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A newly released video shows Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie Ventura, his former girlfriend, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Captured by surveillance cameras at the InterContinental Hotel, the footage depicts Combs grabbing, kicking, and shoving Ventura. The release of this video comes shortly after Combs settled a lawsuit filed by Ventura last November, which accused him of rape and physical abuse.
The video, exclusively obtained by CNN, begins with Combs exiting a hotel room, dressed only in a towel. He chases Ventura down the hallway, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. The footage shows Combs kicking Ventura twice and dragging her before walking away.
Ventura, visibly distressed, stands up, collects her belongings, and uses a phone near the elevators. Combs then returns, shoves her into a corner, and throws an object at her before finally leaving.
Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, described the video as gut-wrenching and said it confirmed the "disturbing and predatory behavior of Combs. Ventura’s lawsuit detailed a decade of alleged abuse, including forced sexual encounters and physical violence. The suit also claimed that Combs paid $50,000 to the hotel to obtain the surveillance footage, which has now been made public.
The lawsuit was settled just one day after it was filed, with the terms undisclosed. Combs has denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence and vowing to fight for his name. The emergence of this video, however, has sparked widespread condemnation from public figures and could influence the multiple other lawsuits and investigations Combs faces.
Entertainment attorney Camron Dowlatshahi stated that the video would likely embolden others who have accused Combs of violence and sexual assault. The footage is considered a rare form of "smoking-gun evidence" that could significantly impact ongoing legal battles. The public
release of the video coincides with federal investigations into Combs properties in Los Angeles and Miami for alleged sex trafficking.
Prominent figures in the entertainment industry have expressed their outrage. Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski labeled Combs a monster on social media, while singer Aubrey O’Day, once a member of the girl group Danity Kane under Combs label, referenced the video in support of Ventura.
Legal experts suggest that the video could expedite federal investigations and potentially lead to further charges. Former CIA agent Tracy Walder, speaking to People, predicted that Combs legal troubles would intensify following the video release.
Combs reputation continues to suffer as more details emerge. His attorney has not yet commented on the video, which vividly contradicts Combs previous denials. The Los AngelesDistrict Attorney’s Office indicated that prosecuting the 2016 assault might be challenging due to
the statute of limitations.
The video’s release underscores the severity of Ventura’s allegations and highlights the broader issue of accountability for powerful figures in the entertainment industry. The case continues to evolve as federal authorities and legal teams review the new evidence.
