(Scypre.com) – In a shocking development, CNN has obtained exclusive surveillance footage from 2016 showing music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in a violent altercation with his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The incident, captured from multiple camera angles, took place at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, and aligns with allegations Ventura made in a federal lawsuit filed in November, which has since been settled.
The video, dated March 5, 2016, shows Ventura leaving a hotel room and walking towards the elevators. Combs, wearing only a towel, runs after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her while she is on the ground, retrieves a purse and suitcase, and kicks her again before briefly dragging her by her sweatshirt towards a room.
The disturbing footage shows Ventura slowly getting up, gathering her belongings, and attempting to use a phone near the elevators. Combs returns, shoves her, and then throws an object at her before walking away. The video ends with Combs turning towards Ventura again as an elevator door opens and someone exits.
Ventura, who has reached an undisclosed settlement with Combs, declined to comment on the video. Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, expressed outrage, 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.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement acknowledging the video and describing it as “extremely disturbing and difficult to watch.” However, they noted that any potential charges would be barred by the statute of limitations. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they are aware of the video but do not have an open investigation involving Combs.
A representative for InterContinental Hotels stated that the hotel is no longer under their management and they do not have access to prior incident records or footage.
Background of the Incident
Combs and Ventura were in an on-again, off-again relationship from 2007 to 2018. According to Ventura’s complaint, the March 2016 altercation began when Combs, intoxicated, punched her in the face, giving her a black eye. Ventura attempted to leave the hotel room but was followed by Combs, who threw glass vases at her in the hallway. After escaping in an elevator and taking a cab home, Ventura returned to the hotel, fearing further retaliation from Combs. Hotel security staff advised her to leave, suggesting they had seen the security footage of Combs’ violent behavior.
The lawsuit also alleged that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the security footage and detailed years of abuse, including physical violence and forcing Ventura to engage in sexual acts with other men. Ventura, who was signed to Combs’ label, claimed he exerted significant control over her throughout their professional and personal relationship.
Ben Brafman, Combs’ attorney, vehemently denied the allegations, stating that settling the lawsuit was not an admission of wrongdoing and that Combs was pleased with the mutual resolution.
Ongoing Legal Issues for Combs
Since Ventura’s lawsuit, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of various forms of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities, which he has denied. These cases are ongoing. In March, federal authorities searched Combs’ homes in California and Florida as part of a human trafficking investigation related to the sexual assault allegations.
Aaron Dyer, another attorney for Combs, criticized the searches as an overuse of force and described them as a “witch hunt” based on baseless accusations. Dyer emphasized that there has been no finding of criminal or civil liability against Combs and reiterated his client’s innocence.
The emergence of the 2016 footage adds a grim layer to the ongoing legal battles faced by Combs, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations and the impact on those involved. As the legal proceedings continue, the public and authorities alike grapple with the implications of these troubling revelations.