A 2016 surveillance video, obtained exclusively by CNN, captures Sean “Diddy” Combs engaging in violent behavior towards his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. This incident mirrors the allegations detailed in a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November, which has since been settled.
The video, compiled from multiple camera angles dated March 5, 2016, purportedly shows Combs at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. CNN confirmed the location using publicly available photos of the hotel’s interior.
In the footage, Ventura exits a hotel room and heads towards the elevators. Combs, draped in a towel, runs after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the ground. While still holding his towel, he then kicks her. As Ventura remains on the floor, Combs retrieves a purse and suitcase from near the elevators and kicks her again. After a brief pause, he drags her by her sweatshirt before walking away.
Ventura is seen slowly getting up, collecting items from the floor, and reaching for a phone on the hallway wall. Combs returns, shoves her as shown in a mirror across from the security camera, then sits down and throws an object forcefully at her. He eventually walks away but turns back when an elevator door opens and someone steps out.
Ventura, who has settled her lawsuit with Combs for an undisclosed amount, declined to comment on the video.
Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, stated: “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, who was previously signed to Combs’ label, alleged in her lawsuit that he “exerted his power and influence” over her during their professional and romantic relationship. The complaint states that she was 19 when they met, while Combs was 37, and their business relationship continued until 2019. Ventura’s suit detailed claims of physical violence and forced sexual acts with other men.
Ben Brafman, Combs’ attorney, responded to CNN on the day the suit was filed, saying, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.”
The lawsuit was settled the following day. Brafman stated, “A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
The settlement details remain undisclosed.
Since November, Combs has been facing five additional civil lawsuits accusing him of various forms of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities. He has denied these allegations, and the cases are still active.
In April, federal authorities searched Combs’ homes in California and Florida as part of an investigation by a Department of Homeland Security team that handles human trafficking crimes. According to a senior federal law enforcement official, this investigation is related to many of the same sexual assault allegations mentioned in the civil lawsuits.
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