The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal sex trafficking case will be shown video footage of him assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. A New York judge decided this despite objections from Diddy’s defense team.
Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the rapper’s request to block the video from being presented at the trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 5. He explained that Diddy’s lawyers failed to provide a convincing reason to exclude the footage. The judge further noted, “We can eliminate at least many of the defence’s concerns through technology.”
During a hearing in New York, a federal prosecutor described the video, stating that it captured Diddy hitting and kicking Ventura in the hallway of the now-closed InterContinental Hotel. The assault reportedly happened in 2016.
Diddy’s Past Admission and Apology
In May 2024, CNN released the footage, prompting Diddy to publicly admit to the assault. He posted an apology on Instagram, writing, “My behaviour on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
He also shared that he sought therapy and rehabilitation after the incident, adding, “I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”
Allegations of Bribery and Further Charges
Reports suggest that Diddy attempted to bribe a hotel security staff member to keep the video hidden. Prosecutors have also accused him of recording sexual acts without consent and using threats, violence, money offers, and job promises to control his alleged victims.
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, argued in court that the music mogul was a swinger and not a sexual predator. Diddy, now 55 years old, has denied all the charges against him, insisting that his sexual encounters were consensual.
Arrested on September 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Diddy is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He faces multiple charges, including criminal sex trafficking, promoting prostitution, physical abuse, and involvement in a racketeering conspiracy.