Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team is seeking to challenge key evidence in his federal sex trafficking case, alleging that CNN altered and destroyed the original copy of a surveillance video showing him assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. The footage, which was first released by CNN in May 2024, depicts Combs grabbing, kicking, and dragging Ventura inside the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles-an incident that closely aligns with allegations she made in a lawsuit settled in 2023.
In a letter filed Thursday in New York federal court, Combs' attorneys claimed CNN purchased the only known copy of the footage, edited it using free software, and then discarded the original. "All CNN video footage was substantially altered in significant respects," the filing states. "This includes covering the time stamp and then changing the video sequence. It also includes speeding up the video to make it falsely appear that the actions in the video are taking place faster than they are."
CNN has denied the accusation, stating, "CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source." The network added that it aired the footage several months before Combs' arrest.
Ventura's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, dismissed the defense's attempt to discredit the video, saying, "It is not surprising that Combs would make a disingenuous argument to exclude the disturbing video from being shown to the jury in the upcoming trial. 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 2016 video, which has been widely circulated, shows Ventura exiting a hotel room as Combs, wearing only a white towel, chases after her. He grabs her by the neck, throws her to the ground, and kicks her multiple times before dragging her momentarily back toward the room. Combs then retrieves an object from a nearby table and throws it forcefully at Ventura. The video ends with him making another aggressive move toward her just as an elevator door opens.
Though the federal charges against Combs do not specifically include this incident, prosecutors have argued that the footage serves as critical evidence of a pattern of violence and coercion. The prosecution has indicated they intend to use it to demonstrate Combs' alleged history of abuse.
Combs previously issued an apology for the assault, stating, "I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. Disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I'm disgusted now." He also said he sought therapy and rehab, adding, "I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm so sorry, but I'm committed to be a better man each and every day."
Combs' legal team is expected to file a motion seeking to exclude the video from trial, arguing it is misleading and inadmissible. Prosecutors, however, contend that the footage is a key piece of evidence supporting their case.
The government has charged Combs with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, with jury selection set to start in late April.
Prosecutors have signaled they plan to present testimony from up to 20 witnesses, in addition to multiple alleged victims, while Combs' defense team has continued to push back against what they describe as an aggressive federal case built on circumstantial evidence. His attorneys have also accused law enforcement of conducting improper searches and using excessive force in the raids on his properties.
