Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs granted access to Cassie’s memoir drafts
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has received a legal win after being granted access to the drafts of Cassie’s unreleased memoir. A federal judge ruled that he could obtain prior drafts of her upcoming book before she testifies against him in his trial.
Combs’ trial is set to begin on May 5th, with the Bad Boy rapper facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation for purposes of prostitution. He’s currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
According to AllHipHop, US District Judge Arun Subramanian denied a motion to block the release of earlier manuscript versions that had already been provided to the government, ordering them to be given to Combs by April 25th.
Cassie’s attorneys and federal prosecutors tried to block the legal attempt, saying it was invasive and irrelevant. Subramanian partially sided with Combs, giving him access to the versions already in the government’s possession but not related materials such as diaries, notes, emails and financial records.
His legal team argues the memoir has inconsistencies that could help discredit her testimony. Combs’ attorney, Anna Estevao, said the draft manuscript contradicts Cassie’s statements and is crucial to the defence.
Cassie accused Combs of rape and sex trafficking before settling her lawsuit. After footage surfaced of Combs assaulting her in a hotel, she told her Instagram followers that the domestic violence she suffered “broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.” Combs apologised for his actions, admitting he was “disgusted” with himself and had decided to seek help.
“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. 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.