On Friday, April 25, 2025, District Judge Hon. Arun Subramanian denied a request to bar footage of Sean “Diddy” Combs appearing to strike Cassie Ventura from being admitted into trial.
“The defense can’t show the footage is inadmissible,” Judge Arun Subramanian said. “There’s no unfair prejudice to Mr. Combs.”
Last May, CNN released video of Combs appearing to “violently grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation in a hotel in California.” Days after the video was released, Combs shared a video via Instagram in which he says, “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” Combs 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.”
More recently, attorneys representing Combs have argued that video released by CNN was altered. In court documents reportedly filed on April 17, 2025, attorneys representing Combs claim CNN edited “approximately ten-and-a-half-minutes of footage into a 48-second out-of-order clip.” CNN has refuted these claims publicly.
“CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source,” the network stated. “CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested.”
Combs is prolific producer, record executive and entrepreneur best known for his work with Bad Boy and Uptown Records. On September 16, 2024, the producer was arrested and charged in a three count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has denied accusations of sex trafficking and racketeering and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Jury selection for the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is expected to begin Monday, May 5. Opening statements are expected to be made on the following Monday, May 12.
