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In a shocking revelation, security footage from 2016 has emerged showing Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. The video, released by CNN on Friday, adds a disturbing visual dimension to the ongoing allegations of physical and sexual violence against the rapper and producer.
The footage, dated March 5, 2016, depicts Combs, clad only in a white towel, sprinting down the corridor of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City. He catches up with Cassie, also known as Cassandra Ventura, and is seen grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her. The video further shows Combs hurling a vase at her and dragging her along the floor.
This distressing scene closely aligns with the description of an incident Cassie detailed in a November lawsuit. In her suit, Cassie accused Combs of years of sexual abuse and violence, noting that he paid $50,000 to the hotel to secure the footage.
Cassie’s lawsuit, which was settled swiftly after being filed, triggered a wave of scrutiny and additional lawsuits against Combs. These include allegations of sexual assault dating back to 1991 and a rape accusation involving a 17-year-old in 2003. Combs has denied all allegations, with his legal team asserting his innocence and pledging to contest the claims.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor, representing Cassie and other plaintiffs, commented on the video, stating, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behaviour of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
According to the lawsuit, the violent episode began after Combs became “extremely intoxicated” and allegedly punched Cassie, resulting in a black eye. The video starts as Cassie, with a packed bag, attempts to leave via the elevators after Combs fell asleep. Awaking and screaming, Combs pursued her down the hallway. Although Cassie initially escaped, she returned out of fear of greater violence, eventually seeking refuge with a friend in Florida.
Given the statutes of limitations for assault or battery in California, which range from one to three years, it is improbable that Combs will face criminal charges for the 2016 attack. However, the video’s release compounds the legal challenges he faces, amid a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation that has already seen raids on his Los Angeles and Miami residences.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, a pivotal figure in hip-hop and the founder of Bad Boy Records, has built an extensive business empire encompassing music, spirits, fashion, and television. However, the gravity of these allegations has forced him to step back from several business roles. His relationship with Cassie, which began in 2007, spanned over a decade marked by turbulence and intermittent separations.
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