Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing serious scrutiny after federal prosecutors alleged he attempted to conceal evidence of a 2016 assault involving his former girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura. The shocking claim surfaced during the opening statements of Diddy’s federal sex trafficking trial, which began on May 12.
Alleged Bribe to Suppress Assault Evidence
Prosecutors claimed that Combs tried to bribe hotel security guard Israel Florez with $100,000 to stay silent about the violent incident, which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Florez, who was called to the scene after reports of a distressed woman, testified that he encountered Combs wearing only a towel and was told, “Don’t tell nobody,” as money was offered to him.
While Florez refused the alleged bribe, the moment was captured on the hotel’s surveillance cameras. That video footage, obtained and released by CNN in May 2024, has become a key piece of evidence in the federal case.
Cassie’s Lawsuit and the Missing Footage
Just months prior to the trial, Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual assault and other abuses. Though the case was settled within 24 hours, court documents claimed Combs paid $50,000 to the hotel to retrieve the hallway footage from that night — a move that prosecutors now allege was part of a wider cover-up.
“Upon information and belief, Mr. Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that evening,” Cassie’s legal filing stated.
Her case opened the floodgates for additional accusations and has now become a critical part of the federal proceedings.
Defense Acknowledges Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking
During the trial, Diddy’s attorney, Teny Geragos, addressed the disturbing video, calling the behavior shown “horrible” and “violent.” However, she emphasized that the footage does not relate to the current charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
“The security footage is not evidence of sex trafficking. It’s evidence of domestic violence,” Geragos stated, attempting to differentiate the past incident from the current federal allegations.
What’s Next in Diddy’s Trial?
As the trial moves forward, Diddy remains at the center of one of the most high-profile legal battles in entertainment history. With the video evidence and multiple witness testimonies stacking up, the outcome could have significant implications for the music mogul’s career and reputation.
Fans and media outlets continue to follow the case closely, with live updates and courtroom sketches offering insight into the proceedings — since federal rules prohibit cameras and recordings inside the courtroom.
