A federal judge on Monday rejected Sean "Diddy" Combs' request for an evidentiary hearing to investigate his claim that the federal government leaked sensitive video evidence, including footage showing him allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, to the media. The ruling, issued by Judge Arun Subramanian in the Southern District of New York, dismissed Combs' accusations that prosecutors strategically leaked materials to prejudice the public and potential jurors against him.
The ruling comes as Combs, the 55-year-old music mogul, prepares for his racketeering and sex crimes trial next year. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs remains held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial.
In his decision, Judge Subramanian stated that Combs had "not carried his burden to show that the government leaked [the video] to CNN." He elaborated, "Combs argues that 'the most likely source of the leak is the government,' but he doesn't point to any sound basis for this conclusion." Subramanian underscored that the Department of Homeland Security, which Combs accused of being behind the leak, had no access to the footage prior to its release by CNN. "None of the defendant's arguments for why the government leaked the footage are convincing," the judge wrote.
The video in question, which surfaced five months before Combs' September arrest, allegedly shows him attacking Ventura in a hallway at the Intercontinental Hotel in 2016. In the footage, Combs appears to grab Ventura by the neck, throw her to the ground, and kick her before dragging her down the hallway. The clip sparked widespread media attention and public outrage, fueling further scrutiny of Combs' alleged misconduct.
Combs' legal team argued in an October filing that the government engaged in a coordinated effort to smear his reputation, accusing prosecutors of leaking grand jury materials and confidential information. The defense claimed these leaks led to "highly prejudicial media coverage," undermining Combs' ability to receive a fair trial. The allegations, however, were dismissed by federal prosecutors, who stated in a court filing that they were "not in possession of the video before its publication by CNN." Prosecutors insisted they did not acquire any footage of the 2016 incident until after the network broadcast it.
Judge Subramanian sided with prosecutors, concluding that Combs failed to provide concrete evidence of a government leak. However, he issued a firm warning, stating, "If specific information comes to light that they leaked prohibited information, action will be taken." Subramanian emphasized that the case's outcome would rely on evidence presented in court rather than a "trial by newspapers."
The ruling is a blow to Combs' defense, which has sought to cast doubt on the integrity of the prosecution's case. The musician's attorneys declined to comment on the judge's decision.
Combs' legal troubles have mounted since his arrest, with more than 100 alleged victims reportedly coming forward with claims of abuse, including sexual assault, druggings, and other misconduct at his so-called "freak-off" parties. The accusations have reverberated across the entertainment industry, implicating other high-profile figures and triggering ongoing investigations.
The judge's ruling reaffirms the principle of confidentiality in grand jury proceedings and signals the court's intent to maintain a fair and impartial process as the high-profile case moves toward trial. "The court reminds the public that whether the government can prove Combs' guilt will turn on the evidence presented at trial," Subramanian wrote.
Combs, a once-prominent figure in music and business, now faces a lengthy legal battle with a trial scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025. His case remains under intense media scrutiny as prosecutors prepare to present their evidence in court.
For those impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault, resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) offer confidential support and assistance.
