Sean “Diddy” Combs alleges that the Department of Homeland Security leaked a video of him allegedly assaulting his ex Cassie in 2016 to undermine his right to a fair trial. His legal team filed a motion for an evidentiary hearing to investigate the alleged government misconduct. They claim that DHS leaked confidential grand jury materials and that this has resulted in damaging and prejudicial media coverage, sensationalizing the investigation and involving Combs’ family. Diddy was arrested in September on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering after a grand jury indicted him following a federal investigation.
Diddy has denied all allegations against him and pleaded not guilty. CNN aired footage of Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel in May. The video showed Diddy grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Cassie. This footage could be key evidence in the case against him. Diddy apologized for his behavior in an Instagram video but did not mention Cassie by name. The leaks by DHS agents and the release of the footage have been used in an apparent effort to damage Diddy’s reputation prior to the trial.
Diddy’s legal team alleges that the government has engaged in a scheme to undermine his rights to a fair proceeding. They claim that DHS agents made false and prejudicial statements to press outlets over a seven-month period. Law enforcement agents raided Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles this year. The agents reportedly handcuffed Diddy’s innocent sons during the search, which was made public through a news helicopter and the press, in an effort to justify their actions. Government employees have allegedly leaked grand jury information and materials to the press to create public hostility against Diddy.
In a filing on Wednesday, Diddy’s lawyers claimed that the leaks and false statements are part of a trend in the District that undermines a criminal defendant’s right to a fair trial. They referred to the CNN footage of Diddy and Cassie as just one example of the leaks meant to tarnish Diddy’s reputation. Diddy filed his third appeal for pretrial release from prison on October 8. He is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The appeal aims to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, who deemed Diddy as a risk to witnesses and a flight risk due to his wealth.
Diddy’s legal battle continues as he awaits trial on the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. His legal team is fighting against what they perceive as government misconduct and leaks designed to prejudice the case against Diddy. The Department of Homeland Security has been accused of undermining Diddy’s right to a fair trial by releasing confidential materials to the press and creating a negative perception of the rapper in the media. As the case unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and just legal process for all parties involved.
