Disturbing video evidence shows hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016, corroborating her allegations of abuse.
A surveillance video from 2016 obtained exclusively by CNN shows hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs violently assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation at a Los Angeles hotel.
The footage, compiled from multiple camera angles and dated March 5, 2016, depicts a disturbing scene that matches allegations made in a federal lawsuit previously filed by Ventura against Combs. CNN verified the location as the former InterContinental Hotel in Century City based on publicly available interior photos.
In the video, Ventura exits a hotel room and walks toward the elevators when Combs, holding only a towel around his waist, runs after her down the hallway. He grabs her by the neck from behind and violently throws her to the floor. With one hand still clutching his towel, Combs then turns and kicks the defenseless Ventura while she lies motionless.
About four seconds later, he kicks her again before briefly dragging her by her sweatshirt. Ventura slowly gets up, gathers her belongings, and appears to reach for a hallway phone when Combs returns. Footage from an opposing mirror shows him shoving Ventura again.
Combs then sits briefly before forcefully throwing an object at Ventura as she stands near the open elevator doors. As someone exits, he confronts her once more before finally walking away.
The graphic video directly corroborates claims made in Ventura's November 2022 lawsuit alleging Combs subjected her to years of physical abuse and sexual violence throughout their on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018.
"The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs," said Ventura's attorney Douglas H. Wigdor. "Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light." Ventura, a model and singer, declined to comment to CNN. Combs has previously denied her allegations, though representatives did not respond to CNN's request for comment on the newly revealed footage.
The disturbing visuals could reignite scrutiny of Combs and the #MeToo movement's reckoning in the entertainment industry over powerful figures accused of misconduct. Law enforcement is already investigating Combs over separate sexual assault allegations detailed in other recent civil lawsuits he also disputes.
The release of footage providing such clear evidence of physical violence is extremely rare in unreported domestic incidents. It shines an unnerving spotlight on the hip-hop icon's conduct even as he faces ongoing legal issues threatening his business empire and legacy.
