Cassie Ventura testifies in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, Davido lands 2 Top 10 hits on Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart, Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma after surgery. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Cassie Ventura testifies in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial
Cassie testifies that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs blackmailed her with sex videos pic.twitter.com/l3n3k6EaqT
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 15, 2025
R&B singer Cassie Ventura delivered harrowing testimony on Tuesday in the sex trafficking trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, offering a firsthand account of years of alleged abuse and coercion. Speaking in a federal courtroom in Lower Manhattan, Ventura detailed her experiences with what she described as drug-fueled, dayslong “freak offs” involving male escorts—encounters she said she never wanted but felt powerless to refuse. Now 38 and visibly pregnant, Ventura testified softly and at times emotionally, saying she was deeply humiliated and controlled throughout her relationship with Combs, which began when she was 19. He was a powerful industry figure who had signed her to his label.
Ventura’s testimony painted a portrait of psychological manipulation, blackmail, and physical violence, echoing the claims made in her 2023 lawsuit that helped shape the government’s case against Combs. She recounted being forced to arrange sex parties, sidelining her music career, and enduring outbursts that could turn violent if she displeased him. “Fix your face,” Combs would say, she told jurors. The courtroom also viewed a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting her in a hotel hallway—a clip that prompted widespread outrage when it surfaced last year. Her testimony marked the first time the former couple had seen each other in six years and is expected to continue through the week as prosecutors build their case against the 55-year-old, who faces charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
2. Davido lands 2 Top 10 hits on Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart
“With You” by Davido & Omah Lay is now at number 5 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs Chart 📈🚀 pic.twitter.com/sHO9QxS2v8
— AFRO NIGERIA 🇳🇬 (@afro_nigeria2) May 14, 2025
Afrobeats superstar Davido is making major waves on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart this week, as two standout tracks from his latest project, “5ive,” secure Top 10 positions. His emotional collaboration with Omah Lay, “With You,” climbs to an impressive No. 5, captivating audiences with its fusion of Davido’s signature charisma and Omah Lay’s evocative vocals. The song’s rising popularity underscores its resonance with listeners across the globe and its potential to become a defining hit of the season.
Adding to the momentum, Davido’s collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Victoria Monét, titled “Offa Me,” has also surged up the chart to land at No. 7. The sultry, feel-good track highlights Davido’s genre-blending prowess and affirms his ability to connect with both African and international audiences. With two songs simultaneously dominating the Top 10, Davido continues to solidify his status as one of Afrobeats’ most influential and globally recognised artists.
3. Cannes bans naked dresses, voluminous gowns, and trains ahead of the 78th film festival
Cannes Film Festival banned sheer and voluminous gowns on the red carpet just 24 hours before the festival began.
— Vogue Business (@voguebusiness) May 13, 2025
In a sweeping change ahead of its 78th edition, the Cannes Film Festival imposed a last-minute ban on naked dresses, voluminous gowns, and dramatic trains on the red carpet. Citing “decency” and the need for smooth red carpet logistics, festival organisers say the move aligns with longstanding institutional expectations and complies with French law. The new policy, announced just a day before the festival kicked off, explicitly states that any outfit likely to obstruct other guests’ movement or complicate seating arrangements may lead to a denial of red carpet access.
This decision follows years of increasingly daring fashion statements that tested the boundaries of formality and function at the prestigious event. From topless protests to barely-there gowns, Cannes has often been a global stage for provocative style moments. But now, with the festival seeking to refocus attention on cinema and maintain decorum, stars are being urged to choose more practical and modest looks. Already, high-profile attendees like Halle Berry and Urvashi Rautela have reportedly altered their planned outfits in response to the directive, signaling a new era of red carpet restraint at Cannes.
4. Rihanna announces new song “Friend of Mine”
new #SmurfsMovie trailer 🩵 featuring “Friend Of Mine” from the Smurfs soundtrack out friday. pre-save now. 🪩🎵 pic.twitter.com/c2keWCVwYN
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 14, 2025
Global icon Rihanna is making her long-anticipated return to music with the announcement of her new single, “Friend of Mine,” slated for release on May 16. The news marks the end of a nearly five-year wait for fans, who haven’t heard a solo track from the singer since 2020. While Rihanna has contributed to various film soundtracks in recent years, this will be her first official solo release in half a decade, igniting a frenzy of excitement across social media and the music industry.
Although specific details about the song remain under wraps, “Friend of Mine” is already generating speculation due to Rihanna’s confirmed involvement in the upcoming Smurfs movie. Many believe the track could serve as a key piece of the film’s soundtrack, adding a new layer of intrigue to the release. Whether this single signals the beginning of a new album era or stands alone as a cinematic collaboration, fans are eagerly counting down to the return of one of pop’s most influential voices.
5. Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma after surgery
BREAKING: Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed into an induced coma and is receiving intensive care following an urgent surgery, @MailSport report.
Thoughts are with Awoniyi and his family 🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/Uyh6WiMS6a
— 433 (@433) May 13, 2025
Nottingham Forest and Nigerian international striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in an induced coma following emergency surgery on a ruptured intestine. The 27-year-old sustained the life-threatening injury in the final minutes of Forest’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday. Awoniyi, who had come on as a late substitute, collided with the goalpost while trying to connect with a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. He received extensive treatment on the pitch before being rushed to the hospital, where he underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday night.
The club confirmed that Awoniyi is recovering in the hospital and is scheduled to complete the second phase of surgery on Wednesday. While Forest expressed optimism about his recovery, they also used the incident to underscore the physical risks players face, calling it “a powerful reminder” of why player welfare must remain paramount. The incident has reignited debate about VAR protocols, as Elanga was in an offside position when he received the ball, but the assistant referee delayed raising the flag in accordance with current guidelines. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis personally voiced concern over the situation and is being kept fully informed of Awoniyi’s condition.
Featured Image: @cassie/Instagram
Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide–including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from American reports to top African news today, and the best sports stories in 2025.
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