Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has made explosive allegations against CNN, claiming the network altered and destroyed the original footage of the 2016 incident in which the music mogul was seen physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassi Ventura.
The footage in question has become a focal point in Diddy’s upcoming criminal trial for sex trafficking and racketeering, sparking a heated legal battle over its acceptability as evidence.
The Allegations Against CNN
In the joint letter obtained by Page Six, Diddy’s defense team and prosecutors discussed what evidence should be addressed at the pretrial conference in his upcoming sex trafficking case.
The defense claimed that CNN purchased the controversial video, which showed Cassie being beaten and dragged by the American rapper in the hallway of the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, California, and released it to the public in May 2024 with a note stating that it was recorded on March 5, 2016.
However, the defense alleged that “all CNN video footage was substantially altered in significant respects, adding that it covered the time stamp and changed the video sequel as well."
They also claimed that the network sped up the video to make it “falsely appear that the actions” in it took place “faster” than they were.
“As a result, the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question,” Diddy’s attorney argued.
The defense further claimed that the video CNN purchased was the “only copy” of the hotel’s surveillance footage and alleged that it was uploaded into “a free editing software,” altered and that the original clip was “destroyed” despite CNN being aware of and repeatedly reporting on the federal investigation.
Cassie Ventura’s Attorney, CNN Respond to the Claims of Diddy’s Legal Team
Meanwhile, Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Widor, responded to the claims of Diddy’s legal team, admitting that the allegations against CNN were not shocking at all.
“It is not surprising that Combs would make a disingenuous argument to exclude the disturbing video from being shown to the jury in the upcoming trial,” he told Page Six. “I am confident that the video fairly and accurately represents what happened, will be admitted into evidence, and that Combs will be held accountable for his depravity.”
A CNN spokesperson also stressed to the outlet that the network “never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source.”
In fact, it was emphasized that when it aired the story about the video, Diddy was not arrested until after several months.
For starters, the record producer was arrested in New York in September 2024.
He even acknowledged and took “full responsibility” for the video, releasing a statement in a video on Instagram and apologizing for his actions
“I was f—ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses,” he explained. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted.”
The video also appeared to prove Cassie’s claims against Diddy in her November 2023 lawsuit, claiming physical abuse.
This is not the first time Diddy’s party has questioned the integrity of the 2016 video. In earlier proceedings, they also accused prosecutors of presenting an altered version of the footage and claimed government agents leaked it to CNN.
However, the allegations were already dismissed by both prosecutors and a judge. So, it remains to be seen if the same thing will happen again this time.
Diddy’s trial is scheduled for May 5, 2025.