Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is fighting back against the shocking surveillance footage that allegedly shows him assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016.
His lawyers claim the video, released by CNN in May 2024, was edited and that the original footage was destroyed.
The footage, captured at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, shows Ventura leaving a hotel room and walking toward an elevator.
Combs, wearing only a towel and socks, chases after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her while she lies motionless, briefly drags her, and hurls an object at her.
The altercation matches allegations Ventura made in a lawsuit filed in November 2023, which was later settled.
Combs’ Defense: The Video Was Manipulated
In a court filing on March 13, 2025, Combs’ legal team argues that CNN purchased the only known copy, edited it using free software, and sped up the footage to make the attack appear worse.
They also claim CNN covered the time stamp and destroyed the original footage despite knowing about a federal investigation.
CNN has denied these allegations, stating:
“CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source.”
Ventura’s attorney dismissed Combs’ claims, calling them a desperate attempt to exclude the disturbing footage from trial.
Combs’ Apology and Legal Battle
In May 2024, after the footage surfaced, Combs apologized, saying he was “disgusted” by his actions and had sought therapy and rehab.
However, he had previously denied Ventura’s claims of abuse.
Combs is currently facing federal charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and conspiracy. He remains incarcerated at MDC-Brooklyn as he awaits his trial, set to begin on May 5, 2025.
