Diddy’s legal team has accused CNN of tampering with crucial evidence, but the network is pushing back against the allegations.

The attorneys representing the embattled music mogul claim that CNN digitally altered the surveillance footage showing Diddy physically assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway. They further allege that the network destroyed the “only copy” of the original video. However, CNN swiftly denied these claims in a statement to TMZ, asserting that they neither altered the footage nor destroyed the original version.

“CNN never altered the video and did not destroy the original copy of the footage, which was retained by the source,” the statement read. “CNN aired the story about the video several months before Combs was arrested.”

The network’s timeline aligns with publicly known events. The footage of Diddy’s assault on Cassie was released in May 2024, months before federal authorities arrested him in September. While the video was not the direct cause of his arrest, it significantly impacted public perception of Diddy, prompting him to issue a widely scrutinized apology on social media.

 

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Diddy’s Legal Team Pushes Back

Despite CNN’s denial, Diddy’s legal team doubled down on their claims, stating that they have evidence proving the network deleted the original file.

“Our written and oral communications with CNN’s counsel were clear,” the lawyers argued. “They destroyed the original video file they received from their source.”

Thursday was a busy day for the Bad Boy founder’s defense team, as they also pushed for jury selection in May. Federal prosecutors, however, are aiming to begin the process earlier, proposing an April 21 start date. Diddy’s attorneys have opposed this timeline, arguing they need additional time to prepare.

In addition to requesting a later start, the defense team has asked that all potential jurors complete a questionnaire to ensure fairness. They also want select jurors to be sequestered separately from others. With both sides holding firm on their positions, several details still need to be resolved before the trial officially begins. As of now, the court has set May 5 as the trial date.