In a major development ahead of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ upcoming criminal sex trafficking trial, a judge has ruled that jurors will be shown footage of the music mogul physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The trial is scheduled to begin next month, and the inclusion of the 2016 hotel footage could prove pivotal in the courtroom proceedings.

Despite multiple efforts by Combs’ legal team to prevent the footage from being used as evidence, Judge Arun Subramanian denied the requests during a hearing on Friday. Defense attorneys had argued that the video was inaccurate and should not be presented to the jury. However, the court found those arguments insufficient to exclude the material.

The footage first came to public attention when CNN reported on it, revealing disturbing scenes from a hotel incident involving Combs and Ventura. After the footage became widely circulated, Combs issued a public apology through his Instagram account in May 2024, acknowledging his violent behavior and calling it “inexcusable.”

Prosecutors emphasized during the hearing that the video would be presented with technical adjustments to address concerns raised by the defense. A video expert is working to clarify the footage without altering its content, ensuring that the jury sees an accurate representation of the events.

CNN, whose reporting brought the footage to light, reiterated in a public statement that it never altered the video. The network confirmed that it retained the original version provided by its source and aired the story several months before Combs’ arrest.

The decision to admit the footage into evidence is expected to be a significant moment in the trial. Legal analysts suggest that the visual impact of the assault could heavily influence jurors’ perceptions, especially given Combs’ prior admission of guilt related to the incident.

As the trial date approaches, anticipation is building around what promises to be a high-profile and closely watched case. The court’s decision highlights the challenges Combs faces as he seeks to defend himself against serious allegations that have already caused considerable damage to his public reputation.

The trial is set to explore not only the charges of physical assault but broader accusations tied to sex trafficking. With the video now officially admitted into evidence, prosecutors are preparing to build their case around what they describe as a clear pattern of abusive behavior.

The legal battle ahead will undoubtedly attract intense media coverage, as one of the music industry’s most influential figures stands trial amid mounting public scrutiny.