Renowned hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was apprehended by federal agents on September 16 on serious charges including racketeering conspiracy, sexual trafficking by force, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. The following day, he made an appearance in a Manhattan court, where he pleaded “not guilty” to all allegations but was denied bail as prosecutors painted him as a “significant flight risk.”
After his initial court appearance, Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, spoke to the media outside the courthouse on Tuesday. He claimed that Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, stole his clothing and “hit him,” prompting him to chase her down the hallway, as captured in surveillance footage from March 2016. Inner City Press shared Agnifilo’s remarks:
“Two individuals were in a hotel room. Mr. Combs had more than one girlfriend, an issue. Victim 1 looked through his phone, saw something upsetting, hit him in the head with a cellphone, and took his clothing. So, he exited in a towel,” Agnifilo stated on September 17.
For the unaware, CNN released shocking footage in May 2024, allegedly showing Diddy assaulting Cassie. In the video, she attempts to escape with her bag toward the hotel elevator, but Diddy chases her down wearing a white towel, ultimately shoving her to the ground, followed by punching and kicking her.
Notably, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy in November 2023, accusing him of assault, abuse, and trafficking, which was settled out of court. However, Diddy’s attorney clarified at the time that this settlement did not imply any admission of guilt.
Revisiting Diddy’s attorney’s remarks about Cassie during his post-arrest court appearance
On September 17, Diddy made his first court appearance following his arrest. By the end of the day’s proceedings, his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, issued several statements that included addressing the accusations made by Cassie last year.
Marc claimed that both Diddy and Ventura had been unfaithful despite allegedly being “in love,” noting that Cassie even married her trainer, whom Diddy had arranged for her, identified as her current husband, Alex Fine.
“These two individuals were in love. Victim 1 eventually married the trainer arranged by Mr. Combs. They were cheating on each other for years. Years later, she realized what she had with Mr. Combs,” Diddy’s attorney asserted.
Marc Agnifilo further claimed that Cassie’s attorney had contacted Combs’ lawyer the previous year, stating she had “written a book” and reportedly requested $30 million for the rights.
“We possess a recorded conversation that didn’t go well for her or the lawyer. November 2023, she filed a lawsuit. When he reaches out to witnesses, it’s not to obstruct a criminal investigation, but rather to avoid being perceived one-sidedly. There are 30 million reasons, a dollar for each. She stated, ‘I’m going to write a book; you can buy the rights,’” the lawyer added.
The New York-based attorney highlighted that his client was “not a perfect person” and was “striving to improve himself.” However, Agnifilo argued that all of Diddy’s “toxic relationships were mutual.” He also urged the public to “support” Combs, as he was “seeking the help” he needed.
Reflecting on Cassie and Diddy’s reactions following the CNN footage release
On May 16, 2024, CNN obtained never-before-seen surveillance footage of Sean Combs allegedly abusing Casandra Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway, dating back to March 2016. The following day, the outlet released the footage to the public. It depicted Cassie rushing barefoot toward an elevator while attempting to put on her shoes.
Later, she attempted to retrieve her belongings but was unable to escape as her then-boyfriend pursued her, pushing her to the ground. Diddy, clad only in a towel, was observed taking Cassie by the neck, shoving and dragging her down the hallway while she desperately tried to escape. He was also seen hurling a vase in her direction during the altercation.
The release of the video prompted outrage in the community, leading to significant backlash against Combs. In response, the No Way Out rapper posted an apology video on Instagram, which has since been removed. He expressed how “truly sorry” he was for his actions and stated:
“I was messed up. I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior in that video is unforgivable. I take full responsibility for my actions. I was disgusted when I did it, and I’m disgusted now. Facing the darkest times in your life is difficult, but it’s necessary.”
He continued:
“I sought professional help. I entered therapy and rehab. I had to ask God for His mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. I am committed to becoming a better man every day. I’m not trying to seek forgiveness; I’m genuinely sorry.”
Meanwhile, Casandra Ventura also addressed the release of the video. She expressed gratitude towards her family, friends, and fans for their “love and support,” which she said helped her “younger self to settle and feel safe now.”
“Domestic violence is a crucial issue. It broke me down to someone I never imagined I would become. Through a lot of effort, I am better today. However, I will always be in recovery from my past,” she said.
Cassie also expressed solidarity with other victims and survivors of domestic abuse, emphasizing the bravery it takes to speak out. Her husband, Alex Fine, also commented on social media, stating, “Men who hit women aren’t men. Men who enable and protect those individuals aren’t men… Men who hurt women despise women.” He urged other men to hold themselves accountable, ensuring the women in their lives feel “protected and cherished,” treating them with “utmost respect.”
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