Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: Allegations Surface of Assault on Cassie in 2016
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: Allegations surface of assault on Cassie in 2016. Stay updated on the unfolding details and responses from involved parties.
By Max Matza, BBC News
Recent CCTV footage has emerged that appears to show renowned rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting singer Cassie Ventura in a hotel corridor in 2016. The video, which CNN has aired, has come to light following allegations by Ventura in a lawsuit last year, bringing renewed scrutiny to the alleged incident.
Neither Cassie nor her representatives have commented directly on the video. However, her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, stated that the footage substantiates “the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs.” Despite requests for a statement, Combs’ legal team has not responded to the BBC’s inquiries.
The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by the BBC. The surveillance footage, dated March 5, 2016, appears to be a compilation from multiple camera angles and was reportedly filmed at the now-defunct InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
In the footage, Ventura is seen leaving a hotel room and walking towards a row of elevators. Shortly after, a shirtless man, purportedly Combs, is seen hurrying down the hallway, clutching a towel around his waist. When he reaches Ventura, he grabs her, throws her to the floor, and kicks her while she is down. He then picks up her dropped luggage, kicks her again, and attempts to drag her by her shirt. The man momentarily leaves before returning to shove Ventura as she stands up, eventually sitting in a chair near the elevators and throwing an object.
Wigdor, representing Ventura, described the video as “gut-wrenching,” highlighting her bravery in coming forward. He emphasized that the footage reinforces the “disturbing and predatory behavior” exhibited by Combs.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has indicated that the incident may fall outside the statute of limitations for prosecuting assault, given it occurred in 2016. In a statement, they acknowledged the disturbing nature of the footage but noted that it is likely too old to pursue charges.
In a federal lawsuit filed last year, Ventura alleged that in March 2016, Combs, while highly intoxicated, punched her, resulting in a black eye. The documents detail how Ventura attempted to leave the hotel room after Combs fell asleep, only for him to awaken and follow her into the hallway, shouting and throwing glass vases at her as she tried to reach the elevator. The lawsuit also claimed that Combs purchased the footage from the hotel for $50,000 to suppress the evidence.
The lawsuit, which included accusations of rape and sexual trafficking over a decade, was settled one day after filing in November last year. Combs’ lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, stated that the settlement was not an admission of guilt but a mutual agreement to avoid prolonged litigation. Brafman reiterated Combs’ denial of the allegations, expressing his client’s satisfaction with the settlement and extending well-wishes to Ventura.
Since Ventura’s lawsuit, other women have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct against Combs. Federal investigations have led to raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami, Florida, as part of an ongoing human trafficking probe.
Cassie Ventura, once signed to Combs’ Bad Boy Records, enjoyed significant success in the 2000s with several hits, including collaborations with Diddy. Her most notable tracks include “Me & U,” “Long Way to Go,” and “Official Girl” featuring Lil Wayne.
This revelation has added another layer of complexity to the already tumultuous narrative surrounding Combs. As more allegations surface, the entertainment industry and the public continue to grapple with the implications of these accusations, reflecting broader concerns about power dynamics and accountability within the music industry. The situation underscores the importance of addressing such allegations with seriousness and thorough investigation, ensuring justice and support for survivors of abuse.
Source: BBC news online
Images Maybe subject to copyright
Useful Links
ADVERTIZE WITH US
JOIN NWN GH WHATSAPP CHANNEL FOR UPDATES
