Sean “Diddy” Combs publicly apologized on Sunday following the release of a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer and model Cassie Ventura. The video, published by CNN two days earlier, depicted Combs grabbing, shoving, kicking, and dragging Ventura during an altercation at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
In a video statement posted to Instagram which has now been deleted, Combs expressed regret for his actions. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said, adding that he sought professional help through therapy and rehab following the incident. “I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day,” Combs added, though he made it clear he was not asking for forgiveness.
This public apology comes months after Ventura filed a federal lawsuit against Combs in November, accusing him of years of abuse, including the 2016 assault. While the lawsuit was eventually settled for an undisclosed amount, the release of the video has reignited public scrutiny of Combs’ past behavior.
The 2016 Incident Caught on Camera
The surveillance footage from March 5, 2016, shows Ventura attempting to leave a hotel room and heading toward an elevator. Combs, wearing only a towel, runs after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her twice as she lies motionless before dragging her by her sweatshirt. At one point, he also throws an object at her from a nearby table. Ventura eventually stands up, gathering her belongings, while Combs is seen returning to the hallway to shove her again.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the video’s release in a statement, describing it as “extremely disturbing.” However, the office noted that any prosecution would be barred due to the statute of limitations. The Los Angeles Police Department also confirmed they were aware of the video but stated there is no open investigation involving Combs.
Reactions and Responses
Ventura’s legal team, including attorneys Meredith Firetog and Douglas Wigdor, criticized Combs’ apology. Firetog stated, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt. He only apologized after his denials were proven false.” Wigdor echoed similar sentiments, praising Ventura for her bravery in coming forward with her story.
Ventura herself has declined to comment directly on the video, though her attorneys reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Combs’ actions are fully acknowledged. The surveillance footage further corroborates the accusations Ventura made in her lawsuit, which alleged that Combs assaulted her after becoming intoxicated and enraged.
A Pattern of Abuse
According to Ventura’s November lawsuit, the 2016 assault was part of a broader pattern of violence and control during her relationship with Combs, which spanned from 2007 to 2018. The complaint alleges that Combs punched her in the face during the altercation in question, and after she fled the hotel, he threw glass vases at her in the hallway. Ventura eventually returned to the hotel out of fear of further retaliation, where hotel security reportedly urged her to leave again, having witnessed the abuse on security footage.
Combs had previously denied all allegations of abuse until the release of the video forced him to address the incident publicly.
Legal and Social Implications
While the statute of limitations prevents any criminal charges stemming from the 2016 assault, the incident raises broader concerns about how high-profile individuals are held accountable for acts of violence. Combs, a well-known figure in the music industry and business world, now faces intensified public and legal scrutiny over his actions.
Despite settling the lawsuit, the release of the video and Ventura’s ongoing bravery in bringing these issues to light have contributed to renewed conversations around abuse and accountability in relationships, particularly involving public figures.
As more details about the incident emerge, many will be watching closely to see if Combs’ apology signals any genuine attempt at personal change or if it is seen merely as a reaction to public pressure.