In the federal case against Sean "Diddy" Combs, his legal representatives are asserting that the explosive CNN video footage, which purportedly captures the rap mogul assaulting his former girlfriend and singer, Cassie Ventura, on March 5, 2016, has undergone manipulation, with the original recording reportedly erased. This surveillance video, unveiled by CNN on May 17, 2024, depicts Ventura, now aged 38, exiting a room at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles and making her way towards a bank of elevators. Meanwhile, Combs, now 55, can be seen chasing after her, clad in a white towel wrapped around his waist and socks. Upon catching up to her, Combs grabs her by the neck and violently slams her to the ground. He then kicks her repeatedly as he snatches her purse and suitcase.
As Ventura lies motionless on the floor, Combs kicks her once more and briefly drags her towards the room before abandoning her and strolling away. Moments later, he sits down in a chair, picks up an object from a table, and hurls it towards her with considerable force. As an elevator door opens and someone exits, Combs is seen walking away before turning back towards Ventura, where he grabs, shoves, and kicks her during an altercation that echoes the allegations she made in a lawsuit filed in November 2023, which has since been settled.
Ventura's attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, released a statement in 2024 obtained by PEOPLE, stating, "The heart-wrenching video has only further corroborated the disturbing and predatory conduct of Mr. Combs. Words fail to capture the bravery and resilience demonstrated by Ms. Ventura in coming forward to shed light on this matter."
Last year, Combs issued an apology video addressing the incident on May 19, 2024. "I accept full accountability for my actions in that video," he said. "I was disgusted then, and I'm disgusted now. I sought professional help, undergoing therapy and rehab. I begged God for His mercy and grace. I'm deeply sorry, but I'm dedicated to becoming a better person. Every single day," Combs continued. Prior to this, he had denied Ventura's assault allegations.
In a filing made in New York City on Thursday, March 13, Combs' legal team alleges that CNN acquired the sole known copy of the surveillance footage, uploaded it to a free editing software, and tampered with the original video. The letter addressed to Judge Arun Subramanian reads, "All CNN video footage was significantly altered in multiple ways, including the obscuring of the timestamp, the modification of the video sequence, and the speeding up of the footage to falsely convey that the actions were occurring at a faster pace. Consequently, the CNN videos do not accurately or fairly portray the events in question."
The letter further contends that CNN destroyed the original footage "despite being aware of and repeatedly reporting on the federal investigation." Ventura's attorney, Wigdor, responded in a statement to PEOPLE, "It's hardly surprising that Combs would make a dishonest argument to prevent the disturbing video from being presented to the jury in the upcoming trial. I am confident that the video truthfully and precisely represents what transpired, will be admitted as evidence, and that Combs will be held accountable for his depravity."
A CNN spokesperson refuted these claims in a statement to PEOPLE, stating, "CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source. CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested." Combs' legal team declined to provide further comment.
The filing notes that the video will be addressed in an upcoming motion, stating, "We will disclose the subpoenaed materials to the government so that it is prepared to respond to the defense motion on this subject."
In September 2024, Combs was indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He is currently incarcerated at MDC-Brooklyn as he awaits his eight-week trial, scheduled to commence on May 5.
