TMZ Hip Hop - Page 43

Sean "Diddy" Combs is getting extra guidance in court from famed attorney Mark Geragos, but federal prosecutors ain't having it -- because Geragos doesn't have clearance to participate, and frequently discusses the case on his podcast, "2 Angry Men."

Geragos was in court for the first day of jury selection in Diddy's criminal trial -- seated somewhere behind the 7 attorneys Diddy has retained, all of whom have court clearance to defend him.

But, prosecutors say they noticed Geragos and other members of his firm, consulting with the defense team, and they think that's a party foul due to his side gig. In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, they cite a rule barring anyone associated with the defense from making public statements that could "interfere with a fair trial."

The Met Gala's so-called strict "no-phone" policy had no bearing on Megan Thee Stallion ... and the rapstress risked it all giving her fans an inside look at all her celebrity hobnobbing!!!

Megan posted and deleted several quickie videos on her IG last night while making it a point in nearly every clip that she wasn't allowed to have her phone out ... a point she doubled down to Tracee Ellis Ross during the glitzy gala!!!

The menu also appeared to pass the flavor test ... Megan captured her, Doechii and Angel Reese toasting to the finer things in life with a lobster truffle roll.

Celebs showed up for the fashion, but it wasn’t just about the style -- there were some epic big-name performances in the mix, too.

Usher and Stevie Wonder headlined at The Met Monday night, with Usher kicking things off, getting the crowd hyped with a medley of bangers -- including "U Don’t Have to Call," "OMG" ... and of course, "Yeah!"

Then Stevie Wonder took the stage with a nine-piece band and served a true musical feast -- belting out classics like "Higher Ground," "Isn’t She Lovely," and crowd-favorite "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were the life of their MET Gala after-party Monday night with a bevy of other A-listers showing up to have fun and to see the main attraction -- RiRi's new bun in the oven!

That's right! Pregnant RiRi and her baby daddy Rocky were the toast of the town -- or at least Jean's Restaurant in Manhattan, where their festivity kicked off. Rocky and Rihanna rolled inside, rockin' their fanciest duds.

Check out photos, obtained by TMZ ... Rocky sported a snazzy black suit and overcoat, and RiRi wore a leather dress with a black top that exposed her growing baby bump.

The Met Gala style didn’t stop at the blue carpet -- NYC’s after-parties were just as stacked with killer looks and A-listers.

First up: Casa Cipriani on Monday night, where Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, Cardi B -- and even Leonardo DiCaprio -- rolled through and mixed it up with the packed crowd.

You can see Leo -- who skipped the official Met Gala -- kept it classic in all black as he slipped through the venue solo, with no sign of GF Vittoria Ceretti.

Kim Kardashian, Ciara and La La Anthony hit the NYC party scene after the Met Gala Monday night, looking like a trio of fashion femme fatales.

Kim, Ciara and La La made a grand entrance at Teyana Taylor's bash inside the Times Square EDITION hotel in Midtown Manhattan following fashion's big night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

TMZ obtained exclusive footage of the three beauties walking hand in hand through the hotel with cameras flashing and all eyeballs staring at them.

The who's who of Hollywood came out in droves to support the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute at the annual Met Gala in Manhattan Monday night ... and while they dazzled on the red carpet at the iconic steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the arguably more intriguing photos took place inside the elite gathering.

From Gen Z's hottest names to the top of pop music, the Met's walls were bustling with A-Listers letting loose. And our gallery let's us be a fly on the wall at the hottest event of the year.

Check it out ... Jenna Ortega and Sabrina Carpenter -- who costarred in Sabrina's "Taste" music video together -- posed for the cameras and looked like they had a secret to keep.

Federal prosecutors are under pressure relating to one of their star witnesses in the Diddy trial ... because they revealed in court today they may not be bringing an alleged victim into the courtroom to testify.

The alleged victim in question is a woman and the feds revealed Monday the woman does not live close to New York City, where the trial is being held, and they say she's told the court she might not even show up despite being subpoenaed.

Prosecutors claim they are having difficulty contacting the woman and her attorney ... and the judge asked lead prosecutor Maurene Comey if the prosecution planned to drop the woman's name in opening statements.

The first day of jury selection in the Diddy sex trafficking trial is in the books ... and there were a few standouts ... including one prospective juror who said Joe Rogan turned them on to Diddy parties.

The juror told the judge they heard about Diddy parties involving sex and drugs on an episode of Joe's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience" ... but the juror was not excluded.

Another highlight ... Juror No. 20 was caught shoplifting from Universal Studios ... and he told the judge he had to get a lawyer after busted trying to get a five-finger discount on a wand from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Potential jurors in Diddy's federal sex trafficking trial are getting grilled on topics like sex and violence before they get picked ... because they're being warned the case will include graphic content and some upsetting things they're expected to handle like grown-ups.

TMZ obtained the questionnaire being given to prospective jurors ... and there's an emphasis on the graphic nature of the allegations against Diddy.

For instance, the questionnaire asks ... "The charges in this case involve allegations of kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Is there anything about the nature of these allegations that would make it difficult for you to be fair and impartial?"

Aubrey O'Day is in Japan, but it seems she's got a courthouse in Manhattan on the brain ... because she appears to be throwing some major shade at her old boss at the start of his criminal trial.

The former Danity Kane singer posted a bunch of photos from her trip to Japan on Instagram, but the most interesting thing was the caption -- "Your Honor…"

Aubrey seems to be referencing Diddy's sex trafficking trial in New York City.

Diddy is no O.J. Simpson ... at least as it pertains to one significant aspect of their trials.

TMZ has learned ... there are currently NO plans to sequester the jury in the Diddy sex trafficking trial in NYC.

We obtained the questionnaire sent out to potential jurors, with jury selection beginning Monday, and it tells them, "There are no plans to sequester the jury, which means you will go home every day after court."

Lil Uzi’s back in the mix, making his big Instagram comeback after a medical emergency last month that had him laid up in the hospital.

The rapper was back to doing his thing, dropping a bunch of short clips Monday  -- skateboarding around what looked like his recording studio.

Looks like Uzi’s back to full energy -- he even used his caption to thank fans for all the love, and kept things optimistic, saying he knows this summer’s gonna be a good one for him.

Lance Bass went all out for his 46th birthday ... spending the weekend partying in Las Vegas, and getting pulled onstage by Nelly.

The NSYNC singer was at Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World on Sunday when Nelly brought him onstage for a surprise performance ... and the crowd went bananas.

TMZ obtained video of the Lance-Nelly gig ... and they performed their hit from back in the day, "Girlfriend," which was a collab between NSYNC and Nelly.

Diddy's got all sorts of emotions as jury selection begins in his sex trafficking trial ... and he sounds anxious.

The Bad Boy Records founder is in court as potential jurors are questioned by the judge ... and at one point Diddy spoke up to reveal some of the nerves he's feeling.

Diddy told the judge, "I'm sorry your honor, I'm a little nervous today."

Diddy is already facing off with prosecutors in his sex trafficking trial that kicked off Monday in an NYC courtroom ... but he may also have to stare down several accusers who have filed civil lawsuits against him, TMZ has learned.

Florida-based attorney Ariel Mitchell -- who represents 3 of Diddy's alleged victims in civil cases and potentially a fourth -- says she might fly up to the Big Apple to attend the music mogul's federal criminal trial ... with her clients.

As you know, Diddy is on trial for allegedly committing a slew of crimes, including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He's also accused of forcing women to engage in "Freak Offs" ... marathon sex sessions that include male sex workers, according to federal prosecutors.