A surveillance video of Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, is circulating online.
In the 2016 video, obtained by CNN, Combs is seen chasing Ventura down the hallways of the since-shuttered InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, before grabbing her by the back of the neck and throwing her to the floor, all the while holding his towel closed with one hand. Combs then kicks her twice as she lies on the ground, curled up in the fetal position.
Ventura then stands up and gathers her belongings from the floor. As she tries to use the hotel phone close to the elevators, Combs returns. A mirror captures the reflection of Combs shoving Ventura before throwing a glass vase in her direction. Ventura then bolts for the elevator before the violent attack can resume.
Combs has not publicly responded to the video, but Ventura’s attorney issued a statement to CNN, arising Ventura for her “courage and fortitude.”
“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,” said Douglas H. Wigdor.
Combs has faced a series of lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and rape. Following the allegations, one of which ended in a multi-million dollar settlement to his ex-girlfriend.
On Nov. 16, Combs was sued in federal court by his ex-girlfriend and former Bad Boy artist, Cassie Ventura. Ventura accused him of rape and repeated physical assault and sex trafficking. Despite denying the allegations, Combs settled the lawsuit within 24 hours. Less than a week later, Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1991 while she was a college student. Dickerson-Neal alleges that he filmed the attack and showed the footage to individuals in the industry. The following day, on Nov. 24., Rolling Stone reported that an unidentified woman had filed a third lawsuit, accusing Combs and singer Aaron Hall of raping her and her friend.
That month, it was announced that Combs had “temporarily” stepped down as chairman of Revolt. Combs co-founded the company in 2013 alongside Andy Schuon.
Combs has denied all allegations against him.
If you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help.
