(NewsNation) — Prominent victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred said the leaked surveillance video showing rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend could potentially lead to federal racketeering charges against him if it provides evidence of sex crimes like trafficking.
In a Saturday interview on “NewsNation Prime,” Allred who has represented other alleged victims of Combs, said she wasn’t surprised by the “disgusting” and “disturbing” footage based on accounts from her clients, though she didn’t disclose details.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office on Friday said that they would be unable to charge Diddy in the incident because it “occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.”
In the 2016 hotel surveillance footage, Combs can be seen grabbing Cassie Ventura, dragging her through the hallway, and kicking her aside.
While too much time has passed for local prosecutors to file charges over the 2016 hotel assault, Allred said the Justice Department could bring a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) case against Combs if the video shows evidence of crimes like sex trafficking that have a 10-year statute of limitations.
“So we’ll have to wait and see if any charges are filed by the federal government,” Allred stated. Federal authorities previously raided Combs’ homes, likely seeking trafficking evidence.
Ventura’s attorney called the video further confirmation of Combs’ “disturbing and predatory behavior.”
Ventura filed a federal lawsuit against the music producer last year, but reached a settlement the next day. The terms of the agreement were kept confidential. “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably,” Combs said in a statement. “I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
Allred speculated the video may have been leaked from within Combs’ camp after reports he paid $50,000 to obtain it.
Allred condemned Combs’ actions, saying he treated Ventura “as though she’s not a human being but just an object that he owns.”
