Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ attorneys are alleging that CNN altered the 2016 surveillance video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and destroyed the original footage.
In a joint letter, Combs’ defense team and prosecutors addressed key evidence for the pretrial conference in his upcoming sex trafficking case. According to the defense, CNN purchased the surveillance footage from the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, California, where the assault allegedly took place.
The video, published by CNN in May 2024, quickly went viral. However, Combs’ attorneys claim that CNN substantially altered the footage by covering the time stamp, changing the sequence of events, and speeding up the video to exaggerate the nature of the assault. The defense argued that the changes created a misleading narrative, stating, “The CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question.”
Furthermore, Combs’ team claims that CNN uploaded the original footage into a free editing software, made the changes, and then destroyed the original file — despite knowing about the ongoing federal investigation involving Combs.
Cassie Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, responded to the allegations, calling Combs’ claims “disingenuous.” Wigdor stated, “I am confident that the video fairly and accurately represents what happened, will be admitted into evidence, and that Combs will be held accountable for his depravity.”
The shocking footage, recorded on March 5, 2016, shows Ventura exiting a hotel room with several bags before Combs, wearing only a bath towel and socks, chases her down the hallway. The video appears to show Combs grabbing Ventura by the neck, throwing her to the floor, kicking her, and dragging her by her hoodie.
The disturbing video seemed to corroborate allegations Ventura made in a November 2023 lawsuit, in which she accused Combs of physical abuse. Combs, who has since apologized for his actions, called his behavior “inexcusable” in an Instagram video.
According to Ventura’s lawsuit, Combs paid $50,000 to the hotel to secure the original security footage. She later reached an undisclosed settlement with him after filing the suit.
Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His trial is set for May 5. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with the potential for life.
In addition to this case, Combs is battling multiple lawsuits with similar allegations. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
