Sean “Diddy” Combs has responded after a recently surfaced 2016 video sees him appearing to physically assault his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Damning footage reportedly showing Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend has surfaced this week. CNN has obtained a 2016 surveillance video capturing a disturbing altercation involving Combs and his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The pair dated on-and-off from 2007 to 2018.
The footage - dated March 5, 2016 - depicts Combs allegedly grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura, echoing accusations outlined in a now-resolved federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. The incident took place at the now-defunct InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, as verified by CNN.
Ventura, seen exiting a hotel room, is pursued by Combs, with the rapper seen wearing only a towel. The video shows Combs aggressively grabbing Ventura by the neck, hurling her to the ground, and delivering forceful kicks. With his then-girlfriend lying on the ground, Combs can be seen grabbing what appears to be a purse and suitcase from the ground near the elevators.
Ventura's attempt to regain composure is met with further aggression from Combs, who, still wrapped in a towel, appears to shove her - as seen in a nearby mirror - before launching objects in her direction.
Diddy has now responded in a video posted to Instagram:“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Diddy said on Instagram. “I was f**ked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, CNN reports that Ventura declined to comment on the retrieved video. However, her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, emphasized the video's significance, underscoring Ventura's courage in shedding light on the alleged misconduct perpetrated by Combs. "
The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs," Wigdor said. "Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.” Ventura received an undisclosed settlement in her case against the rapper.
In response to inquiries, representatives for Combs and InterContinental Hotels have also not released a statement regarding the video. Nevertheless, Combs has previously refuted Ventura's allegations.
Ventura's complaint against Combs alleged that she was 19 when she first met the rapper, while he was 37.
In the lawsuit, Ventura recalled a moment "around March 2016" where she alleged that she had attempted to leave a hotel when Combs “followed her into the hallway of the hotel while yelling at her"
The complaint continued: "He grabbed at her, and then took glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her, causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape."
Upon the settlement of Ventura's suit against Combs, Ben Brafman - an attorney for the rapper - told CNN said in a statement to CNN: "Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Combs is currently facing five other civil lawsuits accusing him of a range of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity. Once again, the former chart-topper has denied the allegations against him.
If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, help is out there. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information.
