Note: This article contains references and descriptions of apparent physical assault that some readers may find disturbing.
CNN obtained and released hotel surveillance video from March 2016 that appears to show Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, pop and R&B singer Casandra Elizabeth “Cassie” Ventura. The graphic comes from the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, according to CNN.
The newly released video appears to corroborate the claims Cassie made in her since-settled lawsuit against Diddy. In the complaint, Cassie alleged that Diddy “became extremely intoxicated and punched [her] in the face' at the hotel. The singer said she “tried to leave her hotel room” while Diddy was sleeping, “but as she was leaving, Mr. Combs woke up and started screaming. [her]. He followed her down the hotel hallway while yelling at her. He grabbed her and then picked up glass jars in the hallway and threw them at her, causing the glass to crash around them as she ran for the elevator to escape.”
The lawsuit also alleged, “Upon information and belief, Mr. Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for runway security equipment from that evening.”
In a statement shared with Pitchfork, Cassie's attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said, “The shocking video further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude Ms. Ventura displayed in bringing this to light.”
Pitchfork has also reached out to a rep for Diddy for comment.
Cassie filed her lawsuit against Diddy in November of last year. The matter was settled the day after it went public, with Diddy's attorney saying, “Mr. Combs' decision to settle the lawsuit in no way undermines his categorical denial of the claims. He is pleased that they have reached a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Cassie's lawsuit set off a chain of events, leading to more lawsuits against Diddy, who faces sexual assault charges and more. There is also a federal investigation into the rapper and hip-hop mogul for alleged sex trafficking. Diddy has denied allegations of wrongdoing.
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to contact:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
