Exclusive footage obtained by CNN shows Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in a 2016 surveillance video
At 02:46, a CNN exclusive reveals a 2016 surveillance video depicting Sean “Diddy” Combs engaging in aggressive behavior towards his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The footage, obtained from various camera angles dated March 5, 2016, corresponds with Ventura’s allegations in a federal lawsuit settled later. The incident purportedly took place at the now-shuttered InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, a location confirmed by CNN through publicly available interior photos.
In the video, Ventura exits a hotel room and heads towards an elevator bank. Combs, wrapped in a towel, rushes down the corridor after her, seizing her by the neck and forcefully throwing her to the ground. Despite holding his towel with one hand, he proceeds to kick her while she's down.
After Ventura falls, Combs retrieves her belongings from the floor near the elevators. He then kicks her again as she remains motionless. Approximately four seconds elapse between the two kicks. Subsequently, he briefly pulls Ventura by her sweatshirt towards a room before walking away.
Ventura rises slowly, collecting scattered items from the floor before proceeding to retrieve a phone mounted on the hallway wall by the elevators. Combs, clad only in a towel and socks, reappears. A mirror, positioned opposite a security camera, captures Combs seemingly pushing Ventura.
Moments later, Combs takes a seat, snatches an object from a nearby table, and hurls it forcefully in Ventura's direction. He then walks away briefly, before turning back toward Ventura as the elevator door opens, seemingly with someone about to exit.
Ventura, who reached an undisclosed settlement with Combs, opted not to provide commentary on the CNN-acquired footage.
Douglas H. Wigdor, attorney for Ms. Ventura, expressed, "The deeply unsettling video unequivocally reinforces Mr. Combs' troubling and predatory actions. Ms. Ventura's bravery and resilience in bringing this to attention cannot be understated."
CNN sought comment from representatives of Mr. Combs. He has previously refuted Ms. Ventura's claims.
In response to CNN's inquiry, an InterContinental Hotels representative stated on Friday, "This hotel is no longer managed by IHG, and we lack access to past incident records or footage."
Ventura's legal action
Combs and Ventura, a model and singer famed for tracks such as “Me & U,” experienced an intermittent romantic involvement spanning from 2007 to 2018. The duo made a public appearance together at the Los Angeles premiere of the film “A Perfect Match” on March 7, 2016.
According to Ventura’s allegation, which referenced an incident occurring “around March 2016,” Combs, while heavily intoxicated, allegedly struck Ms. Ventura in the face, resulting in a black eye.
Following this altercation, Ventura reportedly tried to exit the hotel room while Combs was asleep. However, upon awakening, Combs purportedly pursued her into the hotel hallway, vocally expressing his displeasure.
"The complaint alleged that he lunged at her, then hurled glass vases from the hallway in her direction, shattering them as she fled toward the elevator for safety.
After boarding the elevator, Ventura's complaint stated that she hailed a cab to her apartment.
Realizing that fleeing would only enrage Mr. Combs further and perpetuate his cycle of abuse, Ms. Ventura reluctantly returned to the hotel with the intent of apologizing for her escape. According to the complaint, upon her return, hotel security, having witnessed the altercation via security footage, advised her to leave for her own safety, having seen Mr. Combs assaulting her and hurling glass objects in the hotel corridor."
Having been formally signed to Combs’ label, Ventura contends in her lawsuit that he wielded his power and influence over her throughout their professional and romantic involvement. According to the allegations, their association began when she was 19 and Combs was 37, lasting until 2019. The complaint outlines assertions that Combs subjected Ventura to physical violence and coerced her into participating in various sexual activities with other men during this period.
Ben Brafman, Combs' attorney, asserted to CNN upon filing, "Mr. Combs vehemently refutes these offensive and outrageous allegations." The lawsuit reached resolution the subsequent day.
Brafman emphasized to CNN, "Settling a lawsuit, particularly in 2023, does not imply admission of wrongdoing." He added, "Mr. Combs' choice to settle does not diminish his absolute denial of the accusations. He is content with the mutual agreement and extends his best wishes to Ms. Ventura."
The specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Continuing legal matters
Since November, Combs has been entangled in five additional civil lawsuits alleging various forms of sexual misconduct and other illegal behaviors. He firmly refutes these accusations, and the legal proceedings are ongoing.
In March, authorities conducted searches of Combs' residences in California and Florida as part of a federal inquiry led by a Department of Homeland Security unit specializing in human trafficking offenses, as disclosed by a high-ranking federal law enforcement official briefed on the matter. This investigation is connected to many of the same allegations of sexual assault raised in the civil lawsuits, according to another law enforcement insider familiar with the search operations.
Aaron Dyer, representing Combs legally, criticized the searches as an excessive display of force akin to military tactics in a statement released at the time.
He asserted, "This unparalleled ambush, coupled with a sophisticated, synchronized media campaign, prompts an unjust hastening to condemn Mr. Combs, resembling nothing but a baseless witch hunt spurred by groundless claims in civil litigation. No verdict of criminal or civil culpability has been reached regarding any of these accusations. Mr. Combs maintains his innocence and remains steadfast in his daily battle to vindicate his reputation."
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