Cassie Ventura is contesting a new claim from Sean “Diddy” Combs that the infamous hotel surveillance video showing him assaulting her was edited. This dispute adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle that has captured public attention since late 2023.
Her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, maintains the footage is genuine and anticipates its inclusion as evidence in Combs’ forthcoming trial. Legal experts note that surveillance footage often plays a crucial role in domestic violence cases, with video evidence significantly increasing conviction rates in similar proceedings.
The video was recorded on March 5, 2016, at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, and shows Combs, 55, pursuing his then-girlfriend Cassie down a hallway, grabbing her by the neck, and kicking her repeatedly during an altercation. The hotel, a luxury property with extensive security systems, captured the incident on their surveillance cameras.
Despite Combs’ apology, his lawyers say footage was altered
The footage was released by CNN in May 2024 – prompting a public apology issued by Combs on social media when it was released – but his legal team alleged on Thursday, March 13, that CNN manipulated the clip. They say the network altered time stamps, changed sequences, and adjusted playback speed, and stated the original footage was subsequently destroyed. Video authentication has become a critical aspect of evidence evaluation in the digital age.
They are arguing for its exclusion from his upcoming court proceedings on federal charges including sex trafficking. Legal challenges to evidence admissibility are standard practice in high-stakes criminal cases, especially those with substantial media coverage.
But Wigdor dismissed Combs’ claims the footage had been altered, stating, “It’s not surprising Diddy would make a disingenuous argument to exclude the disturbing video from being shown to the jury in the upcoming trial.” Wigdor has established himself as a prominent advocate in cases involving allegations against powerful entertainment industry figures.
“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,” Wigdor said. Courts typically apply strict standards when determining the authenticity of video evidence before allowing jury consideration.
While Combs is not facing criminal charges specifically for the assault depicted in the footage, federal prosecutors intend to use it to support allegations of his history of violence. Pattern evidence often plays a substantial role in establishing behavioral context in complex federal cases.
The rapper was arrested on Sept. 16, 2024, on multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, and is currently detained without bail, awaiting trial scheduled for May 5, 2025. Federal cases involving such serious charges typically involve extensive pre-trial proceedings and evidence review.
Cassie played a pivotal role in Combs’ legal troubles after accusing him of repeated physical abuse and rape in a $30 million lawsuit filed on Nov. 16, 2023. The filing brought public attention to allegations that would later expand into broader federal investigations.
Does video reveal pattern of abuse?
The lawsuit alleged a decade-long pattern of abuse, including a 2018 incident, in which Combs allegedly forced his way into her home and raped her. Domestic violence cases involving long-term relationships often reveal patterns of escalating abuse over extended periods.
The case was settled out of court the following day for an undisclosed amount. Rapid settlements are common in high-profile civil cases, though they do not impact related criminal investigations.
In March 2024, surveillance footage emerged showing Combs attacking Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016. The video shows Combs grabbing, shoving, kicking, and throwing objects at Ventura. Combs apologized publicly for his actions in the video, stating that he sought professional help and counseling. Public statements made by defendants can sometimes be considered in later legal proceedings.
“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” Ventura said. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning. Domestic Violence is the issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.”
Survivor advocacy groups emphasize that public discussions of domestic violence cases can help others recognize and address similar situations in their own lives.
