CNN denies Diddy’s attorney’s claims of digitally altering alleged Cassie assault video and deleting the original file

The 2016 video of Sean Diddy Combs allegedly assaulting his then-partner Cassie Ventura has come under controversy. According to the defense in the ongoing lawsuit, CNN allegedly altered the video before circulating it. Moreover, the media agency has reportedly destroyed the original video.

Nonetheless, CNN exclusively shared a statement with TMZ dismissing the allegations. They commented:

“CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source. CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested.”

The video of Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie surfaced in May 2024. In new court filings, Combs’ defense claimed that CNN had purchased the footage showing the attack in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.

Diddy's legal team previously argued that CNN modified the footage by hiding the timestamp, rearranging the sequence of events, and increasing the speed to make the actions seem quicker than they were. They claimed these changes made the video an inaccurate representation of what happened.

The prosecution planned to show the video to the jury. According to TMZ, the video was meant to support the federal case against the hip-hop mogul, even though he was not charged for the incident.

According to the prosecutors, the jury selection for the trial would begin on April 21, 2025. Nonetheless, Diddy's legal team reportedly wants a later date, arguing they need additional time to prepare his defense.

They also requested that all potential jurors complete a questionnaire to ensure agreement on both sides. Additionally, Combs reportedly requested that certain jurors be kept separate from the rest during the selection process.

Diddy said he was “disgusted” after CNN released the video in 2024

Douglas H. Wigdor, Cassie Ventura's lawyer, criticized Diddy's attempt to prevent the jury from seeing the video, calling it a dishonest tactic. After the video went viral, Combs posted a self-recorded video saying:

“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you got to do that. I was f*cked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. Disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I am disgusted now.”

He continued:

“I went and I sought out professional help and to go into therapy, going to rehab. I had asked God for his mercy and grace. I am so sorry but I am committed to be a better man each and every day. I am not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”

Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, responded to the apology stating that Diddy's remarks focused more on himself than those he harmed. She pointed out that when Cassie and other women spoke out, he initially denied the claims and accused them of seeking money.

Meanwhile, in a TMZ documentary from last year, Diddy's lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that the video was irrelevant to the criminal case. He claimed that the couple’s issues were not about their private relationship but rather infidelity on both sides. While he acknowledged the video showed something terrible and inexcusable, he insisted it was unrelated to the charges.

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