In 2016, security video aired by CNN appears to show Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway, where he punched and kicked her while wearing only a white towel. This incident closely resembled an event described in a lawsuit filed by Cassie, alleging years of sexual abuse and violence from Combs. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, but led to increased scrutiny of Combs, with more lawsuits and a federal criminal investigation following.
Combs has denied the allegations in the lawsuits, with his lawyers stating that he denies any wrongdoing and will fight to prove his innocence. The release of the security video further reinforced the claims made by Cassie, with her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, commending her courage in coming forward. The video shows Combs violently grabbing Cassie, yanking her to the ground, kicking her, and throwing vases towards her direction. Despite managing to flee and hide out with a friend in Florida, Cassie returned out of fear of facing more abuse if she did not.
The statutes of limitations for assault or battery in California may prevent Combs from facing criminal charges for the attack, as they typically run from one to three years depending on the severity of the charges. As more allegations against Combs emerged, he and his legal team began to push back, filing motions to dismiss lawsuits alleging sexual assault and rape. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations conducted search warrants on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami as part of a sex-trafficking investigation. Combs has not been charged in connection with the investigation.
Combs, a three-time Grammy winner and founder of Bad Boy Records, has had to step aside from some of his business roles since the allegations began to surface. His relationship with Cassie, which began in 2007, has been on-and-off for more than a decade. Cassie, known for hit single “Me & U,” has also ventured into acting, with appearances in TV shows and films like Fox’s “Empire” and “Step Up 2: The Streets.” The recent release of the security video has added to the ongoing controversy surrounding Combs and the allegations of abuse against him.
The investigation into the allegations against Combs continues, as more details emerge about the incidents involving him and Cassie. The impact on his career and reputation remains to be seen, as he faces the accusations made against him. Despite the challenges he may be facing, Combs continues to be a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry, with a successful business empire that includes music, fashion, and television ventures. As the legal proceedings and investigations unfold, the public will be watching closely to see the outcome of these serious allegations against the hip-hop mogul.
