Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ have accused CNN of altering the original footage of his 2016 assault of ex-girlfriend and singer Cassie Ventura and of destroying it.
The video, which was recorded at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, showed Diddy chasing after Cassie wearing a white towel around his waist and socks, grabbing her by the neck and throwing before kicking her. He then drags along the hallway before dropping her. Later in the clip, he is seen throwing a vase in her direction.
“All CNN video footage was substantially altered in significant respects,” the letter from Diddy’s attorneys to the judge.
“This includes covering the time stamp and then changing the video sequence. It also includes speeding up the video to make it falsely appear that the actions in the video are taking place faster than they are. As a result, the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question.”
CNN denies the allegations.
“CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source,” the new outlet’s statement reads. “CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested.”
Diddy already took responsibility for the assault after the video went viral.
Diddy responds to the backlash he’s been receiving after leaked hotel footage shows him attacking Cassie back in 2016. pic.twitter.com/VudZUKAg7a
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 19, 2024
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he said. “Disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to be a better man. Each and every day.”