Sean “Diddy” Combs and his legal team have made a startling accusation against federal authorities, claiming the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) orchestrated the leak of a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie.
In legal documents obtained by TMZ, Combs’ attorneys allege misconduct in his criminal case, specifically accusing DHS, not the U.S. Attorney’s office, of leaking the video to CNN. The footage, from a Los Angeles hotel, reportedly shows Combs physically assaulting Cassie during their relationship.
According to the filing, on May 17, a CNN correspondent contacted Combs’ team seeking comment on a video they planned to publish, describing it as surveillance footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles from 2016. Combs’ lawyers claim they immediately informed prosecutors assigned to his case about CNN’s possession of the video.
The legal team argues that DHS is likely the source of the leak, citing frequent quotes from DHS agents in news stories about raids and investigations related to Combs. They also contend that Cassie was unlikely to be the source, as her lawsuit against Combs did not indicate she possessed the tape.
Combs’ attorneys suggest the timing of the leak, on what they describe as a slow news day due to a break in the Donald Trump trial, indicates a motive to damage Combs’ reputation without financial gain – a motive they attribute to federal agents.
The music mogul’s legal team is calling for an evidentiary hearing to determine appropriate relief in light of these allegations. They also criticize the federal raids on Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami as excessively brutal, claiming agents handcuffed his children during the operations.
These accusations come amid ongoing legal troubles for Combs, including multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct. The case continues to draw significant media attention, highlighting issues of celebrity, power, and accountability in the entertainment industry.
As the legal battle unfolds, both the federal authorities and Combs’ team are likely to face increased scrutiny over their actions and allegations in this high-profile case.
Source: TMZ
