In a recent turn of events, rapper and music executive Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has issued an apology for physically assaulting his former signee and estranged girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, two days after CNN released exclusive hotel surveillance footage from 2016.
The CCTV footage depicts a disturbing incident from 2016, where Combs is seen chasing Ventura down a hotel hallway, punching and kicking her to the floor. Combs, clad in just a towel and socks, then attempts to drag Ventura back down the corridor.
In a video posted on his official Instagram page on Sunday, Diddy addressed the footage, stating, “I was fucked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses. My behaviour in that video is inexcusable.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I am disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, and I’m disgusted now.
“I went and sought professional help. I had to go into therapy; I had to go into rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace.
“I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
The video has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for Combs to face jail time.
Fellow celebrities, including 50 Cent, have also weighed in on the situation.
The newly surfaced video corroborates several allegations made by Ventura in a 2023 lawsuit, in which she claimed she was trafficked, raped, and beaten by Combs over a decade.
Ventura had been signed to Combs’ label in 2005 when she was 19 and he was 37, and they later entered into a relationship.
She alleges that a cycle of abuse began soon after. It detailed claims that Combs was physically violent towards Ventura and forced her to engage in various sex acts with other men during that time.
The complaint cites the hotel hallway altercation as occurring “around March 2016,” stating that Combs became “extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye.”
According to Ventura, after Combs fell asleep, she attempted to leave the hotel room, but he woke up, followed her into the hallway, and continued yelling at her.
Combs is currently facing a series of civil lawsuits accusing him of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape.
He has vehemently denied all allegations, with his lawyers branding the lawsuits as “baseless” and “sickening” money grabs.
Despite the serious accusations, the musician has not been formally charged.
