Diddy accuses government of leaking assault video to CNN

Diddy and his legal team have accused the federal government of intentionally leaking a disturbing video of his alleged assault on Cassie. Legal documents obtained by TMZ reveal that Diddy’s attorneys claim the Department of Homeland Security orchestrated the release of the 2016 footage to CNN. The video depicts the rapper ‘beating, dragging, and assaulting’ Cassie at a Los Angeles hotel. The filing suggests officials had a ‘motive’ against the artist, as Diddy’s lawyers disclose that CNN reached out for comment hours before airing the controversial video.

On October 10, TMZ reported that Diddy’s lawyer accused the government of ‘misconduct in his criminal case.’ They allege that the Department of Homeland Security leaked the contentious tape to CNN, prompting the rapper to issue an explanation video and public apology. The tape, dating back to 2016, shows Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. The incident happened during their relationship, and Cassie initially accused Combs of sexual assault before retracting the charges a day later.

Combs’ lawyers assert that the leak aimed to tarnish his image and weaken his case. They believe the government’s move was driven by a personal grudge or an attempt to force Combs into a plea bargain.

Surveillance footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie obtained by CNNpic.twitter.com/JUWCqnPwwA

— Kollege Kidd (@KollegeKidd) May 17, 2024

Court documents reveal that CNN, the outlet that released the tape, contacted Diddy before its publication. The network sought his comment, stating they had “come across a video” and “were in possession of surveillance footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles from 2016.” After CNN’s contact, Combs’ attorneys informed the prosecutors handling his case. They expressed concern that someone within the government or law enforcement might have leaked the tape to the media outlet. “My concern is that someone (not any of you and not the lead case agents) provided this footage to CNN. I bring this to your attention solely because I imagine you didn’t want this to happen any more than I do,” the rapper’s attorney said in an email to the prosecutors. A reply was received on May 17, following the publishing of the video: “We really appreciate you giving us a heads up. We have now seen the video.”

The legal team represents Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, points out that Department of Homeland Security agents were frequently quoted in news stories about the raids and investigations involving Combs. This suggests they played a significant role in the case and had access to sensitive information.

Combs’ legal team argues that Cassie was unlikely to have leaked the tape. Her lawsuit against Combs did not suggest she had the footage, and she had no apparent motive to damage his reputation. They claim the release of the tape to CNN aimed to damage Combs’ reputation without any financial gain. The timing was deliberate, as the tape came out on May 17, coinciding with a significant break in the Donald Trump trial, suggesting a carefully planned release to maximise media coverage and influence public opinion about Combs.