AceShowbiz - Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' defense team has accused federal agents of deliberately leaking damaging footage to the media. Amid his ongoing legal battle, his defense team has filed a motion for an evidentiary hearing, alleging government misconduct aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

These accusations are rooted in the leak of a 2016 surveillance video in which Combs is seen assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. This explosive claim forms the crux of his lawyers' argument that the government is colluding with the media to undermine his right to a fair trial.

According to a memorandum reviewed by Variety, the defense underscores that neither Cassie nor any third party were likely sources of the leaked video. They suggest that the timing of the leak, which coincided with a break in Donald Trump's hush money trial, implicates government agents aiming to maximize media coverage. The defense team has requested an evidentiary hearing to investigate if a federal agent provided the footage to CNN.

The accusations don't stop there. Combs' attorneys claim that raids on his Los Angeles and Florida residences were scheduled during daylight to attract media attention. They argue that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alerted the media in advance, further asserting that DHS used excessive force and made inflammatory statements to the press. This, they believe, has tainted the jury pool and public opinion against Combs.

The legal filing obtained by Page Six reiterates, "The government knew what it had: a frankly deplorable video recording of Sean Combs in a towel hitting, kicking, and dragging a woman in full view of a camera in the hallway of the hotel." The defense argues that the video was used in "the most prejudicial and damaging way possible," rather than as part of a fair trial.

This latest development adds to the complex web of Combs' federal case, wherein he faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. His legal team has filed multiple appeals for pretrial release and is urging for the trial to take place in April or May 2025. As Combs remains in federal custody, his defense continues to battle against what they perceive as an orchestrated attempt to "savage Mr. Combs' reputation prior to trial."

Combs is slated to appear before a new judge for a status conference, but his legal team is adamant that the government's alleged misconduct must be addressed. They call for severe corrective measures, including the suppression of the video and possibly even the dismissal of all charges.