Usher Praises Combs Despite Legal Woes

0:00It's March 25th. This is Music News Today, powered by AI, Your Daily Sound Check. I'm Cory with the Story. Sean Cones has faced a wave of legal troubles since November 2023, starting with a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura over. Sexual assault and physical abuse claims. That's part more than 50 civil suits in a federal trial on sex trafficking charges. While he was cleared of the trafficking counts last summer, Cones was found guilty on lesser prostitution-related charges and is now serving A, four-year prison term as he appeals the verdict. In a recent podcast appearance on the Enterprise Zone, singer Usher was asked to name the first word they came to mind for several music industry. Figures who influenced him, including Cones, he paused before highlighting Cones' lasting impact. Usher explained that he views Cones' admitted past domestic violence and the surrounding allegations as personal flaws separate from his major. Usher credited Cones with showing him early lessons in business savvy and creating opportunities

1:07that changed the industry for many people. During Cones' trial, his lawyers openly acknowledged the physical abuse in his long relationship with Ventura, backed by her testimony in a 20. 16 hotel video. One witness even recalled Usher being nearby during a violent incident back in 2010. Cones continues to fight his conviction from behind bars.