Diddy Accuser Speaks Out for First Time on Sexual Assault Allegations

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Diddy Accuser Speaks Out for First Time on Sexual Assault Allegations

Disclaimer: The following story mentions sexual assault, which could be triggering to some readers.

What's going on: An anonymous John Doe has opened up for the first time about the alleged sexual abuse he says he endured at the hands of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. “The full gravity of it lives with me to this day,” Doe said in an exclusive CNN interview on Tuesday. “It affects every single thing you do for the rest of your life,” he added. Doe alleges he was drugged and sodomized at one of Combs’s infamous “White Parties” nearly two decades ago in the Hamptons. The civil lawsuit claims Combs pushed Doe into an empty vehicle before assaulting him, and that an unnamed celebrity witnessed it and found it “amusing.” Doe is the first civil accuser of Combs to share his story with the media. Combs’s representatives have said he “never sexually assaulted anyone,” and they called out inconsistencies between Doe’s interview and the original complaint.

What it means: Combs is currently in federal custody, awaiting trial on charges that include sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The rapper is also facing about 30 civil lawsuits filed over the past year. Many of the plaintiffs are represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who says he’ll likely file over 100 complaints against Combs. On Sunday, Buzbee refiled a lawsuit to include rapper Jay-Z as a co-defendant, alleging that he and Combs raped a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. Jay-Z has denied the allegations, accusing Buzbee of attempting to blackmail him into a settlement. The district attorney’s office has yet to comment if it’s pursuing the case.

Related: Inside the Legal Showdown Between Jay-Z and the Lawyer for Diddy’s Accusers (Rolling Stone)

Health

A New Screening Option for Cervical Cancer Has Entered the Chat

What's going on: A major health panel just issued new preliminary guidelines regarding screening for cervical cancer, which can be caused by certain strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common and can clear up on its own, some strains can be deadly if not caught early with screening. Now, starting at age 30, anyone with a cervix can collect their own vaginal samples at the doctor’s office, rather than undergoing an invasive Pap smear (see, we knew it — good things do happen after 30). Health experts say the new option, which only needs to be completed every five years (with some exceptions), provides the best balance of risks and benefits. However, women can also continue getting Pap smears every three years if they wish.

What it means: Health experts believe the change will increase screening, especially for lower-income folks or those who delay care to avoid the famously uncomfortable Pap. But some doctors worry the change will further confuse patients about how often they need to be checked. Others fear it’ll lead to fewer pelvic exams in general, causing docs to miss signs of endometrial and ovarian cancer. The new guidelines come after a recent study found that the HPV vaccine has likely saved many lives, with 62% fewer cervical cancer deaths among young women in recent years.

Related: The US Is Facing a Growing OB-GYN Shortage — and the Effects Could Be Devastating (The Hill)

Sports

FIFA Scores Controversy With Its 2034 World Cup Host Country

What's going on: Saudi Arabia has been awarded the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, but the announcement has human rights activists waving red cards. Getting to host the massive global tournament is a crown jewel for the kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has used high-profile events to bolster Saudi Arabia’s global image — what critics have labeled as “sportswashing.” In recent years, the nation has invested heavily in sports, bringing big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to play in their league. But FIFA and Saudi Arabia aren’t scoring any points with human rights groups, who are calling out the country’s alleged human rights abuses.

Tell me more: Critics have also called the bidding process into question. That’s because FIFA flipped its script and selected hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups as a package deal, forcing members to approve or reject both bids. (Also, no one bid against Saudi Arabia.) Amnesty International said that unless FIFA addresses issues like exploitation and discrimination among workers, its commitment to human rights is a “sham,” adding that the soccer association failed to learn from past problems. FIFA and Saudi officials, however, defended the decision, claiming the World Cup can be a catalyst for social change.

Related: Raygun Drops the Mic on Musical Mocking Her Olympic Breaking (NYT Gift Link)

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Settle This

Drew Barrymore shared with Cynthia Erivo that she’s been told she needs to back off a bit on being too “touchy” with guests on her show. What are your thoughts on personal space?

Extra Credit

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