Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs can’t be prosecuted over horrifying footage that appears to show him assaulting Kathy Ventura — because the incident happened so long ago that Los Angeles County the DA said.
In footage obtained by CNN from March 5, 2016, the rapper appears to grab his then-girlfriend Ventura by the neck and kick her multiple times.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón’s office said, “Unfortunately, if the acts described occurred in 2016, they would have occurred beyond the time limit for assault charges, and therefore, no charges can be filed.” Probably.” It was shared on Instagram late Friday..
Under California law, the statute of limitations for simple assault and felony assault are one year and three years, respectively.
“As of today, law enforcement has not filed a case related to the attack on Mr. Combs depicted in the video, but anyone who was a victim or witness to the crime should contact law enforcement. “We encourage you to file a report or contact police for assistance from our Office of Victim Services,” Gascón’s office added.
Ventura filed a civil suit against Combs in November 2023, paying $50,000 to the InterContinental Hotel in Century City for footage showing the Bad Boy Records founder attacking her near an elevator bank. claimed to have paid.
Harrowing footage showed Combs, now 54, clutching a towel around his waist and dragging Ventura by his sweatshirt, attempting to drop him onto the carpet.
As Ventura slowly stands up and tries to reach for his phone, Combs returns and shoves him, the video shows.
Seconds later, he grabbed something from a nearby table and threw it at Ventura, the video shows.
Photos of the couple at the premiere of the movie “The Perfect Match” released just two days later showed Ventura with multiple bruises on her arms and legs, likely from an altercation with Combs.
“This heartbreaking video only further confirms Mr. Combs’ disturbing and predatory conduct,” Ventura’s attorney Douglas H. Wigdor said in response to the video. The video appears to be consistent with the latter accusation, which has now been settled. Lawsuit against Combs.
“Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in bringing this issue to light,” Wigdor added.
Ms. Ventura’s lawsuit was settled a day later for an undisclosed amount, but she alleged that Mr. Combs used his wealth and influence to control her career and personal life.
The two met when Ventura was 19 and Combs 37, and Ventura signed a contract with his music label through 2019.
Since November, Combs has been hit with five other lawsuits accusing him of rape, sexual misconduct and a host of other heinous charges.
In April, authorities searched his residences in California and Florida as part of an investigation by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security human trafficking team.
Footage from the Intercontinental is likely to add further fuel to that investigation. Experts told the Los Angeles Times.
“This video paints him in a terrible light. If people were giving him the benefit of the doubt, that’s it,” said Los Angeles defense attorney Lou Shapiro.
“The problem here is he denied the blow.” [Ventura] And in this video he is kicking her when she is down. ” he added.
“The video doesn’t lie,” said former federal prosecutor Neema Rahmani.
“Didi’s actions have no legal or moral validity. He violently attacked a defenseless woman.”
The newspaper has contacted Didi’s lawyer for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 Please send.
