Exclusive Video Shows Sean “Diddy” Combs Assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016
A 2016 surveillance video obtained exclusively by CNN reveals Sean Combs engaging in a violent altercation with his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, corroborating allegations detailed in a recently settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November.
The video, dated March 5, 2016, was compiled from multiple camera angles and captures the incident at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. CNN verified the location using publicly available photos of the former hotel’s interior.
The footage shows Cassie Ventura exiting a hotel room and heading toward the elevators, followed closely by Sean Combs, who is holding a towel around his waist. He grabs her by the back of the neck, throws her to the floor, and kicks her while maintaining his grip on the towel. As Ventura lies motionless, Combs retrieves her purse and suitcase, then kicks her again before briefly dragging her by her sweatshirt.
Ventura eventually stands, collects her belongings, and approaches a phone on the hallway wall. Combs returns, shoves Ventura, and throws an object at her before walking away. The video ends as an elevator door opens and someone appears to exit.
Ventura declined to comment on the footage. However, her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, issued a statement: “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.”
CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs and InterContinental Hotels for comment. Combs has previously denied Ventura’s allegations.
Details from Cassie Ventura’s Lawsuit
Combs and Ventura had an on-again, off-again relationship from 2007 to 2018. Ventura’s complaint, citing the March 2016 altercation, alleges Combs became “extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye.” After falling asleep, Combs woke up and chased Ventura into the hotel hallway, where he allegedly threw glass vases at her.
Ventura’s complaint states she initially escaped but returned to the hotel out of fear of Combs’ anger. Hotel security reportedly advised her to leave, having seen the security footage. The complaint also claims Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the footage.
The lawsuit, which included allegations of rape and years of physical and emotional abuse, was settled the day after it was filed. Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, stated at the time, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. Settling 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.”
Ongoing Legal Issues for Sean Combs
Since November, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of various forms of sexual misconduct and illegal activity. Combs has denied all allegations, and the cases remain active.
In April, authorities searched Combs’ homes in California and Florida as part of a federal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security into human trafficking crimes. The investigation is linked to the sexual assault allegations from the civil lawsuits.
Aaron Dyer, another attorney for Combs, described the searches as a “gross overuse of military-level force,” labeling the investigation a “witch hunt based on meritless accusations.” He emphasized that there has been no finding of criminal or civil liability against Combs.
As these legal battles unfold, the recently surfaced video adds a disturbing visual dimension to the allegations, shedding light on the severe nature of the claims against the influential music mogul.
