MMusic mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, born Casandra Ventura. The video statement, shared via his Instagram account, arrives two days later CNN published CCTV footage of the attack which took place in a Los Angeles hallway in March 2016.
In a video shared with her 20 million Instagram followers, Combs, 54, said: “It’s so hard to reflect on the darkest moments in your life, but sometimes you have to. I was fucked. I’ve hit rock bottom, but I don’t make excuses. My behavior in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted when I did it and I’m disgusted now.”
He continued: “I went and sought professional help. I had to go to therapy, rehabilitation. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m very sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am deeply sorry.”
Echoing his verbal statement, the post was captioned “I’m sorry.”
The footage shows Combs running down a hotel hallway wearing only a white towel and attacking Ventura, who is waiting for the elevator, apparently trying to leave. He can be seen throwing her to the ground and kicking her.
See more information: Cassie settles lawsuit accusing Sean Combs of rape and abuse
Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were hacked by Homeland Security in March, as the music mogul faces accusations of physical and sexual violence.
In November 2023, Ventura, 37, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Federal District Court, alleging that Combs had physically and sexually abused her for years during their relationship. Ventura filed the lawsuit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which at that time allowed accusers to file lawsuits after the statute of limitations had passed.
According to court documents, the abuse began shortly after Combs and Ventura met in 2005, when she was 19 and he was 37. The two were involved in an on-and-off relationship from 2007 until about 2018.
The CCTV footage released by CNN closely resembles the description of an incident at a Los Angeles hotel described in Ventura’s lawsuit.
Ventura and Combs reached a settlement the day after she filed her lawsuit. On a statement distributed by your lawyer Douglas Wigdor, the Ventura singer, said at the time: “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably in terms of having some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Combs — who has adopted several nicknames during his career, including Puff Daddy, Puffy, Diddy and, most recently, Love — also confirmed the deal in a statement. “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love,” he said.
In an additional statement emailed to TIME, Combs’ team shared a message from his attorney, Benjamin Brafman.
“Just to be clear, the decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Brafman said. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit in no way undermines his full denial of the claims. He is pleased that they have reached a mutual agreement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, you can find help and resources at www.rainn.org.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
