Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Lawyers Accuse Government of Leaking 2016 Cassie Video to 'Savage' Reputation Before Trial, Feds Deny Claim

Mar. 15, 2025

Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Black Tie Affair For Quality Control’s CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas on June 02, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. ; Cassie attends the Laquan Smith fashion show during September 2022 New York Fashion Week on September 12, 2022.Photo:Paras Griffin/Getty ; Dominik Bindl/Getty

Paras Griffin/Getty ; Dominik Bindl/Getty

Update: Federal prosecutors have denied claims from the attorneys of Sean “Diddy” Combs that the government leaked tapes of the music mogul assaulting his girlfriend Cassie to harm his reputation.

Sean “Diddy” Combs' attorneys are alleging the government leaked the disturbing footage of his physical assault against his former girlfriendCassie Venturato taint his image amid his legal battle.

Combs, 54, was arrestedon Monday, Sept. 16 at 8:25 p.m.and chargedwith sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.He is currently in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centerawaitingtrial.

They allege the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is behind the leaks that “have damaged Mr. Combs' right to a fair trial,” according to the filing.

“The leaks have resulted in damaging and highly prejudicial media coverage, particularly sensationalizing the investigation and the involvement of Mr. Combs’ family,” his lawyers wrote.

Along with the hearing, they’ve asked for discovery of emails, documents and records that the government, including the DHS, has about the leaks, as well as a gag order to block government personnel from sharing any material connected to the case with the media, per a statement from the memorandum of law in support of the motion for an evidentiary hearing.

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Lastly, they asked for evidence that the government allegedly leaked to be concealed, alleging that violates the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure “or any other law, rule, or regulation.”

They also pointed to the 2016 footage, which they called “the most egregious example” of the alleged leak.

“The abuse is clear,” his attorneys continued, but “without a hearing,” it would remain “unknown how far or where the abuse reached.”

After the 2016 hotel footage surfaced, Diddy shared asince-deletedapology videoon Instagram, stating in part, “I was f—ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”

Ventura also spoke out, writing onInstagram, “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from the past. This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me.”

A status meeting for Combs' attorneys' requests is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 10.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com