Diddy Settles Cassie Ventura Lawsuit After Leaked Hotel Video Surfaces

Newly released security footage from a Los Angeles hotel allegedly shows Sean "Diddy" Combs brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hallway in 2016, leading to a quick settlement of the lawsuit filed against him.

### Video Evidence Fuels Settlement in Diddy's Domestic Violence Case

The release of disturbing security footage has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, allegedly depicting renowned rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.

The footage, obtained exclusively by CNN, shows a 54-year-old Combs allegedly punching and forcibly restraining Ventura in a violent altercation that corroborates accusations made in her lawsuit.

### Out-of-Court Resolution Avoids Public Scrutiny

Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs in November, alleging physical and sexual abuse. However, the case was abruptly dropped a day later after the parties reached an out-of-court settlement, leading to speculation about the potential impact of the damning video.

Author and former FBI and CIA agent Tracy Walder believes that the leaked footage likely played a significant role in Combs' decision to settle quickly. "Diddy never expected the video to get out," she told People magazine.

### Assault Allegations Corroborated by Video

Walder's analysis of the video aligns with allegations made by Ventura's lawyers, who claimed that Combs "punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye." The video allegedly shows Combs intoxicated, following Ventura into the hallway after she tried to leave, and engaging in a physical altercation that included throwing her on the ground and smashing a vase.

### Statute of Limitations Bars Criminal Charges

Walder expressed dismay that the alleged actions depicted in the video have exceeded the statute of limitations in Los Angeles, making it impossible for Ventura to file assault or battery charges.

The LA District Attorney's office confirmed that Combs cannot be prosecuted due to the statute of limitations, stating that the incident would have occurred beyond the allowable timeframe.

### Video Raises Questions about Excessive Use of Force

Walder noted that the release of the video raises questions about the use of excessive force by Combs' armed security team, which was previously defended by his legal team. She suspects that Combs was aware of the video and other allegations against him, making the search warrants obtained by law enforcement entirely appropriate.

### Motivations Behind Tape Release Speculated

Walder questioned the timing of the video's release, suggesting that it may have been provided to CNN by Ventura's attorney or the hotel, which had reportedly received $50,000 to keep the footage confidential.

She speculated that frustration over the lack of criminal charges federally may have prompted the release of the video, which could impact any ongoing civil cases against Combs.

### Combs' Representatives Silent on Allegations

Despite repeated requests for comment, representatives for Combs have not publicly responded to the allegations or the leaked video.

Fox News contributors Christina Dugan Ramirez and Michael Ruiz assisted in this comprehensive report.