A recently aired security video, presented by CNN, has brought to light disturbing footage of Sean 'Diddy' Combs allegedly assaulting singer Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016. The video, which shows Combs in a white towel physically assaulting Ventura, has intensified the ongoing scrutiny of the hip-hop mogul. The footage includes scenes of Combs punching, kicking, and dragging Ventura, alongside throwing a vase in her direction. This incident, which purportedly took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, mirrors descriptions from a lawsuit filed by Ventura, alleging years of abuse.
The lawsuit, filed in November, claims that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 to suppress the security footage. CNN verified the video's authenticity by comparing it to publicly available images of the hotel. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, yet it catalyzed a series of legal actions against Combs. This included additional lawsuits and a federal sex-trafficking investigation, which saw authorities raiding Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami.
Douglas Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, condemned Combs' actions, stating, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.” Despite these allegations, Combs has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, with his legal team asserting that the claims are false and vowing to contest them.
According to the lawsuit, Combs became “extremely intoxicated” earlier in the evening and assaulted Ventura, resulting in a black eye. The video begins as Ventura attempts to leave, but Combs, now awake, aggressively confronts her. He is shown grabbing her, kicking her, and throwing objects, escalating the violence. Ventura managed to escape but returned later out of fear of further abuse, only to be advised by hotel staff to leave again. She eventually sought refuge with a friend in Florida.
The release of this video is particularly impactful given the constraints on prosecuting such cases. In California, the statute of limitations for assault or battery varies from one to three years, depending on the nature of the charge. As a result, criminal charges are unlikely unless new evidence emerges.
Combs, known for his extensive influence in the music industry as a three-time Grammy winner and founder of Bad Boy Records, has faced significant repercussions from the allegations. His business roles have been affected as he battles the allegations and ongoing investigations. The recent revelations come amidst a broader legal battle involving historical accusations of sexual misconduct, with Combs' team actively seeking to dismiss these claims as false.
Ventura, who began her relationship with Combs in 2007, is known for her hit single “Me & U” and appearances in television and film. The release of the video adds a new dimension to the already complex legal landscape surrounding Combs, highlighting the significant public and legal attention on this case.
