Fans were shocked earlier this year when veteran rapper and record label founder Sean "Diddy" Combs was indicted on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

This week saw the hip-hop music star alleged that prosecutors are attempting to undermine his right to a trial by releasing evidence, including a damning video clip. 

Video shows Combs beating ex-girlfriend

The video footage in question was first broadcast by CNN, and it shows Combs punching and dragging his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a California hotel in 2016.

A 2016 surveillance video obtained by CNN shows Sean "Diddy" Combs violently grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation in a hotel in California. https://t.co/JrnJhWOaQt pic.twitter.com/xeRBtoGBDV

— CNN (@CNN) May 17, 2024

The video subsequently went viral on social media and was cited by Ventura as part of a lawsuit she filed which included claims of rape, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.

According to the Los Angeles Times, defense attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos have sought a hearing to determine whether the footage was illegally leaked by federal authorities.

Defense wants a gag order placed on prosecutors

They asserted in a filing that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), "engaged in a seven-month campaign ... strategically leaking confidential grand jury material and information, including the 2016 Intercontinental videotape, in order to prejudice the public and potential jurors against Mr. Combs."

The pair are seeking "emails, documents and records in the possession of the government (including DHS) related to these leaks."

What's more, Agnifilo and Geragos want "a gag order prohibiting government personnel from disclosing any evidence or investigative material related to this case to any member of the media."

Meanwhile, CNN reported that U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams insists there is no "factual basis" to the defense's allegations.

Williams asked those with additional information to come forward

Williams released a statement on September 17 in which he laid out the charges against Combs and asked those with additional information to speak up.

"As alleged in the Indictment, for years, Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice," Williams declared.

"Today, he is charged with racketeering and sex trafficking offenses. If you have been a victim of Combs' alleged abuse – or if you know anything about his alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward. This investigation is far from over," the U.S. attorney added.