May 17th 2024.
Please be advised that the following story contains sensitive details and content that may be distressing for some readers.
Recently, a security video aired by CNN has captured the attention of the public as it appears to show hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs violently attacking his then-girlfriend and protege, singer Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway back in 2016. This incident is just one of many that have been brought to light in recent months, shedding light on the physical and sexual violence allegations against Combs.
The footage, which was aired on Friday, shows Combs wearing nothing but a white towel as he punches and kicks Cassie, who was his girlfriend at the time. The video also captures him shoving and dragging her, as well as throwing a vase in her direction.
This security camera video, dated March 5, 2016, closely resembles the description of an incident at an InterContinental Hotel in the Century City area of Los Angeles, which was mentioned in a lawsuit filed by Cassie, also known as Cassandra Ventura, in November of that same year. The lawsuit alleges years of sexual abuse and other violent acts committed by Combs, who reportedly paid the hotel $50,000 for the security footage.
It is unclear how CNN obtained the video, but they have confirmed its authenticity by comparing it to publicly available images of the InterContinental Hotel. The lawsuit filed by Cassie was settled the day after it was filed, but it sparked further investigations and lawsuits against Combs, including a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation that resulted in raids of his mansions in Los Angeles and Miami.
Combs' representatives have not yet commented on the video, but he has previously denied all allegations brought against him in the lawsuits. His lawyers have also stated that he denies any wrongdoing and is determined to prove his innocence.
According to Douglas Wigdor, an attorney for Cassie who has filed other lawsuits against Combs, "The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs." He also commended Cassie for her courage and strength in coming forward to bring this issue to light.
In most cases, the Associated Press does not reveal the names of individuals who have been sexually abused unless they choose to come forward publicly, as Cassandra Ventura has done. The lawsuit states that on the night of the incident, Combs had become extremely intoxicated and punched Cassie, leaving her with a black eye. When she tried to leave, he began screaming at her, and the video appears to capture this moment.
In the video, we see Cassie heading towards the elevators with a packed bag, but Combs awakes and starts following her down the hall, violently grabbing her, yanking her to the ground, and throwing objects in her direction. The lawsuit states that Cassie managed to get away, but she later returned out of fear that she would face more abuse if she didn't. However, she fled to a friend's house in Florida, where she stayed for some time.
It is unlikely that Combs will face criminal charges for this particular attack, as the statutes of limitations for assault and battery in California range from one to three years, depending on whether they are charged as misdemeanors or felonies.
The release of this video comes at a time when Combs and his legal team have started to dispute the allegations that have been made against him since November. They have recently filed motions to dismiss parts of a lawsuit that claims he sexually assaulted a woman in 1991, as well as a lawsuit alleging that he and two other men raped a 17-year-old girl in 2003. In both cases, the court filings have labeled the allegations as false.
On March 25, Homeland Security Investigations conducted a search of Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami as part of a sex-trafficking investigation. His lawyer has criticized this move, calling it "a gross use of military-level force." The investigation is ongoing, and Combs has not been charged.
Combs, a three-time Grammy winner and the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been a major influence in the hip-hop industry for the past three decades. He has also established a successful business empire, which includes private-label spirits, fashion, and a TV network. However, he has had to step down from some of his business roles since these allegations have come to light.
Combs and Ventura began dating in 2007 and had an on-and-off relationship for over a decade. She is best known for her hit single "Me & U," which reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart in 2006. The song was featured on her self-titled debut album, which was her only studio album. She has also appeared in various television shows and films, including "Empire," "Step Up 2: The Streets," and "Spenser Confidential."
If you or someone you know is in need of help and support, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Service at 1800 RESPECT. In case of an emergency, please call triple zero.
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