Surveillance video shows Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting former girlfriend in 2016


### CNN Exclusive: Video Reveals Diddy Assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 Incident

In an exclusive release, CNN has obtained a 2016 surveillance video showing Sean "Diddy" Combs engaging in a violent altercation with his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The footage, aligned with allegations from a recently settled federal lawsuit, displays disturbing actions by Combs, including grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

#### Details of the Incident
The video, compiled from multiple camera angles and verified by CNN, captures the following sequence:
1. **Initial Confrontation**: Ventura exits a hotel room and walks to the elevators. Combs, holding a towel, pursues her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor.
2. **Physical Assault**: Combs then kicks Ventura while she is on the ground, retrieves a purse and suitcase, and kicks her again before briefly dragging her by her sweatshirt.
3. **Continued Aggression**: Ventura stands up to gather her belongings and uses a phone on the hallway wall. Combs returns, shoves Ventura, sits on a chair, and forcefully throws an object at her.

#### Legal and Public Reactions
- **Ventura's Attorney's Statement**: Douglas H. Wigdor, Ventura's attorney, emphasized the video further confirms Combs' predatory behavior and praised Ventura for her bravery in exposing the incident.
- **District Attorney's Office Response**: The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the video, describing the images as "extremely disturbing." However, they noted that the statute of limitations prevents prosecuting the assault depicted in the 2016 footage. They encouraged victims or witnesses to report crimes to law enforcement.

#### Background and Aftermath
Ventura had filed a lawsuit in November, which led to an undisclosed settlement with Combs. Combs has consistently denied the allegations. The video release adds a visual corroboration to Ventura's claims and highlights ongoing issues with reporting and prosecuting historical assaults.

### Conclusion
The release of this video has brought significant attention to the allegations against Sean Combs, underscoring the challenges victims face in seeking justice for past abuses. The footage not only validates Ventura's accusations but also raises awareness about the importance of timely reporting and support for assault victims.


### Details from Cassie Ventura’s Lawsuit Against Sean "Diddy" Combs

**Relationship History**:
- **Duration**: Combs and Ventura had an on-and-off relationship spanning from 2007 to 2018.
- **Public Appearance**: They were photographed together at the Los Angeles premiere of the film "A Perfect Match" on March 7, 2016.

**Incident Details**:
- **Date and Location**: The altercation occurred "around March 2016" at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
- **Allegations**:
  - Combs, described as “extremely intoxicated,” allegedly punched Ventura in the face, resulting in a black eye.
  - Following the assault, Ventura attempted to leave the hotel room while Combs was asleep. Upon waking, he pursued her into the hallway, yelling.
  - Combs allegedly grabbed Ventura and threw glass vases at her, causing glass to shatter around them as she fled to the elevator.

**Aftermath**:
- **Escape**: Ventura managed to get into the elevator and took a cab back to her apartment.
- **Return to Hotel**: Concerned about Combs' reaction and feeling trapped in the abusive cycle, Ventura returned to the hotel to apologize.
- **Hotel Security’s Response**: Upon her return, hotel security staff advised her to leave, indicating they had witnessed the security footage of the assault. They suggested she get back into a cab and return to her apartment.

### Context and Legal Actions

**Ventura’s Complaint**:
- **Filing**: The lawsuit, filed in November, included the detailed account of the 2016 altercation.
- **Settlement**: The case was settled with an undisclosed agreement between Ventura and Combs.

**Public and Legal Reactions**:
- **Attorney’s Statement**: Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, highlighted Ventura’s courage in bringing the case to light and confirmed the allegations with the disturbing video evidence obtained.
- **District Attorney’s Statement**: The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the video and its disturbing nature but noted that the statute of limitations prevents prosecution of the 2016 incident. They encouraged other victims or witnesses to report any crimes.

**Combs' Response**:
- **Denial**: Combs has consistently denied Ventura’s allegations.

### Conclusion

The lawsuit and accompanying video have brought significant attention to the alleged abuse Ventura faced during her relationship with Combs. The visual evidence supports Ventura’s claims and underscores the difficulties faced by victims of long-term abuse in seeking justice. This case highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for abuse victims and reinforces the importance of timely reporting and intervention in cases of domestic violence.

Sean "Diddy" Combs with Cassie Ventura attend the premiere of 'The Perfect Match' in Los Angeles on March 7, 2016. 
Chris Delmas/AFP/Getty Images/File

### Details of the Allegations in Ventura's Lawsuit Against Sean "Diddy" Combs

**Additional Allegations**:
- **Security Footage Payment**: Ventura's complaint alleges that Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the hallway security footage following the 2016 altercation.
- **Claims of Rape and Abuse**: The lawsuit, filed in November, includes claims that Combs raped Ventura in 2018 and subjected her to years of repeated physical and emotional abuse.
- **Power and Influence**: Ventura, formerly signed to Combs' label, claimed he exerted significant control over her throughout their professional and romantic relationship.
- **Age and Relationship Duration**: Ventura was 19 when she met the then 37-year-old Combs. Their professional relationship continued until 2019.
- **Physical Violence and Coercion**: The complaint details instances of physical violence and alleges that Combs forced Ventura to engage in various sex acts with other men during their relationship.

**Combs' Response**:
- **Denial of Allegations**: Ben Brafman, Combs' attorney, issued a statement vehemently denying the allegations, calling them "offensive and outrageous."
- **Settlement**: The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed. Brafman emphasized that the decision to settle was not an admission of wrongdoing and reiterated Combs' denial of the claims. He stated that the settlement was mutual and that Combs wished Ventura the best.

**Legal and Public Reaction**:
- **Settlement Terms**: Details of the settlement were not disclosed, and Brafman reiterated that settling the lawsuit did not undermine Combs' denial of the allegations.
- **Attorney’s Statement**: Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, praised Ventura's courage in bringing the case to light, with the video evidence substantiating her claims.

### Summary

Ventura's lawsuit against Combs brought to light serious allegations of abuse, manipulation, and coercion over a span of years. The allegations included specific incidents of physical violence, as well as claims of rape and forced sexual acts with others. Despite Combs' denial of the allegations and the lawsuit being swiftly settled, the case underscores significant issues related to power dynamics, abuse, and the challenges faced by victims in seeking justice.


### Ongoing Legal Issues for Sean "Diddy" Combs

**Additional Civil Lawsuits**:
- Since November, Sean "Diddy" Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of a range of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities. 
- Combs has denied all allegations, and these cases are still active.

**Federal Investigation and Home Searches**:
- In March, authorities searched Combs' homes in California and Florida as part of a federal investigation carried out by a Department of Homeland Security team specializing in human trafficking crimes.
- This investigation is connected to the sexual assault allegations outlined in the civil lawsuits.

**Attorney's Statement**:
- Aaron Dyer, Combs' attorney, criticized the searches, describing them as a "gross overuse of military-level force."
- Dyer condemned the operation as an "unprecedented ambush" and a "witch hunt" driven by meritless accusations from civil lawsuits.
- He emphasized that there has been no finding of criminal or civil liability against Combs and reaffirmed Combs' commitment to fighting the allegations to clear his name.

**Support Resources**:
- The editor's note highlights the availability of resources for those struggling with intimate partner violence, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

**Contributors**:
- CNN's Kevin Flower, Megan Thomas, and Rebekah Riess contributed to the reporting of this story.

**Correction**:
- The story includes a correction clarifying that the searches of Combs' homes took place in March.

The unfolding legal battles and investigations into Sean "Diddy" Combs underscore the serious nature of the allegations against him, even as he maintains his innocence and disputes the claims.