Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued an apology after a video surfaced showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.
In a video shared on Instagram, the rapper acknowledged his inexcusable behavior, taking full responsibility and expressing disgust over his actions.
“My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” Diddy says. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, (and) I’m disgusted now.”
The video, released by CNN, shows Diddy attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway, an incident that aligns with Ventura’s allegations in a recent lawsuit against him for sex trafficking, rape, and physical abuse. The lawsuit was settled one day after being filed.
The surveillance footage, dated March 5, 2016, depicts Diddy clad in a bath towel, chasing and assaulting Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, which has since closed.
Ventura’s lawyer, Doug Wigdor, highlighted the video as further evidence of Diddy’s disturbing behavior, commending Ventura’s bravery for coming forward.
Diddy’s apology video reflects on this period as the darkest time of his life, mentioning that he sought professional help afterwards and is committed to self-improvement.
Despite his apology, Diddy has faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault, which he denies, claiming his accusers are seeking financial gain.
In March, Homeland Security searched Diddy’s homes as part of a sex trafficking investigation. However, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated that Diddy would not face charges related to the 2016 video due to the statute of limitations.
They wrote:
“We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch,” the office said in a statement posted on social media. “If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.”
