7 hours ago
3
Defence attorneys for
Sean Diddy Combs
claimed that a widely circulated video showing him allegedly attacking Cassie Ventura was "edited" and misrepresents the March 2016 incident at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
Federal prosecutors used this video as evidence to support allegations of sex trafficking, suggesting Combs forced Ventura into sexual acts with male prostitutes during "freak off" sessions. They argued this demonstrated the risk he poses to women if granted bail.
The defence team contested these claims, saying prosecutors fabricated the narrative using an altered version of the footage. They maintained that the video showed a domestic dispute where Combs pursued his belongings, including clothes and a mobile phone, down the hotel corridor.
Defence attorney Alexandra Shapiro said in a court filing, "The more complete footage of the incident -- in contrast to the government's sensationalized CNN cut -- contradicts the government's representations." She further noted that the prosecution's version omitted crucial footage and altered the sequence of events.
The defence offered to present a forensic video analyst at Friday's court hearing, where the judge will determine Combs' bail status. The judge has already excluded Combs' handwritten prison notes from consideration, following defence concerns about attorney-client privilege.
Prosecutors remain confident that the video evidence sufficiently justifies Combs' continued detention. The footage shows Combs pursuing Ventura, grabbing her neck, forcing her to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her by her sweatshirt across the floor.
Following CNN's publication of the video in May, Combs acknowledged his actions. In an Instagram reel, he said, "I was disgusted then, when I did it. I'm disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace."
In November 2023, Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs that alleged sex trafficking and sexual assault. Court documents revealed her claims that Combs "often punched, beat, kicked and stomped" on her throughout their relationship.
