Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned rap mogul, has publicly admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, known as Cassie, in 2016. In a video apology posted on Sunday on Instagram and Facebook, Combs expressed deep remorse for his actions, which were captured in newly released footage by CNN.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” Combs stated, visibly somber and dressed in a T-shirt while recording the selfie-style video on a patio.
On Friday, CNN aired the disturbing footage showing Combs, clad only in a white towel, punching and kicking Cassie in the hallway of a hotel. The video also depicted Combs shoving, dragging, and throwing a vase in Cassie’s direction. This incident, which took place in 2016, highlighted a tumultuous period in the relationship between Combs and Cassie, who was not only his protege but also his longtime girlfriend.
Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, filed a lawsuit against Combs in November, alleging years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Although the lawsuit was settled the following day, it intensified scrutiny of Combs, leading to a slew of additional lawsuits and a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation. This investigation resulted in authorities raiding Combs’ mansions in Los Angeles and Miami.
Despite denying the allegations in the lawsuits, Combs and his representatives had remained silent about the newly surfaced video until his Sunday apology. In his video statement, Diddy emphasized the difficulty of confronting his past actions. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said.
Combs also revealed that he sought professional help after the incident, including therapy and rehab, and turned to faith for guidance. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace,” he explained.
Expressing his commitment to personal growth, Combs concluded, “I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
This admission marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of Sean “Diddy” Combs, shedding light on the serious allegations against him and his efforts to address his past behavior. The impact of these revelations continues to unfold as the public and legal systems respond to the gravity of the situation.
