Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs claim CNN used a “free” software program, and “substantially altered” the 2016 surveillance video that showed the music mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel.
In a March 13 federal court filing obtained by Urban Hollywood 411, Diddy’s lawyers claimed CNN paid for the video that showed the mogul kicking, dragging, and throwing objects at Cassie inside the now-closed InterContinental Hotel.
“CNN purchased the only known copy of the Hotel’s surveillance footage, uploaded that footage into a free editing software, altered the video; and then destroyed the original footage even though it knew about and repeatedly reported about the federal case,” the filing alleges.
The defense also claims the video was manipulated by “covering the time stamp and then changing the video sequence.”
Related: CNN Responds to Diddy Claim Network ‘Altered’ Hotel Assault Video
As a result of the alleged manipulation, the defense insists “the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question,” and should not be allowed as evidence in the mogul’s upcoming federal criminal trial.
The claims were included in an 8-page joint filing from the defense and prosecution about evidence in the case.
CNN has denied the claims. Meanwhile, Cassie’s attorney Douglas Wigdor said the defense is grabbing at straws.
“I am confident that the video fairly and accurately represents what happened, will be admitted into evidence, and that Combs will be held accountable for his depravity,” the attorney said in a statement Thursday to Page Six.
CNN aired the video for the first time on May 17, 2024. As of Thursday, it had over 4 million views on YouTube alone.
Two days after the footage was released, Diddy posted and later deleted a video statement on Instagram apologizing for the violence, as Urban Hollywood 411 previously reported.
“I was fu–ed up. I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” he said. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry.”
The music producer was arrested on Sept. 16, and charged with three federal counts — racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
An amended filing by prosecutors last week additionally accused the mogul of “forced labor,” which he denied through his attorneys.
Diddy remains jailed in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, after being denied bail by three judges. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.
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