Diddy Says Cassie Hotel Video Was ‘Manipulated’ and Should Be Excluded From Courtroom Proceedings

Sean “Diddy” Combs is requesting the exclusion of hotel video footage that allegedly shows him beating his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, during a 2016 incident. His legal team has submitted a motion to the US Southern District Court of New York, arguing that the footage, which was made public by CNN in May of the previous year, has been manipulated.

The music mogul’s defense claims that the video, which was recorded at the Intercontinental Hotel on March 5, 2016, was altered in several ways, rendering it inaccurate and unreliable as evidence.

Combs’ Lawyers Claim Video Manipulation, Seek Expert Testimony to Exclude Footage from Trial

According to Combs’ lawyers, the footage aired by CNN was “wholly inaccurate” and had been altered, sped up, and presented out of sequence. The defense further contends that CNN paid a source for the video, copied it through unknown means, and subsequently destroyed the original version.

These actions, they argue, have compromised the integrity of the footage, making it inadmissible in court. As part of their motion, Combs’ team seeks to exclude all related video files from the trial, alleging that they no longer provide a fair and accurate depiction of the events.

In addition to the motion to exclude the footage, Combs’ legal team has also requested a pre-trial hearing to present testimony and evidence from a forensic video analyst, Conor McCourt. The purpose of the hearing would be to explain to the court how the video evidence has been manipulated and why it cannot be trusted. By presenting expert analysis, Combs’ lawyers hope to demonstrate that the video footage is unreliable and should not be considered during the trial proceedings.

CNN Denies Alteration Claims, Trial Set to Begin Despite Diddy’s Request for Delay

CNN has strongly denied the accusations made by Combs’ legal team, asserting that the video footage was never altered. A spokesperson for the network emphasized that the original copy of the footage was retained by the source and not destroyed. They further clarified that the video was aired months before Combs’ arrest, suggesting that the footage had already been publicized without issue. CNN’s stance is that the footage aired is authentic and unaltered.

Combs’ trial is scheduled to begin on May 12, with jury selection set for May 5. A judge has already denied his request to delay the trial by two months, stating that there should have been sufficient time for his legal team to prepare. The charges against Combs include five counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and the trial will proceed as scheduled.