Defense lawyers for Sean DD Combs claimed that a widely circulated video purportedly showing Casey attacking Ventura was “edited” and misrepresented the March 2016 incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
Federal prosecutors used the video as evidence to support sex trafficking charges, suggesting that Combs forced Ventura to perform sexual acts with a male prostitute during “freak off” sessions. They argued that if bail is granted, it shows the danger it poses to women.
The defense team disputed these claims and said prosecutors had fabricated the narrative using an altered version of the footage. They maintained that the video showed a domestic dispute where Combs chased her belongings, including clothes and a mobile phone, down a hotel corridor.
“The more complete footage of the incident — unlike the sensationalized CNN cut — contradicts the government’s representations,” defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro said in a court filing. She further noted that the prosecution’s version omitted crucial footage and altered the sequence of events.
The defense offered to introduce a forensic video analyst at Friday’s court hearing, where a judge will decide Combs’ bail status. A judge has already excluded Combs’ handwritten jail notes from consideration following defense concerns about attorney-client privilege.
Prosecutors believe the video evidence is sufficient to justify Combs’ continued detention. The footage shows Combs chasing after Ventura, grabbing her by the neck, forcing her to the ground, kicking her and dragging her to the floor by her sweatshirt.
Following the release of the video by CNN in May, Combs acknowledged his actions. In an Instagram reel, he said, “I was upset when I did it. Now I’m upset. I went and I sought professional help. I went to therapy, went to rehab. I had to ask God. For His mercy and grace.”
In November 2023, Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs alleging sex trafficking and sexual assault. Court documents revealed her claims that Combs “punched, hit, kicked and stomped” her “multiple times” during their relationship.
