SOTH 9.27

Sean “Diddy” Combs, once the king of Hamptons nightlife, is facing a legal battle that’s far from the glitz and glamour of his now-infamous White Parties. The rapper and entrepreneur, known for his extravagant gatherings at his East Hampton home, was arrested on Sept. 16 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.

The charges stem from nearly a year-long investigation involving multiple home raids and lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual misconduct and abuse. When he was finally indicted on three felony charges, a judge denied his attorney’s proposal for a $50 million bail, keeping him behind bars in Brooklyn, New York. According to prosecutors, Combs orchestrated events known as “freak offs,” where women and male sex workers were allegedly flown in to participate in drug-fueled parties. 

The indictment claims that these gatherings, meticulously planned by his staff, involved coercion and manipulation. The prosecution alleges that Combs used these recordings to silence his victims, ensuring their compliance. After pleading not guilty, his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment at what he called an “unjust prosecution” and vowed to fight the charges. “He’s going to fight this with all his energy and might,” Agnifilo told the media. 

The legal saga stands in stark contrast to the days when Combs was the toast of the Hamptons, hosting legendary White Parties at his sprawling Northwest Woods estate. From 1998 through the early 2000s, the events attracted a guest list that included the likes of Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Howard Stern, Mariah Carey, Ashley Olsen and Tommy Lee. There is no suggestion that any of the celebrities knew about alleged activity at Diddy’s home. Diddy quietly sold the estate in 2020 for $4.7 million, according to “Behind The Hedges,” citing property records. He has just listed his Beverly Hills mansion for $61.5 million — six months after the feds raided it.

Nightlife mogul Scott Sartiano’s foray into the Hamptons is seemingly over already after just one summer — after reports say he’s decided not to return to his East Hampton pop-up restaurant despite initial plans to make a permanent mark in the area. Sartiano, best known for his A-list favorite member’s club Zero Bond in NoHo with guests including Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Mayor Eric Adams and Taylor Swift, set his sights on bringing his brand of exclusivity to the historic Hedges Inn this season. But his ambitions were met with resistance from locals and East Hampton officials. Sartiano faced complaints and fines, leading to a tense relationship with the community, the New York Post reported. While he may try again next year, insiders say it’s unlikely.

Martha Stewart is reflecting on a difficult chapter in her friendship with fellow culinary icon and former East Hampton neighbor Ina Garten. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Stewart, 83, revealed that Garten distanced herself during Stewart’s 2004 prison stint. “When I was sent off to Alderson Prison, she stopped talking to me,” Stewart said, describing Garten’s reaction as “extremely distressing and extremely unfriendly.” Stewart was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction, and lying to federal investigators, serving five months in prison. Garten, however, disputes this account, firmly denying that their friendship ended because of Stewart’s legal troubles. Despite the apparent strain, Garten has previously praised Stewart for elevating the value of home arts. The two culinary stars initially met in the early ’90s when Stewart made an impromptu stop at Garten’s Barefoot Contessa shop in East Hampton. They became friends and even collaborated on charity events.

Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels isn’t stepping down just yet, despite previously hinting that he’d leave after the show’s milestone 50th season. Michaels — who has a home in Southampton — has now confirmed he’ll stay on as long as the iconic sketch show remains relevant and important. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Michaels said, “[SNL is] always going to be described the same way, which is ‘uneven,’ and yet people have decided somehow that it’s important.” The 78-year-old producer has been at the helm since the show’s debut in 1975, and while he once suggested he might “wander off” after Season 50, his latest comments put an end to the speculation on possible successors, with names like Seth Meyers and Tina Fey in the mix.

SIGHTINGS…

Gwyneth Paltrow praised the facials at House of Pietro Simone in East Hampton, sharing that she had a “great spa treatment” on Sept. 18.

Jerry Seinfeld was a surprise guest at Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy show at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 18.

Michael Rubin shared an exciting moment on social media, revealing he spotted a whale just off the shore, “right outside the house,” at his Bridgehampton mansion.

Pitbull rocked a sold-out crowd at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, giving a special shoutout to East Hampton resident Jon Bon Jovi for “jumping onstage” to join him on Sept. 12.

East Hampton’s Neil Patrick Harris attended Ben Schwartz’s comedy show at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and called his improv skills “razor sharp.”

Husband-and-wife duo Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts, who have a home in Montauk, shone at the Emmy Awards on Sept. 15. Watts was nominated for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.” Crudup won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Cory Ellison on The Morning Show.