CNN releases exclusive 2016 footage of Sean โDiddyโ Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura.
(CNN)-The surveillance video shows a disturbing altercation between Sean โDiddyโ Combs and Cassie Ventura, where Combs can be seen physically assaulting Ventura during a heated argument. The video, obtained exclusively by CNN, captures Combs grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura, highlighting the violent nature of the altercation.
This incident aligns with the allegations made by Ventura in a federal lawsuit filed in November, where she accused Combs of physical and emotional abuse throughout their relationship. The lawsuit has since been resolved, but the release of the surveillance video sheds light on the disturbing reality of domestic violence and abuse in relationships, even among high-profile individuals.
The video serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and condemning all forms of abuse, regardless of the status or fame of those involved. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and support for victims of domestic violence, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
On March 5, 2016, a video was put together using various camera angles. It seems to capture the rapper, producer, and business tycoon during an incident that allegedly took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, as stated in Venturaโs complaint. CNN confirmed the location by comparing it to publicly accessible photos of the hotelโs interior when it was still open.
Ventura cautiously steps out of the hotel room, her heart pounding with unease. She glances around, her eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of danger. As she makes her way towards a row of elevators, Combs suddenly appears, his towel hastily wrapped around his waist. His face contorted with anger, he charges towards Ventura, his footsteps echoing through the corridor.
In a split second, Combs reaches out and grabs Ventura by the back of her neck, his grip tight and menacing. The force of his grasp sends a shiver down her spine, her body instinctively tensing up. With a swift and brutal motion, he forcefully throws her to the ground, the impact jarring her entire being.
Struggling to regain her composure, Ventura fights against the pain coursing through her body. She looks up, her eyes meeting Combsโ cold and merciless gaze. Balancing the towel precariously with one hand, he raises his leg and delivers a powerful kick towards her, the sheer force of it threatening to knock the wind out of her.
The scene captured in the video is a chilling testament to the violence and aggression that Ventura is subjected to. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability she faces, as she navigates a world where her safety is constantly at risk.
Ventura is left lying on the ground, her body limp and vulnerable. Combs, with a cold and callous demeanor, picks up the purse and suitcase that were innocently left near the elevators, showing no remorse for his violent actions. The gap of four seconds between the two kicks only serves to emphasize the brutality of the attack, as Ventura lays defenseless and in pain.
As Combs kicks her once more, the camera captures the moment of impact, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. Ventura remains motionless, her body bruised and broken, a victim of senseless violence. Combs then callously drags her by her sweatshirt towards a room, a final act of disrespect and cruelty before he walks away, leaving her alone and vulnerable.
The video footage serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, of the violence that can erupt in an instant. Venturaโs life has been forever altered by this brutal attack, her sense of safety shattered. As she lies on the ground, abandoned and alone, the world continues to turn, indifferent to her pain and suffering.
Ventura stumbles slightly as Combs pushes him, causing him to drop the items he had picked up. He turns around, a look of confusion and anger on his face as he confronts Combs. The tension between the two men is palpable as they stand face to face in the hallway.
Venturaโs hand clenches into a fist as he glares at Combs, who meets his gaze with a defiant look of his own. The silence between them is broken only by the sound of the elevator doors opening and closing nearby.
Without a word, Ventura picks up his belongings and walks past Combs, heading towards the stairs at the end of the hallway. Combs watches him go, a smirk playing on his lips as he turns back to the mirror, adjusting his towel.
As Ventura disappears from view, the security camera captures the moment, freezing the image of the two men in a tense standoff. The hallway is quiet once more, but the tension lingers in the air, a reminder of the simmering conflict between Ventura and Combs.
He quickly takes a seat on a chair, snatches an item from a table, and hurls it aggressively in Venturaโs direction. Combs walks off, but then looks back at Ventura as an elevator door slides open and someone steps out.
It is unclear what the terms of the agreement between Ventura and Combs were, as they were not disclosed to the public. Despite the video obtained by CNN, Ventura decided not to make any comments or statements regarding the situation. This decision may have been made in order to protect his privacy or to avoid further controversy surrounding the incident. Venturaโs silence on the matter leaves many questions unanswered and adds to the mystery surrounding the situation.
Douglas H. Wigdor, the attorney representing Ms. Ventura, expressed his deep concern and outrage upon viewing the video evidence. He described it as gut-wrenching, emphasizing the emotional impact it had on him and the gravity of the situation. The video, according to Wigdor, provided undeniable proof of Mr. Combsโ disturbing and predatory actions.
Wigdor further emphasized that the video served to solidify the allegations against Mr. Combs, leaving no room for doubt or speculation. He believed that the footage was a crucial piece of evidence that would help ensure justice for his client.
In acknowledging Ms. Venturaโs bravery and strength, Wigdor highlighted the immense courage it took for her to come forward and speak out about the issue. He recognized that words alone could not fully capture the magnitude of her actions and the impact they would have on the case.
