Judge Will Allow Jury to See This Assault Video [WATCH]

A federal judge ruled Friday that the jury in the upcoming trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs will be permitted to view security footage that shows the music producer physically assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016.

The decision comes as part of an ongoing federal case in Manhattan where Combs faces serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian granted the prosecution’s request to introduce the video, which was first aired by CNN in May 2024.

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The footage, taken from a security camera at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, California, reportedly shows Combs striking Ventura, dragging her along the floor, and throwing a glass vase at her.

Prosecutors said they will present two witnesses to verify the footage’s authenticity.

Combs, 55, was arrested four months after the footage was broadcast.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to stand trial on May 5, with opening statements expected on May 12.

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His attorneys have argued that the video is “edited” and “manipulated,” claiming that the original footage was deleted and that the version shared by CNN was significantly sped up and distorted.

A forensic video analyst hired by the defense, Connor McCourt, submitted an affidavit supporting that claim.

Prosecutors countered that they had slowed the footage to reflect its original speed and offered to collaborate with the defense on any outstanding technical concerns.

According to new documents filed by Diddy’s lawyers claim CNN destroyed the only known copy of the 2016 video in which Diddy is seen beating Cassie in the hallway of an L.A. hotel.

“CNN purchased the only known copy of the Hotel’s surveillance footage, uploaded that footage into… pic.twitter.com/lq7lRXLfGm

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) March 13, 2025

In addition to ruling on the video’s admissibility, Judge Subramanian addressed multiple pretrial motions during Friday’s hearing.

The judge denied a prosecution request to include a 911 call in the trial and imposed limits on the testimony of psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes.

Hughes, who previously testified in the Johnny Depp–Amber Heard defamation case, will not be permitted to speak on “coercive control” or the alleged “intent of the abuser,” but may discuss delayed disclosures and memory issues commonly seen in abuse victims.

The court also addressed Diddy’s planned defense strategy.

His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated that Combs intends to argue that his behavior occurred within the context of a “swinger lifestyle” and that he did not believe his conduct was inappropriate.

The judge said Combs may make general comparisons but may not cite specific individuals or events as examples.

During the hearing, the defense was granted access to outtakes from a Warner Bros. documentary that featured interviews with two of Diddy’s alleged victims.

The footage is expected to be delivered within days.

Meanwhile, prosecutors confirmed that physical evidence seized during raids on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami — including items allegedly used during so-called “Freak Offs” — may be presented to the jury.

Among the items seized were over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

The court heard testimony suggesting that one victim, referred to as “Nicole,” described waking up surrounded by empty baby oil bottles after allegedly being drugged.

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• Ariel Mitchell-Kidd, lawyer for a Diddy accuser, says her clients’ lawsuit details how Diddy threatened her with a knife… pic.twitter.com/9eAhy9iY3Q

— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) October 8, 2024

Cassie Ventura, who filed a civil suit last year alleging rape and years of abuse, remains a central figure in the case.

The defense has filed a subpoena seeking bank records, diaries, and a draft memoir Ventura allegedly wrote, claiming the materials could provide exculpatory information.

Her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, and the prosecution both objected, calling the subpoena a “fishing expedition.”

Judge Subramanian previously ruled that three of Combs’ accusers may testify under anonymity — a decision the defense strongly opposed.

Prosecutors say one of the victims has not yet disclosed the full extent of her claims, which include “very personal and explosive details.”

Combs appeared in court wearing a tan prison uniform and was seen embracing his legal team.

During the hearing, he turned toward the gallery, where his mother and son Justin were present, and gestured with a hand over his heart. A security guard beside them wore a hoodie with the words “Free Puff.”

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include five counts related to racketeering and sex trafficking.

Jury selection is set to begin May 5.

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