Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs lawyers accuse the government of editing Cassie assault video
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs was shown assaulting Cassie in footage that surfaced from the hallway of a hotel earlier this year. The shocking clip took place in March 2016 and saw the Bad Boy boss kicking the singer on the ground and dragging her by the hair.
Now, his lawyers are claiming there’s more than what meets the eye, saying the clip was an edited version of surveillance footage.
According to Newsweek, court documents filed on November 21st allege that the government cut down the full version of the video, providing the judge with an “edited, manipulated version of the video published by CNN.”
His lawyers claim the court received edited footage to make Combs appear more dangerous in an attempt to deny him bond. In a hearing, forensic video analyst Conor McCourt said, “The video the government submitted to the Court omits footage corroborating the defence account, changes the sequence of events in material respects, and does not accurately depict the events.”
A 20-minute video of his analysis will be played in court on November 22nd as Combs requests bond for a third time. His defence claims the video provides “a sad glimpse into a decade-long consensual relationship,” despite prosecutors claiming she was attempting to escape one of his alleged “freak offs.”
Combs apologised after the footage surfaced online, admitting his behaviour was “inexcusable” and that he took “full responsibility” for his actions.
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he said. “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.”
Earlier this week, the US government revealed alleged text messages sent from Cassie to Combs following the incident. The messages detail her injuries and claim it wasn’t the first time he’s assaulted her after taking substances.
“I have a black eye and fat lip,” she told him in apparent texts obtained by Enstarz. “You are sick for thinking it’s OK to do what you’ve done… I still have crazy bruising. I turn my head for a second, and you get fucked up, and you drag me down the hall by my hair… I have bleeding cuts… You hit me in the head two good times.”
She continued, “When you get fucked up the wrong way, you always want to show me that you have the power and you knock me around,” she said. “I’m not a rag doll. I’m someone’s child.”