Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team has challenged the authenticity of a 2016 surveillance video showing an alleged physical assault on his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, claiming prosecutors presented an edited version to the court.
In documents filed Thursday before Combs' bail hearing, his defense team stated that prosecutors submitted a manipulated version of the Intercontinental hotel footage that CNN had previously aired. They assert this edited version was used to portray Combs as more dangerous in an effort to deny him bond while he awaits his May sex trafficking trial.
The defense brought in Forensic Video Analyst Conor McCourt, who determined that the prosecution's version "omits footage corroborating the defense account, changes the sequence of events in material respects, and does not accurately depict the events." Combs' attorneys have requested permission to present McCourt's 20-minute analysis during Friday's hearing.
While prosecutors maintain the video shows Ventura attempting to escape one of Combs' alleged "freak offs" and sex trafficking incidents, the defense characterizes it as footage of "a sad glimpse into a decade-long consensual relationship."
This marks Combs' third attempt at securing bond, with previous judges ruling him a flight risk and potential danger to the community, including alleged victims and witnesses.
The 54-year-old music mogul faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for prostitution purposes following his New York arrest in September.
The video dispute emerges amid broader legal troubles for Combs. In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit alleging years of abuse, forced sexual acts, and threats during their 11-year relationship. Though that suit was settled, over 25 additional people have since come forward with similar allegations against Combs.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro emphasized in court filings that "the more complete footage of the incident -- in contrast to the government's sensationalized CNN cut -- contradicts the government's representations."
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