A surveillance video from 2016, recently obtained by CNN, reveals a disturbing incident involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and his then-girlfriend, singer and model Cassie Ventura. The video appears to show Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel, an incident that aligns with allegations made in a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November 2023, which has since been settled.
The video, dated March 5, 2016, shows Combs chasing Ventura down a hotel hallway, grabbing her by the neck, and throwing her to the floor. He is then seen kicking her twice and dragging her by her sweatshirt. Ventura is later seen picking up a phone near the elevators, at which point Combs appears to shove her again.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement on the video, expressing that the images were "extremely disturbing and difficult to watch." However, they also noted that if the incident indeed occurred in 2016, they would be unable to press charges due to the statute of limitations for assault crimes in California.
Douglas H. Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, praised his client's courage in bringing the incident to light, stating, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
Ventura and Combs, who were in an on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018, settled the lawsuit the day after it was filed. The details of the settlement were not disclosed. Combs has previously denied Ventura’s allegations, describing them as "offensive and outrageous."
Ventura's lawsuit alleged that Combs had physically and sexually abused her over the course of their relationship, including forcing her to engage in sex acts with other men. The lawsuit also claimed that Combs paid $50,000 to the hotel for the security footage of the incident.
Since the lawsuit, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of a range of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities. He has denied all allegations and vowed to clear his name. His homes in California and Florida were searched in March as part of a federal investigation into the allegations.
The release of the video has sparked outrage, with many calling for justice for Ventura and condemning Combs' actions. However, the statute of limitations prevents any criminal charges from being filed against Combs for this incident. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in seeking justice.
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