Sean "Diddy" Combs's legal troubles continue to escalate following the release of a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The video, which aired on CNN on May 17, has reignited scrutiny of the rap mogul's behavior and prompted a new lawsuit from former model Crystal McKinney, who alleges that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2003.
The assault video, captured at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, California, shows Combs kicking, hitting, and dragging Ventura after she exited their hotel room and waited for an elevator. Combs had previously denied Ventura's allegations of physical abuse, rape, and sex trafficking in a November lawsuit that was quickly settled.
"The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs," said Ventura's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, in a statement. "Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light."
Two days after the video's release, Combs issued an apology on social media, taking "full responsibility" for the assault and calling his behavior "inexcusable." However, Ventura's legal team dismissed the apology, with attorney Meredith Firetog stating, "That he was only compelled to 'apologize' once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words."
While the Los Angeles District Attorney's office has stated that Combs cannot be prosecuted for the 2016 assault due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, the rap mogul's legal troubles are far from over. Since Ventura's November lawsuit, four additional women have filed civil suits against Combs, alleging various instances of sexual assault, rape, and sex trafficking dating back to the early 1990s.
The most recent lawsuit, filed by McKinney on May 21 under New York's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, accuses Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her at his New York City studio in 2003 when she was a 22-year-old model. McKinney also claims that Combs "blackballed" her in the modeling industry following the alleged assault.
Combs's legal woes have been further compounded by the March 25 raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida, which were conducted as part of a federal sex trafficking investigation. While the only arrest made during the raids was of Combs's assistant, Brendan Paul, for drug possession, the ongoing investigation has cast a shadow over the rapper's reputation.
In the wake of the assault video's release, Combs's ex-girlfriend and mother of his oldest son, Misa Hylton, took to social media to express her support for Ventura and call for Combs to seek help. "I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her," Hylton wrote on Instagram. "I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma."
Hylton, who also shared photos of Combs's seven children, emphasized the importance of raising them with the guidance of strong women and urged Combs to seek the help he needs. "Their father needs help, and I am praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it," she wrote.
The release of the 2016 assault video has reignited public scrutiny of his behavior and brought to light the allegations of multiple women who claim to have been victimized by the rap mogul. As the cases progress through the courts, the full extent of Combs's alleged misconduct and the consequences he may face remain to be seen.
