A federal judge has dismissed Sean "Diddy" Combs' request to investigate allegations that government officials leaked surveillance footage showing him allegedly assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs failed to provide sufficient evidence that federal authorities were responsible for leaking the 2016 Intercontinental Hotel video to CNN. The footage, which surfaced five months before Combs' September arrest, appears to show him grabbing Ventura by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and dragging her down a hallway.
In his defense filing, Combs' legal team accused the Department of Homeland Security of orchestrating a seven-month smear campaign by leaking confidential materials to damage his reputation and compromise his right to a fair trial.
Federal prosecutors strongly denied these claims, stating they did not possess the video before CNN's broadcast. The judge noted that multiple parties, including hotel employees and Combs' own security team, could have had access to the footage.
While rejecting Combs' request for an evidentiary hearing, Judge Subramanian cautioned government officials that any proven leaks of prohibited information would face consequences. He emphasized that Combs' guilt would be determined by trial evidence rather than media coverage.
Combs currently remains in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center after his legal team dropped their bail appeal. He faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
The trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, with prosecutors alleging Combs ran a criminal operation involving drug-fueled parties and coerced sexual encounters.