Judge Allows 2016 Assault Video in Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial

A federal judge has ruled that prosecutors in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' upcoming sex trafficking trial may show jurors hotel surveillance footage from 2016 that captures Combs violently assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hallway. The decision followed arguments from Combs' legal team to exclude the video, which they claimed was manipulated, but the judge found its relevance to the case outweighed concerns of prejudice. The video, obtained and aired by CNN in 2024, shows Combs punching, shoving, and dragging Ventura, and has been described by prosecutors as critical evidence. Prosecutors also disclosed that Combs was offered a plea deal, which he rejected. The trial, set to begin May 5 in New York City, will include Ventura testifying under her own name as one of the alleged victims. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, with the indictment detailing a pattern of abuse and attempts to silence victims.