- CNN was accused of deleting original footage of Sean "Diddy" Combs hitting his girlfriend, Cassie, in a hotel hallway.
- Defense attorneys claim that CNN altered the footage by covering the timestamp and changing the video sequence.
- The video is alleged to have been sped up, making the actions appear faster than they occurred.
“CNN purchased the only known copy of the hotel’s surveillance footage, uploaded that footage into free editing software, altered the video, and then destroyed the original footage,” the statement claimed.
CNN has been accused of altering the broadcast footage by covering the timestamp and changing the video sequence, according to the defense attorneys. The filing also alleges that CNN sped up the video, making the actions appear faster than they occurred.
The attorneys argue that the video fails to fairly or accurately depict the alleged attack.
On Thursday, CNN defended itself against the allegations, stating that the original copy was not destroyed and remained with the source.
“CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested,” the media outlet stated in its defense. However, Diddy’s lawyers maintained their allegations.
A hotel security camera captured the footage in 2016, showing the disgraced rapper striking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The video went viral after CNN obtained and aired it in May 2024.
At the time, Diddy apologized for his actions on social media.
“It’s difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes, you gotta do that,” In a video posted on Instagram, the rapper admitted he was “f—ked up” when the incident occurred but acknowledged that his actions were inexcusable.
Federal authorities have incarcerated Diddy on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. He was arrested in September 2024 and has denied all allegations. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.
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