Cassie breaks silence following Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ assault apology
Cassie Ventura has spoken for the first time since her ex-partner Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs apologised for assaulting her in 2016 at a hotel.
Last weekend, footage emerged through CNN that showed Combs in a towel running through the hallways of a hotel. When he comes across Ventura, he punches her, throws her to the floor, and repeatedly kicks her while on the floor.
Although Combs previously denied being violent toward Ventura, he took to social media to accept “full responsibility” for the attack after footage was viewed by millions. “I was disgusted when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he says in the video. The rapper also described the period as “the darkest times” in his life.
Diddy continued: “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f—ed up. I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behaviour on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
He also claimed that he’s “been going to therapy” and “going to rehab” since 2016, claiming, “I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”
Now, taking to Instagram, Ventura has thanked those who have reached out to her “for all the love and support” they have given her in recent days. She continued: “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning. Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.”
Furthermore, Ventura expressed gratitude to “everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously”. The R&B singer also pleaded with her followers to “open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in. I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone.”
Last year, Ventura settled a lawsuit with former partner Combs after she had earlier accused of rape and physical assault.
The couple were together from 2007 until 2018. Cassie claimed in the lawsuit, which was filed in the Federal District Court in Manhattan, that Combs coerced her into engaging in sexual activities with multiple male prostitutes, all while recording the encounters. A legal representative for Combs denied the claims, labelling them “offensive and outrageous allegations”.
Combs has also recently been accused of sexually assaulting and drugging a model in 2003, but he is yet to comment on the new case. Crystal McKinney alleges that she was forced to perform oral sex on him at his recording studio in New York City in 2003.
This is a developing story.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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