A startling, newly released video appears to show rap artist and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs viciously assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
The 2016 CCTV footage obtained by CNN appears to show the music mogul in a confrontation that occurred at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City in Los Angeles.
A man who appears to be Combs with a towel wrapped around his waist is seen to grab, punch, drag, and kick Ventura during an altercation that matches allegations in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gacon's office issued a statement after the release of the video, calling it "extremely disturbing."
"We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles. We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch," the statement added.
However, it noted noted that "unfortunately" the attack occurred too long ago for any criminal charges to be filed.
"As of today, law enforcement has not presented a case related to the attack depicted in the video against Mr. Combs, but we encourage anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it to law enforcement or reach out to our office for support from our Bureau of Victims Services," the statement urged.
The footage was compiled from several camera angles dated March 5, 2016, and shows the attacker exiting a hotel room and then running after Ventura down a hall.
He proceeds to grab Ventura by the back of the neck and throw her to the floor. While still holding his towel closed with one hand, he turns back and kicks her on the video.
He then grabs Ventura by her sweater and drags her on the floor down the hal.
Douglas H. Wigdor, Ventura's attorney, told CNN that 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."
Ventura, who was formally signed to Combs' music label, claimed in her suit that he "exerted his power and influence" over her throughout the course of their professional and romantic relationship.
Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, said in a statement to CNN on the day it was filed, "Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations."
Ventura reached an undisclosed settlement with Combs last November.
