NYS bill introduced to hold people accountable for evidence suppression
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---After a video taken in 2016 of Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie Ventura was brought to light, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham took legislative action by introducing a bill called Cassie’s Law.
"We realized that information was delayed in being received to the general public, because hotel workers were paid off to suppress that footage, explained Cunningham. "So, Cassie’s law would essentially close that loophole to make sure that people who suppress information that could be used in a criminal trial, particularly those who are sensitive around domestic violence and sexual assault would be penalized civilly."
He said often a statute of limitations has passed before someone is held accountable.
"This incident occurred in 2016," said Cunningham. "We didn’t see this footage until 2024. New York State last year, two sessions ago, passed the Adult Survivors Act which opened up the statute of limitations allowing the victims to come forward who had missed their window. But Cassie and others would have probably been caught in a loophole if not being in that zone had this video not been released, and had not there been sufficient evidence for DA’s or prosecutors to use as evidence to bring into the court."
Under the Adult Survivors Act, Cassie filed a case against Combs in federal court. He denied the claims and a settlement was announced soon after. According to the Associated Press, the video is similar to an altercation described in the lawsuit.
Cunningham hopes his bill will be passed by the state legislature once lawmakers return to Albany for the new legislative session.
"Right now, we introduced a law preliminary based on the information that we had saw in that video tape. I think as we go back into session and begin to have hearings and conferences and begin to talk to our colleagues, particularly our senate sponsors, trying to figure out exactly what additions we want to make to this law."
The assemblyman said he wants to make sure this is the strongest law it can possibly be to honor not only Cassie, but others who have been harmed and have had their evidence suppressed.