In 2016, surveillance footage obtained by CNN showed Sean “Diddy” Combs engaging in violent behaviour toward his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, aligning with allegations from a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November, which has since been settled. The video, captured from multiple angles on March 5, 2016, depicts Combs during an altercation at the former InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. CNN confirmed the location by comparing it to publicly available photos of the hotel’s interior.
The footage reveals Ventura leaving a hotel room and heading toward elevators when Combs, holding a towel, chases her down the hallway. He grabs her by the neck, throws her to the floor, and kicks her twice, four seconds apart. He then drags her briefly before walking away. Ventura, after gathering herself and picking up items from the floor, attempts to use a phone near the elevators. Combs returns, shoves her and throws an object at her before finally leaving as another person exits the elevator.
Ventura declined to comment on the video, but her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, stated that the footage further confirms Combs’ predatory behaviour. CNN has contacted representatives for Combs and InterContinental Hotels for comment, but Combs has previously denied Ventura’s allegations.
Ventura’s lawsuit described a history of abuse during their relationship from 2007 to 2018. On the night of the incident, Combs allegedly became intoxicated, punched Ventura, and chased her when she tried to leave. He also threw glass vases at her, according to the complaint. Ventura eventually returned to the hotel after being advised by security to go for her safety. The complaint also alleges that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the footage from that night.
The lawsuit, which included accusations of rape and years of physical and emotional abuse, was settled the day after it was filed. Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, maintained that settling the lawsuit was not an admission of guilt and expressed that Combs denied all allegations.
Since November, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits alleging various forms of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities, which he has denied. A federal investigation led to searches of Combs’ properties in California and Florida in April related to the sexual assault allegations. Combs’ attorney, Aaron Dyer, criticised the searches as excessive and maintained Combs’ innocence, calling the investigation a “witch hunt” based on unproven claims.
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Diddy is seen repeatedly kicking and throwing objects at his then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in March 2016 in footage obtained by CNN. pic.twitter.com/bS2XOyKTa3
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