Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Lawyers Accuse Government of Leaking Footage Amid Legal Battle
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Lawyers Accuse Government of Leaking Footage Amid Legal Battle
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is pushing back hard after footage of him physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura surfaced, claiming the video was leaked by the government to damage his reputation in the midst of his ongoing legal struggles.
According to new court documents obtained by In Touch, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers allege that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intentionally leaked the 2016 hotel surveillance video five months before Diddy’s September 16 arrest on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related offenses. The video, which CNN released in May, shows Diddy, 54, violently attacking Cassie, 38, grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her.
Diddy’s legal team argues that the leak was part of a coordinated effort by the government to tarnish his image before his trial. They requested the Southern District of New York investigate the alleged misconduct, accusing the government of leaking confidential grand jury materials to sensationalize the case. The documents claim the leaks were part of a “seven-month smear campaign” that has damaged Diddy’s right to a fair trial.
“The leaks have resulted in damaging and highly prejudicial media coverage, particularly sensationalizing the investigation and the involvement of Mr. Combs’ family,” Diddy’s attorneys wrote in their filing. They also requested the discovery of emails, documents, and any records related to the alleged leaks and called for a gag order to prevent government personnel from sharing further details with the media.
In the final request, Diddy’s lawyers asked for the leaked evidence to be concealed, citing concerns that it violates the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure or other applicable laws.
Diddy’s Apology and Cassie’s Response
After the disturbing footage was released, Diddy issued a public apology, acknowledging his violent behavior but stopping short of naming Cassie directly. In the apology video, Diddy admitted he was in a dark place when the incident occurred. “I was f–ked up and hit rock bottom,” he said. “There are no excuses for my behavior. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then, and I’m disgusted now.”
The music mogul, known for hits like “I’ll Be Missing You,” added that he sought professional help afterward, including therapy and rehab, in an attempt to address his issues.
Cassie, however, was not swayed by his words. In a statement released shortly after his apology, Cassie accused Diddy of making the situation about himself. “This apology is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” her statement, shared by her lawyer Meredith Firetog, read. Cassie further criticized Diddy for previously denying the allegations when she and other women came forward, claiming his apology only came after the leaked footage made his denials impossible to maintain.
“That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation,” the statement continued. “No one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”
Diddy’s Ongoing Legal Battle
Diddy was arrested in September and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The indictment against him, which spans 14 pages, accuses him of abusing, threatening, and coercing women and others over the course of decades. Prosecutors allege that Diddy engaged in these acts to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his misconduct.
As Diddy’s legal battle unfolds, the leaked footage and his past actions remain at the forefront of public discussion, with many watching to see how the case will proceed.
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