Newly released surveillance footage shows Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, supporting allegations she made in a lawsuit settled late last year.
The video, published by CNN on Friday, May 17, 2024, depicts the rap mogul hitting, dragging, and kicking Ventura in 2016.
Combs faces several civil lawsuits accusing him of being a violent sexual predator who used alcohol and drugs to control his victims. Federal agents raided his homes earlier this year as part of ongoing investigations.
The footage shows Ventura leaving a hotel room, followed by Combs, who appears to be wearing only a towel. He chases her, throws her to the ground, and assaults her. In her recent lawsuit, Ventura claimed Combs subjected her to over a decade of physical coercion, drug abuse, and a rape in 2018.
“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,” stated her lawyer Douglas Wigdor.
Ventura’s lawsuit, filed in federal court last fall, was settled out of court but spurred additional sexual assault claims against Combs. Ventura met Combs at 19 when he signed her to his label, and they began a romantic relationship. Combs, who was 37 at the time, has vehemently denied all accusations. His lawyer has not yet responded to a request for comment.
In March, armed agents conducted high-profile raids on Combs’ luxury properties in Miami and Los Angeles, suggesting an investigation into the rapper is underway.
