Prosecutors deny leaking hotel video of Sean 'Diddy' Combs attacking Cassie Ventura
Federal prosecutors have denied leaking the hotel security camera video that showed Sean "Diddy" Combs attacking his then-girlfriend Casandra Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
Combs had accused federal agents and prosecutors of unlawfully leaking the footage in a court filing on Wednesday. The video was obtained by CNN in May and Combs acknowledged its legitimacy and apologized for his actions in the video.
Prosecutors denied leaking the video in a letter to the judge.
"The Government was not in possession of the video before its publication by CNN. Indeed, at the time of CNN's publication, the Government did not possess any video of the March 2016 incident," prosecutors wrote.
Prosecutors also said they informed the defense, prior to its filing Wednesday night alleging leaks, that they did not obtain the video through the grand jury process and they did not believe Homeland Security Investigations obtained the video prior to CNN airing it.
"There is thus no colorable factual basis for the defendant's claim that the Government leaked the video to CNN, let alone that it was leaked 'in violation of grand jury secrecy,'" prosecutors wrote.
Combs has been held without bail after he was arrested and charged last month with sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy.
On the eve of his court appearance, the music mogul's attorneys alleged leaks "have led to damaging, highly prejudicial pretrial publicity that can only taint the jury pool and deprive Mr. Combs of his right to a fair trial," the defense filing said.
Combs' attorneys took specific aim at Homeland Security investigations over the searches of his homes and at prosecutors over the 2016 video.
Prosecutors cited the video in their indictment contending that when a hotel security worker intervened, Combs tried to bribe the worker with a "stack of cash" to keep the incident quiet.
The defense asked for a hearing and an exploration of the evidence.
In a letter to the judge in a separate filing on Wednesday, Combs said he wants to stand trial this spring on charges of racketeering conspiracy, forced sex trafficking and prostitution.
"Mr. Combs continues to assert his right to a speedy trial and intends to request a trial date in April or May 2025, and as consistent with the Court's trial schedule," defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos wrote in a joint letter to the judge ahead of Comb's court appearance Thursday.
Prosecutors took no position.
"The Government will be available for trial on a date set by the Court, although it remains within the Court's discretion to set a trial date at the outset of the case or at a later time," prosecutors wrote.
Combs and his attorneys have said they want the case to move quickly.
"The government arrested him, the government wants him detained, and we're going to have to do everything possible to move this along," Agnifilo said during a prior court appearance.
Combs, who is also facing several civil lawsuits from alleged victims, has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.
