Sean “Diddy” Combs has publicly responded to the release of a 2016 video showing him shoving and kicking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. On Sunday, May 19, the 54-year-old musician, addressed the footage in an Instagram video, expressing his remorse with the caption: “I’m truly sorry.”
In the video, Combs said: “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that. I was f—– up. I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses. My behaviour in that video is inexcusable.” He went on to add: “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
He further expressed his disgust at his actions, saying: “I was disgusted then when I did it, and I’m disgusted now. I sought out professional help, going to therapy and 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.” Combs concluded by stating that he is “not asking for forgiveness” but is “truly sorry.”
Earlier, on Tuesday, May 14, Combs had shared an Instagram post reading: “Time tells truth,” captioned with: “LOVE ????????✨⚡️.”
The surveillance video, released by CNN on May 17, shows an altercation between Combs and Cassie (born Casandra Ventura), matching allegations she made in a now-settled lawsuit from last November. The footage captures Ventura exiting a hotel room and walking toward an elevator, followed by Combs grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her back to the hotel room. He is also seen throwing an object at her before walking away.
Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said the video confirms her allegations. “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behaviour of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light,” Wigdor said.
In her now-settled lawsuit, Ventura described a similar incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in 2016. She alleged that Combs, extremely intoxicated, punched her in the face, giving her a black eye. When she tried to leave, Combs followed her into the hallway, grabbed her, and threw glass vases at her, causing glass to shatter around them. Ventura eventually escaped to the elevator and took a cab home.
The lawsuit detailed that Ventura returned to the hotel, fearing further anger from Combs, but hotel security staff urged her to go home, having seen the security footage of the incident.
Main Image: In Touch Weekly
