Defense attorneys for Sean Diddy Combs claimed that a widely circulated video showing him being attacked Cassie Ventura has been “edited” and misrepresents the March 2016 incident at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
Federal prosecutors used this video as evidence to support sex trafficking charges, suggesting that Combs forced Ventura to have sex with male prostitutes during “use” sessions. They argued that this demonstrated the risk he poses to women if he is granted bail.
The defense team disputed those claims, saying prosecutors fabricated the narrative using an altered version of the film. They claimed the video showed a domestic dispute in which Combs chased her belongings, including clothes and a cell phone, down the hotel corridor.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro said in a court filing, “The fuller record of the incident — unlike CNN’s sensationalized cut of the government — contradicts the government’s statements.” She also noted that the prosecution’s version omitted key footage and altered the sequence of events.
The defense offered to present a forensic video analyst at Friday’s court hearing, where the judge will determine Combs’ bail status. The judge had already excluded Combs’ handwritten notes from consideration due to defense concerns about the attorney-client privilege.
Prosecutors remain confident the video evidence is sufficient to warrant Combs’ continued detention. The footage shows Combs chasing Ventura, grabbing her by the neck, forcing her to the ground, kicking her and dragging her by her sweatshirt to the floor.
After CNN published the video in May, Combs admitted his actions. In an Instagram reel, he said: “I was disgusted when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and sought professional help. I went to therapy, to rehab. I had to ask God. for His mercy and grace”.
In November 2023, Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs alleging sex trafficking and sexual assault. Court documents revealed her claims that Combs “often punched, beat, kicked and stomped on her” throughout their relationship.