US rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs issues apology video after footage of him beating ex-girlfriend Cassie surfaces
US rapper Diddy, also known as Sean Combs, has taken to social media to release a lengthy video in response to footage of him appearing to beat an ex-partner emerging.
The surveillance footage obtained by CNN shows Combs following his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura through the corridor of a hotel before throwing her to the ground and repeatedly kicking her.
In response, Combs claims he sought therapy and rehab treatment after admitting he was at “rock bottom” at the time of the incident.
Speaking in a video shared to his Instagram, Combs said: “So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that.
“I was f***ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses, my behavior on that video is inexcusable.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I am disgusted now.”
Combs continued: “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy (and) going to rehab. 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 54-year-old won’t face prosecution for the assault as the LA County District Attorney said the statute of limitations had passed.
Neither simple assault (one year expiry) nor aggravated assault (three years) could be charged against the rapper.
A 2016 surveillance video obtained by CNN shows Sean “Diddy” Combs violently grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation in a hotel in California. https://t.co/JrnJhWOaQt pic.twitter.com/xeRBtoGBDV
— CNN (@CNN) May 17, 2024
The hotel footage was recorded in 2016 in Los Angeles, USA.
Combs is shown shirtless with just a towel around his waist as he paces through the halls of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City looking for Ventura.
Ventura was waiting for a lift while wearing a hooded top with the hood over her head when Combs approached.
Combs violently grabbed Ventura by the back of the neck and threw her to the floor before proceeding to kick her.
Ventura lay motionless in the footage before Combs grabbed her bags away from the lift door and proceeded to drag her body to their room.
Ventura’s attorney Douglas Wigdor said to the Daily Mail about the footage: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behaviour of Mr Combs.
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“Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
Combs has previously been sued by Venture for rape and a range of other offences but the pair settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.