A former CIA agent spoke up about the connection between the newly released March 2016 video showing Sean "Diddy" Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura and the lawsuit they settled in November 2023.
On Friday, May 17, CNN released exclusive footage taken from the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles showing Combs repeatedly assaulting Ventura after reportedly becoming extremely intoxicated. This led to a lawsuit in which Ventura alleged he shoved, grabbed and kicked her several times when she attempted to leave the hotel room.
The lawsuit was settled one day after the filing.
In an interview with People, former CIA and FBI special agent Tracy Walder said the video footage was the reason why Combs settled the lawsuit "so quickly."
"Diddy never expected the video to get out. It's very upsetting that this has exceeded its statute of limitations," said Walder. "It does depend on what the charge could be, but it can range from one to three years. Felony assaults in California have a statute of limitations of three years," says Walder. "Since this stemmed from a 2016 incident, she wouldn't be able to file assault or battery charges in Los Angeles. It really throws water on Diddy and his legal team's argument that the government used too much force in his search warrants."
Walder, who worked as a CIA agent for six years and an FBI special agent for four years, assumed that the embattled rap mogul knew about the video's existence. She added that Ventura's attorney probably gave CNN the footage since the hotel reportedly received only $50,000 to remain silent about it.
In November 2023, Combs and Ventura settled the case "to their mutual satisfaction." However, at the time, he reiterated that the settlement was not his way of admitting any wrongdoing.
On the other hand, he issued an apology statement on Instagram on Sunday, May 19, saying it was one of the darkest times in his life.
"I hit rock bottom -- but I make no excuses," said Combs. "My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace."
He added, "I'm so sorry. But I'm committed to be a better man each and every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm truly sorry."