Judge allows Cassie assault footage to be shown in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial
Footage of Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs assaulting Cassie is allowed to be shown during his upcoming trial. Judge Arun Subramanian announced his decision on April 25th.
Last May, CNN leaked 2016 footage of Combs beating and dragging his then-girlfriend Cassie in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel. Before the start of his sex trafficking trial on May 5th, it was ruled that the jury could be presented with the video in court.
Earlier in April, it was announced that Cassie was prepared to testify using her name in the upcoming trial. A motion filed on April 4th stated “Victim-1” would not be anonymously testifying, which was revealed as the singer.
“She is prepared to testify under her own name,” the filing stated. “Victim-2, Victim-3, and Victim-4 have asked that their identities not be revealed to the press or the public.” The anonymous victims must “be referred to at trial using only pseudonyms,” and the defence cannot share any identifying details about them.
Cassie accused Combs of rape and sex trafficking in 2023 before settling her lawsuit. When footage surfaced of Combs assaulting her, she claimed the domestic violence “broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.” In response, Combs apologised for his actions, admitting he was “disgusted” with himself.
“My behaviour on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he said. “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab.”
He continued, “I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.