Content: A 2016 surveillance video obtained exclusively by CNN showcases a harrowing incident involving Sean “Diddy” Combs and his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, depicted in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. The footage, drawn from multiple camera angles dated March 5, 2016, appears to capture a troubling altercation that took place at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. CNN verified the setting based on publicly accessible photographs of the former hotel’s interior.
In the video, Ventura exits a hotel room and proceeds to a bank of elevators. Combs, wearing a towel around his waist, chases after Ventura down the hall. He then seizes her by the back of the neck and throws her to the floor. Struggling to maintain his towel, he turns and delivers a kick to her lying figure. Subsequently, Combs picks up a purse and suitcase from the floor near the elevators, turns around, and kicks Ventura again, who remains motionless on the floor. The video timing suggests approximately four seconds elapse between the two kicks. He then drags Ventura by her sweatshirt towards a room before walking away.
Ventura gradually rises from the ground, collects items scattered on the floor, and moves to pick up a phone on the hallway wall near the elevators. Combs shortly returns, and a mirror directly opposite a security camera captures him apparently shoving Ventura. Moments later, Combs sits on a chair, grabs an object off a table, and forcefully throws it towards Ventura. He walks away but turns back towards Ventura when an elevator door opens, and an unidentified person appears to emerge.
Ventura has declined to comment on the video obtained by CNN. Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, expressed: “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.” CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs for comment; Combs has previously denied Ventura’s allegations.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement regarding the 2016 surveillance video, acknowledging its awareness of the footage circulating online. “We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch. If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately, we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted,” the statement read on Instagram. They encouraged victims or witnesses of a crime to report it to law enforcement or reach out to their office for support from their Bureau of Victims Services.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed its awareness of the video but reported no open investigation involving Combs. The LAPD did not specify whether a report had ever been filed regarding the assault. When approached by CNN, a representative for InterContinental Hotels mentioned that the hotel is no longer under IHG management, and they lack access to prior incident records or footage.
Combs and Ventura, known for the hit song “Me & U,” had an on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018. They were seen together at the Los Angeles premiere of the film “A Perfect Match” on March 7, 2016. Ventura’s complaint, citing the altercation occurring “around March 2016,” alleged that Combs became extremely intoxicated and violently assaulted her, resulting in a black eye. Ventura’s complaint detailed that after Combs fell asleep, she attempted to leave the hotel room, but Combs woke up, followed her, and threw glass vases at her as she ran to the elevator to escape.
According to Ventura’s account, she took a cab to her apartment but returned to the hotel considering the abusive cycle she was in. Hotel security staff saw her, urged her to leave, and suggested they had observed security footage showing Combs beating her. The lawsuit also alleged that Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the hotel hallway security footage, among other serious allegations, including rape in 2018 and repeated physical and emotional abuse.
The lawsuit depicted Combs exerting power and influence over Ventura throughout their professional and personal relationship, which began when she was 19 and he was 37. Their business relationship continued until 2019. The legal complaint detailed numerous violent incidences and coerced sexual activities.
Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, refuted the allegations, describing them as offensive and outrageous, emphasizing that the decision to settle the lawsuit did not imply wrongdoing. Details of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Since November, Combs has faced five additional civil lawsuits accusing him of a spectrum of sexual misconduct and illegal activities. He has denied the allegations, and these cases remain active. Federal authorities conducted searches of Combs’ homes in California and Florida as part of an investigation related to these allegations. Aaron Dyer, Combs’ attorney, criticized the searches, asserting they represented a premature rush to judgment and meritless accusations.
CNN contributed to this story with reporting from Kevin Flower, Megan Thomas, Elizabeth Joseph, Rebekah Riess, and Cheri Mossburg.
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, resources are available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
