Jennifer Lopez, also known as JLo, has recently been in the spotlight following the arrest of Shawn “Diddy” Combs. The question on many people’s minds is whether Combs’ ex-girlfriend might play a role in his criminal case. In this discussion, we will revisit their history and explore potential connections with insights from former prosecutor, Ava Sullivan.

Welcome to Sidebar, presented by Law & Crime, and I’m Jesse Weber. This episode is sponsored by Simply Safe, because, as they say, “there is no safe like Simply Safe.”

Combs has been arrested and indicted on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges. As you can imagine, the attention has shifted to high-profile celebrities. Who knew what? Who’s being interviewed by the authorities? Could any of these celebrities face criminal charges themselves? These are fair questions, as Combs is accused of controlling a criminal enterprise involved in sex trafficking, forced labor, prostitution, drug distribution, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice. It stands to reason that others may have witnessed or participated in these activities.

The government has already interviewed over 50 witnesses and victims, but one name, in particular, stands out: Jennifer Lopez. Why? Well, before Combs was charged and before the multiple sexual assault lawsuits against him, he dated Lopez from 1999 to 2001. The two made their first public appearance at the 1999 MTV Music Awards, and they were seen together frequently, including at events like Combs’ famous “White Party.” One notable memory from that time is Lopez’s iconic Versace green dress at the 2000 Grammys, a moment forever linked to their relationship.

Their relationship, however, wasn’t without controversy. One of the most infamous incidents was the 1999 shooting outside a New York City nightclub, which left three people injured. After the altercation, Combs, Lopez, and Combs’ bodyguard, Anthony Jones, fled the scene and were pursued by police. A stolen gun was found in their car, leading to Lopez being detained for 12 hours, though no charges were brought against her. Combs and his bodyguard were acquitted of gun possession and bribery charges, but another man involved that night, rapper Shyne Barrow, was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Recently, Barrow has claimed that Combs framed him and pressured witnesses to testify against him.

Lopez, though a potential witness, never testified, and she and Combs eventually broke up. Their relationship and the 1999 shooting have resurfaced in light of a sexual assault and sex trafficking lawsuit filed by Combs’ former producer, Rodney “Little Rod” Jones. Jones alleges that Combs bragged about his involvement in the shooting and even claimed that Lopez had carried the gun into the club.

Despite these serious allegations, Lopez is not mentioned in the federal indictment against Combs, nor in any government filings. She has not spoken publicly about Combs’ arrest, but this raises the question: Could Lopez play a role in this case? To discuss this further, we welcome former prosecutor Ava Sullivan.

Jesse: Ava, thanks for being here. What are your thoughts on Combs’ arrest and indictment?

Ava: “How the mighty have fallen.” It’s hard to believe. I remember in high school, Combs was such a huge figure—everyone looked up to him. To see him charged with these egregious crimes is shocking.

Jesse: Was there anything in the indictment that surprised you?

Ava: The indictment mentions that his activities spanned decades, but the charges only cover 2008 to 2023. It seems like the prosecutors may only have solid evidence for this time period, but it’s clear this has been going on for a long time.

Jesse: Let’s talk about Lopez for a moment. Many celebrities who were associated with Combs haven’t made any public statements. Do you think celebrities are staying silent out of fear?

Ava: Absolutely. It’s different from the Weinstein case, where women came forward as victims. In Combs’ case, if you attended his infamous parties, you risk being “guilty by association” in the court of public opinion. No one wants to be connected to this scandal.

Jesse: The government says they’ve spoken with over 50 witnesses and victims. Do you think celebrities are cooperating behind the scenes?

Ava: Definitely. This investigation has been going on for decades, so it’s likely that prosecutors are meeting with people who could provide critical information. It wouldn’t surprise me if they’re working quietly with some high-profile individuals.

Jesse: Could the government be talking to Lopez without anyone knowing?

Ava: Yes, the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is known for handling high-profile cases discreetly. They could easily arrange for her to meet in a private location away from the public eye.

Jesse: If Lopez were a witness, what information could she provide?

Ava: She dated Combs from 1999 to 2001, so she could have witnessed key events or behaviors that date back further than the charges currently cover. Her testimony could strengthen the case by showing a pattern of behavior that started years earlier.

Jesse: Do you think celebrities could play a key role in this trial?

Ava: It depends. The focus should always be on justice for the victims, but having celebrities testify could turn the trial into a spectacle. The jury might get distracted by the fame rather than the facts.

Jesse: Could the 1999 nightclub shooting be brought up in this case?

Ava: It’s possible. Even though Combs was acquitted, the shooting could be used to establish a pattern of criminal behavior going back further than the current charges.

Jesse: If Lopez were in legal trouble, wouldn’t she have been indicted already?

Ava: Most likely, yes. The fact that she hasn’t been indicted suggests that prosecutors don’t see her as a target. If anything, she might be viewed as a victim, much like Cassie, who also accused Combs of abuse.

Jesse: What advice would you give Lopez if she were your client?

Ava: I’d advise her to cooperate fully with the SDNY. If she has any information, it’s best to come forward. I’d also recommend staying silent in the media to avoid giving the defense any material for cross-examination.

Jesse: Do you think we’ll ever know if Lopez is involved?

Ava: We may never know. The SDNY is known for keeping things under wraps. It’s possible that she could provide information without the public ever finding out.

Jesse: Thanks for joining us, Ava. This case is far from over, and we’ll keep you updated as more information comes to light.

4o