Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, there are resources available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline. (https://www.thehotline.org/)
In a 2016 surveillance video obtained exclusively by CNN, Sean “Diddy” Combs is seen assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation that aligns with allegations in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. The footage, captured from multiple camera angles on March 5, 2016, shows the rapper and business mogul at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. CNN verified the location using publicly available photos of the hotel’s interior.
In the video, Ventura exits a hotel room and walks toward a bank of elevators. Combs, holding a towel around his waist, runs after her down the hall, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her while holding his towel closed. As Ventura lies on the ground, Combs retrieves a purse and suitcase from near the elevators, kicks her again, and briefly drags her by her sweatshirt before walking away.
Ventura is then seen slowly standing up, gathering items from the floor, and moving to pick up a phone near the elevators. Combs returns, shoves Ventura, sits down on a chair, grabs an object off a table, and forcefully throws it at her. He walks away but turns back towards Ventura when an elevator door opens and someone exits.
Ventura, who reached an undisclosed settlement with Combs, declined to comment on the video obtained by CNN. Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, stated, “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.
Ventura’s lawsuit detailed a pattern of abuse during her relationship with Combs, which lasted from 2007 to 2018. According to the complaint, the altercation occurred “around March 2016,” when Combs became “extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye.” After Combs fell asleep, Ventura attempted to leave the hotel room, but he woke up, followed her into the hallway, grabbed her, and threw glass vases at her as she ran to the elevator.
Ventura took a cab to her apartment but returned to the hotel, fearing Combs’ anger. Hotel security urged her to leave, indicating they had seen footage of Combs beating her. The complaint alleges Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the security footage. This incident was part of broader allegations in Ventura’s lawsuit, claiming she was raped in 2018 and subjected to years of abuse by Combs.
Ventura, formerly signed to Combs’ label, claimed he “exerted his power and influence” over her throughout their relationship. The complaint details claims of physical violence and coercion into sex acts with other men. Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, denied the allegations, stating, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.” The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, with Brafman emphasizing that settling was not an admission of wrongdoing and that Combs denied the claims.
Since November, Combs has faced five other civil lawsuits accusing him of various sexual misconduct and illegal activities. He has denied these allegations, and the cases are ongoing. In April, federal authorities searched Combs’ homes in California and Florida as part of a Department of Homeland Security investigation into human trafficking, related to many of the same allegations. Combs’ attorney, Aaron Dyer, criticized the searches as a “gross overuse of military-level force” and described the investigation as a “witch hunt” based on meritless accusations. Combs maintains his innocence and is
determined to clear his name.
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