AP style: Combs Assault Video Released After Settled Lawsuit

Surveillance video from 2016, obtained by CNN, shows Sean "Diddy" Combs chasing down his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway. The footage, captured from multiple angles on March 5, 2016, appears to corroborate claims detailed in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November.

This is the video where Diddy is seen physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 surveillance video obtained by CNN.

Exclusive reporting from @EWagmeister: pic.twitter.com/8Jela3bQ0H

— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) May 17, 2024

In the video, Combs is seen grabbing Ventura by the neck, throwing her to the floor, and kicking her while holding a towel around his waist. Ventura attempts to collect her belongings as Combs shoves her and throws objects in her direction.

Ventura has not commented on the video. Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "The video confirms the disturbing allegations Ms. Ventura made against Mr. Combs."

CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs and InterContinental Hotels for comment, but they have not responded. Combs has previously denied Ventura's allegations.

This incident is part of a broader legal dispute between Combs and Ventura, which includes allegations of sexual assault and other abuses. Despite denying the allegations, Combs settled the lawsuit shortly after it was filed.

Combs continues to face multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and other illegal activities. In April, authorities conducted searches of his homes in California and Florida as part of a federal investigation into these allegations.

Miami Bust Leads to Drug Program for Diddy Associate

Brendan Paul

Brendan Paul, a 25-year-old traveling companion of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, has avoided jail time by entering a drug diversion program after his arrest on cocaine possession charges, according to a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office.

The former Syracuse basketball player was arrested on March 25 at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, the same day federal agents raided Combs' residences in Miami and Los Angeles as part of a separate sex trafficking investigation. Combs' attorney has called the raids an "excessive show of force."

It remains unclear if Paul's arrest is connected to the investigation into Combs.

🗣️Brendan Paul, P. Diddy’s Alleged “Drug Mule” Arrested…Will he FLIP on Diddy…

I sat down with Law & Crime’s Sierra Gillespie to break down what we know about Brendan Paul, a man accused of being P. Diddy’s “drug mule.” Brendan Paul, 25 y/o, music producer, was arrested at… pic.twitter.com/oKCtqoFxON

— Bernarda Villalona (@VillalonaLaw) April 3, 2024

Authorities reportedly found cocaine and marijuana candy in Paul's luggage during a search at the airport, leading to his arrest. Paul initially pleaded not guilty, but later reached a plea deal.

"Brendan accepted the prosecutor's offer to permit his entry into the diversion program which, after successful completion, the case against him will be dismissed in its entirety," Paul's attorney, Brian Bieber, said in a statement to Rolling Stone.

The diversion program typically lasts around six months and includes substance abuse counseling. If Paul completes the program successfully, the charges will be dropped.

Combs has denied all allegations against him and has not been charged with any crimes.

Woman Sues DJ Akademiks, Alleging Rape, Defamation

MILLION DOLLAZ WORTH OF GAME, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Internet personality DJ Akademiks, whose legal name is Livingston Allen, faces accusations of rape and defamation in a newly filed lawsuit in Essex County, New Jersey.

Fauziya Abashe alleges she was invited to Allen's home in July 2022, expecting to be alone with him. Upon arrival, she encountered two unidentified men. The lawsuit claims Allen told these men Abashe was receptive to sex, without her knowledge.

Abashe refused a drink offered by one of the men, identified as an Allen employee. The employee, allegedly stating he was "in charge," insisted she have a drink he prepared.

Akademiks responds to the Rape and Defamation lawsuit pic.twitter.com/NRyEpjMiP5

— Keondre Harris (@1SlumBabii) May 14, 2024

Later, the employee pressured Abashe to wait for Allen in the hot tub. She agreed, believing the men would leave after setting it up. However, the lawsuit alleges both men forced her to consume alcohol and then assaulted her.

Abashe claims she woke up to Allen assaulting her around 4 a.m. The lawsuit alleges Allen later showed her partial surveillance footage of the assault and refused to provide the full recording.

Abashe contacted Allen later, reporting injuries sustained during the encounter. Text messages included in the lawsuit show she contacted police, who facilitated a recorded call where she questioned Allen. The lawsuit alleges Allen recounted details of the assault during the call.

Allen addressed the lawsuit on social media, saying, "I have no comment beyond what I've previously stated. This will be decided in court. I'm confident in my innocence."