Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is at the center of renewed controversy following the release of

surveillance footage that appears to substantiate claims of physical abuse against his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

The video, obtained exclusively by CNN, captures an incident in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in March 2016,

where Combs is seen assaulting Ventura.

The footage begins with Ventura entering the hallway, allegedly after an intoxicated Combs punched her in the face, giving her a black eye, according to her lawsuit filed in November last year. As Ventura tries to leave, Combs follows her into the hallway, yelling and eventually grabbing her. He throws her to the ground, kicks her twice, and attempts to drag her back to the hotel room. Ventura is seen using a hotel phone, after which Combs returns to shove her into a corner and throw an object at her.

This incident was part of a larger pattern of abuse detailed in Ventura’s lawsuit, which was settled the day after it was filed. While the settlement did not include an admission of wrongdoing from Combs, the release of this video has intensified scrutiny on him. Ventura’s attorney commented on the video, stating that it confirms the “disturbing and predatory behavior” of Combs, praising Ventura for her courage in coming forward.

Combs, who began dating Ventura several years after their initial meeting in 2005, parted ways with her in 2019. His attorney maintains that the decision to settle the lawsuit is not an admission of guilt. This video comes amidst a series of civil lawsuits accusing Combs of sex trafficking and sexual abuse, allegations he has consistently denied.

In a December 2023 statement, Combs responded to these allegations, describing them as “sickening” and asserting that they were made by individuals seeking a quick financial gain. CNN has reached out to Combs’ representatives for further comment on the matter.

As the public reacts to these revelations, the case highlights the ongoing issues of abuse and accountability within the entertainment industry, and the courage it takes for survivors to come forward with their stories.