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Note: This article contains references to and descriptions of apparent physical assault that some readers may find disturbing.
CNN obtained and published hotel surveillance video from March 2016 that appears to show Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, the pop and R&B singer Casandra Elizabeth “Cassie” Ventura. The graphic footage comes from the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, according to CNN.
The newly released footage seems to corroborate allegations that 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 asleep, “but as she exited, Mr. Combs awoke and began screaming at [her]. He followed her into the hallway of the hotel while yelling at her. He grabbed at her, and then took glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her, causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape.”
The lawsuit also contended, “Upon information and belief, Mr. Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that evening.”
In a statement shared with Pitchfork, Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said, “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.”
Pitchfork has also reached out to a representative for Diddy for comment.
Cassie filed her lawsuit against Diddy in November of last year. The matter was settled the day after it became public, with Diddy’s attorney saying, “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to 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 is facing allegations of sexual assault 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 have been affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to reach out:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)