CNN denies Sean Combs lawyers’ claim that it altered Cassie video

Sean Combs’ lawyers claim that CNN edited a 2016 video of the embattled music mogul — but the news network is denying those claims.

Attorneys for the artist and Combs’ prosecutors filed a joint letter concerning evidence in the musician’s criminal trial on Thursday. The defense’s section of the letter claimed that CNN of “substantially altered” hotel surveillance video, which showed Combs repeatedly attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. It also claimed that CNN “destroyed the original footage.”

A representative for CNN denied Combs’ lawyers’ accusation. “CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source,” the rep told Entertainment Weekly in a statement. “CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested.”

Combs’ legal team responded in a statement to EW: “Our written and oral communications with CNN’s counsel was clear – they destroyed the original video file they received from their source.” 

A representative for Ventura did not immediately respond to EW’s request for comment.

The video in question showed Combs grabbing Ventura by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her near an elevator at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016. CNN published the video in May 2024.

Combs publicly responded to the resurfaced video two days after it was published. “I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” Combs said in a video. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought professional help. After going to therapy and going to rehab, I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”

In Thursday’s letter, Combs’ attorneys wrote that “all CNN video footage was substantially altered in significant respects,” including “covering the time stamp,” “changing the video sequence,” and “speeding up the video to make it falsely appear that the actions in the video are taking place faster than they are.”

Combs’ lawyers argued that “the CNN videos do not fairly and accurately depict the events in question,” and also claimed that “CNN purchased the only known copy of the Hotel’s surveillance footage, uploaded that footage into a free editing software, altered the video; and then destroyed the original footage even though it knew about and repeatedly reported about the federal investigation.” The defense also indicated that it will address the CNN video in an upcoming motion.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

The 2016 incident involving Ventura is not among the many charges that Combs faces in his criminal trial. The rapper was arrested in September following a grand jury indictment and pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. 

Ventura filed her own lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, accusing the musician of rape and physical abuse. Combs denied the accusations, and Ventura settled her case one day later.

Combs’ federal trial is set to begin on May 5.