After accusing CNN of altering the shocking Cassie assault video, Diddy’s legal team was officially filed to have the footage excluded from his trial.
On April 17th, Attorneys for the music mogul submitted a motion requesting that the 2016 hotel surveillance video showing him assaulting Cassie not be used in his upcoming sex trafficking and racketeering case. As reported by Variety, they argued the government failed to prove the footage’s authenticity and claimed CNN “doctored” it and destroyed the original. They asked that the footage either be excluded or, “in the alternative, to permit Mr. Combs to present evidence at pre-trial hearing regarding the unreliability of the existing and available video evidence.”
His legal team cited the “best evidence” rule, noting that without the original version, the video shouldn’t be admissible. They also claimed the footage could have a “dramatic impact” on the jury.
CNN has denied altering or destroying the original video. A spokesperson said the outlet aired the story months before Diddy’s arrest and that the source “retained” the original. Cassie’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, also denied that the video had been tampered with.
The “Me and U” singer is expected to testify under her real name, despite previously being referred to as “Victim-1” in the indictment. A judge has also ordered her to turn over drafts of her memoir. Meanwhile, the other three victims named in the indictment will testify anonymously.
This motion follows Diddy’s recent request to delay the trial by two months, arguing that the revised charges represent a significantly different case than they initially prepared for. However, that request was denied.
