stage in the legal process, these are purely allegations – there are still months before the case actually goes to trial. , or even a year — but on the approaching horizon, this will be a completely different ship. ”
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