By publicly addressing the issue, Ms. Ventura demonstrated her determination to seek justice and hold Mr. Combs accountable for his alleged actions. Wigdor commended her for her bravery, as speaking out about such sensitive matters can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining.
In conclusion, Wigdorโs statement emphasized the distressing nature of the video evidence and its role in solidifying the allegations against Mr. Combs. He also praised Ms. Ventura for her bravery and strength in speaking out, acknowledging the significant impact her actions would have on the case.
CNN has contacted Combsโ representatives for a statement. Combs has refuted Venturaโs claims in the past.
Upon being contacted by CNN, a spokesperson for InterContinental Hotels stated on Friday that the hotel is currently not managed by IHG. Furthermore, they emphasized that they do not possess any records or footage pertaining to previous incidents.
Venturaโs lawsuit
Combs and Ventura, a renowned model and singer recognized for her hit songs such as โMe & U,โ had an intermittent relationship spanning from 2007 to 2018. On March 7, 2016, the couple was captured in photographs attending the premiere of the movie โA Perfect Matchโ in Los Angeles.
Venturaโs complaint alleges that the altercation took place โapproximately in March 2016,โ as stated. It further claims that Combs, in a highly intoxicated state, struck Ms. Ventura in the face, resulting in a black eye.
After Combs dozed off, Ventura made an attempt to exit the hotel room. However, he abruptly awakened and proceeded to pursue her into the hotel hallway, vociferously expressing his anger towards her, as stated in the complaint.
The complaint alleged that he reached for her, then proceeded to grab glass vases from the hallway and hurl them at her, resulting in shattered glass surrounding them as she fled to the elevator to seek safety.
The complaint claimed that he tried to grab her, then picked up glass vases from the hallway and launched them at her, leading to glass shattering around them as she hurried to the elevator to escape.
After Ventura got in the elevator, her complaint states that she took a cab to her apartment.
The complaint alleges that Ms. Ventura decided to return to the hotel after understanding that her escape would only worsen Mr. Combsโ anger towards her, trapping her in his abusive cycle. Upon her return, the hotel security staff advised her to take a cab back to her apartment, indicating that they had witnessed Mr. Combs physically assaulting Ms. Ventura and throwing glass at her in the hotel corridor.
The lawsuit claims that Combs gave $50,000 to the InterContinental Century City for the hallway security footage. This is just one of the many accusations made in the November lawsuit, where Ventura stated that she was raped in 2018 and endured years of ongoing physical and other mistreatments by Combs.
The lawsuit asserts that Combs provided $50,000 to the InterContinental Century City in exchange for the hallway security footage. This is among the various allegations outlined in the November lawsuit, where Ventura accused Combs of raping her in 2018 and subjecting her to years of repeated physical and other forms of abuse.
Ventura, who had been officially signed to Combsโ record label, alleged in her lawsuit that he wielded his authority and sway over her during the entirety of their professional and romantic association. As per the legal complaint, she was 19 years old when they first crossed paths, while Combs was 37, and their business affiliation endured until 2019. The complaint outlined allegations of physical violence inflicted by Combs upon Ventura, as well as his coercion for her to partake in numerous sexual acts with other individuals throughout that period.1. Mr. Combs refutes these offensive and outrageous allegations, as stated by his attorney, Ben Brafman, in a statement to CNN on the day the allegations were filed.
The issue was settled the next day.
The problem was resolved the day after.
Brafman clarified to CNN that settling the lawsuit in 2023 doesnโt mean admitting any wrongdoing. He emphasized that Mr. Combsโ choice to settle doesnโt change his denial of the claims. Brafman mentioned that they reached a mutual agreement and Mr. Combs wishes Ms. Ventura well.
The settlement details were not made public.
Ongoing legal issues
Combs has been dealing with five additional civil lawsuits since November, all accusing him of various forms of sexual misconduct and other unlawful behavior. He firmly denies these allegations, and the lawsuits are still ongoing.
Officials raided Combsโ residences in California and Florida back in March as part of a federal probe conducted by a Department of Homeland Security unit specializing in human trafficking cases, as per a high-ranking federal law enforcement officer briefed on the case. The investigation is linked to numerous sexual assault accusations outlined in the civil lawsuits, as stated by another law enforcement insider familiar with the searches.
Aaron Dyer, the lawyer representing Combs, released a statement back then, denouncing the searches as an excessive display of military force.
He stated that this unexpected surprise attack, along with a well-organized media presence, results in a hasty judgment of Mr. Combs, which is simply a witch hunt fueled by baseless accusations made in civil lawsuits. Itโs important to note that there has been no evidence of criminal or civil wrongdoing in relation to these allegations. Mr. Combs maintains his innocence and remains determined to prove it every day.
