The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office condemned Sean “Diddy” Combs’ shocking surveillance video, in which the music mogul is seen assaulting ex Cassie Ventura — but is unable to file charges.
The office of district attorney George Gascón explained in a lengthy statement released via Instagram Friday why their hands are tied due to the statute of limitations.
“We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles,” the statement began.
“We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch.”
The officials then explained that if Combs’ vicious attack did indeed take place in 2016 — as was reported by CNN who broke the story — then “unfortunately” they are “unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.”
According to legal experts, the statute of limitations for misdemeanor assault in California is one year and three years for felony assault. Since the altercation between Ventura, 37, and Combs, 54, occurred eight years ago, it has surpassed those deadlines.
The DA’s Office also pointed out in their statement that law enforcement has yet to present a case related to the violent attack, but encouraged “anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it.”
People in the comments section of the post were not pleased with the decision — in spite of it being made in accordance with the law — claiming it is an act of injustice.
“That’s how people like Diddy get away with crimes and it’s because people like him get encouraged and others feel above the law !! 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼,” one person wrote.
Another commented, “It’s time we update the statue of limitations. There’s no reason whatsoever that a victim shouldn’t be able to report these crimes after escaping their abusers.”
A third suggested that the hotel where the incident occurred should be held accountable, writing, “The Hotel had this video and never reported it to the police or didn’t call the police …. should make exceptions to the statue of limitations … she definitely deserve justice and the hotel security should be in trouble.”
Although Combs has not been criminally charged for assaulting Ventura, she did file a civil lawsuit against him in November 2023, accusing him of rape, physical assault and other disturbing claims like forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes throughout their decade-long relationship.
The exes, who dated off and on from 2008 to 2017, quickly settled the case, however, within one day.
Combs previously denied the allegations, calling Ventura’s claims “offensive and outrageous.”
The “Me & U” singer, for her part, explained that she decided to resolve her legal battle with the Bad Boy Records executive for an undisclosed amount in order to have “some level of control” over the matter.
However, once the horrifying surveillance footage was released Friday, Ventura’s lawyer Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement to Page Six, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs.
“Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
Several people in Hollywood have come out to slam Combs for his egregious behavior, including his nemesis 50 Cent and former protégée Aubrey O’Day of “Making the Band 3” and Danity Kane.
Fans also took to social media to demand the “f–king disgusting” “Bad Boy for Life” rapper be locked up.
Ventura’s husband, Alex Fine, released a heartfelt statement that said in part, “Men who hit women aren’t men” and that “men who enable it and protect those people aren’t men.”
Combs has yet to address the bombshell video or the backlash he has received.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
