Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has filed a motion to exclude a controversial video showing him allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, from his upcoming federal trial.
The motion, filed on Thursday, asks the court to either dismiss the video or allow Combs’ lawyers to challenge its authenticity in a pre-trial hearing. Combs’ attorneys argue that the video, originally aired by CNN, should be excluded due to questions about its reliability and potential bias. They claim the government failed to provide enough proof of the video’s authenticity and that it could unfairly influence the jury. Additionally, Combs’ defense team argues the government did not make an adequate effort to locate the original hotel footage, which should be excluded under the “best evidence” rule.
The video, which was released by CNN in May 2024, has been a central piece of evidence in the prosecution’s case. However, last month, Combs’ attorneys suggested that CNN altered the footage and destroyed the original. They argued that this makes the video inadmissible in the ongoing case, which involves charges of trafficking and racketeering.
In response, CNN denied any wrongdoing, stating that it did not alter the footage or destroy the original copy, which was retained by the source. The network emphasized that it aired the video months before Combs’ arrest.
Following the video’s release, Combs issued a public apology, admitting his behavior was “inexcusable.” He expressed regret for his actions in the video and stated that he sought therapy and rehab as part of his effort to improve.
Cassie Ventura is expected to testify at Combs’ trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 5. Combs, who is currently in custody in Brooklyn on federal charges, has also been hit with an updated indictment adding two new charges.
Variety has reached out to Combs’ representatives for further comment.
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