In a stinging setback for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, a judge has denied his attempt to exclude all video evidence of a 2016 hotel assault on his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, from his looming racketeering and sex trafficking trial set to begin next month.

During a hearing on Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian revealed that portions of the controversial footage could indeed be shown in court, although the specifics of what will be presented remain unclear.

Combs' legal team insisted that the footage—previously aired by CNN—was misleading, claiming it was sped up and out of sequence. While they acknowledged the footage depicts Combs assaulting Ventura, they branded it 'deceptive' and unfit for consideration.

More Footage, More Trouble?

Despite the defense's pushback, prosecutors are planning to incorporate various video clips, including additional footage obtained through a subpoena, even though they are not seeking to include the entire CNN broadcast. They have plans to slow down some of the controversial footage to address the defense's concerns.

Two eyewitness videos captured on iPhones will also be presented during the trial, with the individuals responsible for filming prepared to testify.

Trial Date Approaches: A Volcano Ready to Erupt

Jury selection kicks off on Monday, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. Combs has been in custody at a Brooklyn jail since his arrest last September, vehemently denying allegations of a pattern of sexual exploitation, asserting that any sexual encounters were consensual.

Diddy, clad in tan jail attire and black glasses, listened attentively as the judge weighed critical decisions in a case that’s poised to draw intense public scrutiny.

The Rejected Plea Deal: What’s Next?

Prosecutors revealed that a plea deal had been extended to Combs, yet he turned it down. Ventura, who is expected to be a pivotal witness, will likely recount her harrowing experience, which prosecutors allege was followed by a cover-up conspiracy involving Combs and his associates.

The Assault: A Chilling Encounter

The previously released footage, which has already gripped the public's attention, shows a disheveled Combs—in just a towel—violently confronting Ventura, throwing her to the ground and dragging her down a hotel corridor.

According to prosecutors, this assault occurred after Ventura attempted to leave a hotel room following an alleged incident involving a male escort and drugs—activities purportedly orchestrated by Combs. They allege that he later attempted to bribe hotel security with $100,000 to eliminate incriminating evidence.

Diddy’s Defense: A Different Narrative

In a twist, Combs has portrayed the incident as something unrelated to sexual motives, claiming Ventura assaulted him after discovering infidelity on his phone and snatching away his belongings.

The courtroom dynamics are intense, with ongoing disputes between the prosecution and defense regarding what evidence can be shown to the jury in what promises to be a lengthy trial expected to run into the summer.

More Accusations Surface: A Pattern of Abuse?

While only one other alleged victim’s testimony has been permitted by the judge, prosecutors argue that it demonstrates a troubling pattern of behavior by Combs, suggesting a history of disregarding consent.

As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on Diddy as he faces these explosive allegations that could redefine his legacy.