Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Seen Physically Assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 Surveillance Video. In an exclusive revelation, CNN has obtained surveillance footage from 2016 that appears to show Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The video, which matches allegations detailed in Ventura’s now-settled federal lawsuit, shows a disturbing sequence of events that took place at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
The footage, captured from multiple camera angles and dated March 5, 2016, shows Ventura exiting a hotel room and walking towards a bank of elevators.
Combs, draped in a towel, is seen running down the hall after her. He grabs Ventura by the back of the neck and throws her to the floor.
While holding his towel with one hand, Combs kicks Ventura, who lies motionless on the ground. He then retrieves a purse and suitcase from the floor near the elevators and kicks Ventura again. After briefly dragging her by her sweatshirt, Combs walks away, leaving Ventura to slowly gather herself and her belongings.
Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs in November, citing repeated physical and sexual abuse throughout their relationship, which lasted from 2007 to 2018. The lawsuit referenced the 2016 incident, alleging that Combs, intoxicated, punched Ventura, giving her a black eye.
She attempted to flee but was followed by Combs, who threw glass vases at her in the hotel hallway. According to the complaint, Ventura returned to the hotel after initially escaping, only to be urged by hotel security to leave again due to the severity of the incident captured on security footage.
The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, with details of the settlement remaining undisclosed. Ben Brafman, Combs’ attorney, stated that the decision to settle did not imply an admission of guilt.
“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Brafman said. “He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Douglas H. Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, expressed that the video further confirmed the disturbing behavior Ventura described. “Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light,” Wigdor said.
A representative for InterContinental Hotels stated that the hotel, no longer under IHG management, has no access to previous incident records or footage. However, Ventura’s complaint alleges that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the hallway security footage to cover up the incident.
Since Ventura’s lawsuit, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of various sexual misconduct and other illegal activities. These cases remain active, and Combs has consistently denied all allegations. In March, authorities searched Combs’ homes in California and Florida as part of a federal investigation related to these allegations, led by a Department of Homeland Security team specializing in human trafficking crimes.
The newly surfaced footage intensifies the scrutiny on Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry known for his extensive career as a rapper, producer, and business mogul. This development also highlights the broader issue of domestic violence and the courage required for survivors to come forward.
Aaron Dyer, another attorney for Combs, stated. “There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
As the legal battles continue, the public remains divided on the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs. The surveillance footage provides a stark visual account that may influence public opinion and ongoing legal proceedings. Cassie Ventura’s decision to come forward has shed light on the alleged abuses she endured, potentially paving the way for further scrutiny and justice in cases of domestic violence and sexual misconduct.
