CNN obtained the surveillance video exclusively and verified its location by comparing it to publicly available images of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, physically assaulted Cassie Ventura in a 2016 hotel hallway.
The incident was described in a November 2022 lawsuit filed by Cassandra Ventura against Combs.
In a shocking revelation, new surveillance video has emerged showing Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a 2016 hotel hallway. The video, obtained exclusively by CNN, matches allegations made in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura. Combs has since apologized for his behavior, admitting that it was 'inexcusable' and taking 'full responsibility' for his actions. The incident is also described in a November lawsuit filed by Cassandra Ventura against Combs, which alleges years of sexual abuse and other violence. CNN verified the location of the video by comparing it to publicly available images of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles where the incident reportedly took place.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs released a statement on Instagram regarding a viral video showing him allegedly beating his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2016
Combs took responsibility for his actions and expressed being ‘disgusted’ with himself
He revealed that he sought professional help, including therapy and rehab, following the incident
Accuracy
Sean 'Diddy' Combs released a statement on Instagram regarding a viral video showing him allegedly beating his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2016
Combs took responsibility for his actions and expressed being 'disgusted' with himself
Deception
(0%)
The author uses emotional manipulation by describing the video as 'gut-wrenching' and the behavior as 'inexcusable'. She also uses sensationalism by implying that there is a damaging book about their relationship. The article selectively reports details that support the author's position, such as quoting Cassie's lawyer but not mentioning any contradictory evidence or statements from Combs.
Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.
The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs.
Fallacies
(50%)
The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting the LA District Attorney's office stating that Combs cannot be prosecuted based on these allegations due to the statute of limitations. This does not constitute a logical fallacy on its own, but it weakens the author's argument by relying on external authority rather than providing her own analysis or evidence.
The LA District Attorney’s office issued a statement on Saturday confirming that Combs cannot be prosecuted based on these allegations due to the statute of limitations.
Bias
(0%)
The author expresses disgust towards Sean Combs for his alleged actions towards Cassie, and implies that the settlement reached in the lawsuit was a result of blackmail. These statements demonstrate a clear bias against Sean Combs.
> The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs.<br>Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.<br>Ms. Ventura's demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail.<br>The disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was shown in a surveillance video obtained by CNN physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016
Cassie Ventura filed a federal lawsuit against Combs in November 2020 which is not mentioned in any other article
Accuracy
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs took responsibility for his actions and expressed being ‘disgusted’ with himself in an Instagram statement.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs released a statement on Instagram regarding a viral video showing him allegedly beating his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2016.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs apologized for allegedly attacking singer Cassie in a 2016 hotel hallway.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs apologized for physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a 2016 incident.
Deception
(10%)
The author uses emotional manipulation by describing Combs' actions as 'difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life,' and 'I was f**ked up — I hit rock bottom.' These statements are intended to elicit an emotional response from readers, making them more likely to believe the author's interpretation of events. The author also uses selective reporting by only mentioning Combs' apology and not providing any context about the allegations or Ventura's perspective.
Combs previously issued a blanket denial of the allegations in Ventura’s November lawsuit.
It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that.
I was f**ked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs apologized for allegedly attacking singer Cassie in a 2016 hotel hallway.
The security video of the incident was first aired by CNN on Friday, March 4, 2023.
Combs said his behavior was 'inexcusable' and he takes 'full responsibility' for his actions.
The video shows Combs punching, kicking, shoving and dragging Cassie Ventura (Cassie), who was his protege and longtime girlfriend at the time.
The incident is described in a November lawsuit filed by Cassandra Ventura (Cassie) against Combs that alleges years of sexual abuse and other violence.
The video closely resembles the description of an incident at an InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles described in the lawsuit.
CNN verified the location of the video by comparing it to publicly available images of the InterContinental Hotel.
Accuracy
Combs cannot be prosecuted for his alleged abuse due to the statute of limitations.
Deception
(30%)
The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of Diddy's alleged assault. The author does not provide any context or mention any potential mitigating factors. Additionally, there is emotional manipulation through the use of words like 'disgusted', 'inexcusable', and 'difficult to watch'.
Diddy has denied the allegations in the lawsuit but neither he nor his representatives had responded on the video until Sunday.
The footage also shows Combs allegedly shoving and dragging Ventura, and throwing a vase in her direction.
The video, which CNN first aired on Friday, is the latest in a months-long series of public allegations and revelations of physical and sexual violence against Combs.
Fallacies
(80%)
The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the video as 'disturbing and difficult to watch' and 'inexcusable behavior'. She also quotes the District Attorney's office stating that the conduct is 'extremely disturbing and difficult to watch'. These statements do not provide any logical reasoning or evidence for why the behavior is inexcusable or disturbing, but rather are emotional appeals.
]The images are extremely disturbing and difficult to watch[
Sean 'Diddy' Combs apologized for physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016
Incident occurred at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles
Combs grabbed, shoved, dragged and kicked Ventura during the altercation
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(5%)
The article reports on an incident of physical assault by Sean Combs against his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. The author does not make any editorializing or pontification statements, but the article does contain emotional manipulation and sensationalism. The title itself is emotionally manipulative as it implies that Combs is truly sorry for his actions, but the article later states that he previously denied the allegations and only apologized after being proven wrong. The author also reports on Ventura's statement which criticizes Combs for his disingenuous words. Additionally, the article includes selective reporting by focusing on the assault incident and not mentioning any context or background information about their relationship or previous allegations against Combs.
The author implies that Combs is truly sorry for his actions in the title and later in the article when quoting him saying 'I'm truly sorry.', but it was only after being proven wrong that he apologized.
Ventura's attorney criticizes Combs for his disingenuous words, implying a lack of sincerity in his apology.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an apology from Sean Combs for physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016, which is a positive step towards acknowledging his wrongdoing. However, there are examples of him denying her allegations of assault earlier and seeking professional help only after the video was released. This shows that he did not take responsibility immediately and might not be fully sincere in his apology.
Combs had previously denied Ventura's allegations of assault
He was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab.
Combs is seen forcing her into a hotel room where he grabs a purse and suitcase near the elevators, then kicks her twice as she lies motionless on the floor.
