As the trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs proceeds, the court is preparing to present multiple versions of the now-infamous footage showing the music mogul assaulting his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura. According to TMZ, five different versions of the video will be entered into evidence, offering various perspectives of the harrowing incident.
Two of those versions were reportedly recorded by a security guard using a personal cell phone. The remaining three include altered angles and enhancements, including those publicly released by CNN in May 2024. The news network’s version sparked public outcry and is expected to play a central role in the courtroom this week.
Leading up to the trial, which began on Monday, May 5, Diddy’s legal team fought to exclude the video from being used as evidence. When that attempt failed, they pivoted to challenge the video’s credibility, requesting a pre-trial hearing to dispute what they claim are inconsistencies and alleged manipulation of the footage.
Combs’ defense team has argued that CNN altered the video and obtained expert testimony from a forensic technician to support that claim. They also accused the network of destroying the “only copy” of the original file. However, CNN has flatly denied those allegations, stating in a public response: “CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source. CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested.”
Despite these denials, Combs’ team is expected to raise additional concerns during the trial, including claims that Cassie herself was physically abusive toward him at times during their relationship.
The proceedings also briefly mentioned actor Michael B. Jordan. Court records revealed that Cassie allegedly had a “flirtatious relationship with an actor” during a break in her relationship with Combs in 2015. While Jordan is not a person of interest or involved in the case, his name surfaced as part of jury screening questions to identify any potential bias.
The trial is expected to continue making headlines as new details emerge and more footage is dissected in court.