After Sean “Diddy” Combs escaped criminal prosecution for hotel incident, California state bill would extend limits on domestic violence charges

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — California could extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence prosecutions from five to 15 years.

The bill was introduced by California State Senator Susan Rubio.

“I am a victim of domestic violence myself. “I’m very committed to protecting victims,” Rubio said.

This bill is gaining new attention following the release of disturbing hotel surveillance video obtained by CNN showing Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.

In November 2023, Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs accusing him of sex trafficking and sexual assault.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office recently said too much time had passed to file charges in the incident.

Combs recently admitted that it was him in the video and apologized for his behavior.

This came months after federal agents raided Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami and seized his electronic devices and other evidence in what the Department of Homeland Security called a human trafficking investigation.

After the hotel video was released, a statement from Ventura’s attorney said:

“The heartbreaking video has only further validated Mr. Combs’ disturbing and predatory behavior. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude Ms. Ventura showed in coming forward.”

Rubio said, “If this law had been in place, Cassie could have gotten justice.”

A report from Peace Over Violence, a local nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence, shows they responded to more than 1,000 emergency calls in Los Angeles and Pasadena in 2022.

“It is very important for all victims of crime to have the opportunity to come forward when they are ready. A time limit makes it difficult because not everyone is at that point of healing at the same time,” says Wendy Blanco, director of counseling services at Peace Over Violence.

Rubio’s bill has already passed the Senate.

“The bill is in the House and Appropriations Committee. It should be published in the next two months. I would say if it passes, it will take effect on January 1 of next year,” Rubio said.