Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs issued an apology on Sunday following the release of hotel surveillance footage showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, in 2016. This footage, published on Friday, corroborates allegations made by Ventura, also known as Cassie, in a lawsuit she settled late last year.
Combs is currently facing several civil lawsuits that depict him as a violent sexual predator who allegedly used alcohol and drugs to control his victims. His homes were raided by federal agents earlier this year as part of the investigations. The unsettling video has intensified scrutiny on Combs, highlighting his past behavior and the serious accusations against him.
“My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” Combs said in a video posted on Instagram, adding he was “disgusted” and “sought out professional help” after the incident including therapy and rehab.
“I’m so sorry,” he said. “I’m committed to be a better man each and every day.”
The footage, which was published by CNN, shows the rap mogul hitting, dragging and kicking Ventura, who in her recent lawsuit said Combs subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs, plus a 2018 rape.
In the video, Ventura leaves a hotel room after which Combs, appearing to wear only a towel, chases her before throwing her to the hallway floor and assaulting her.
“The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs,” read a statement from her lawyer Douglas Wigdor.
Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has found himself at the center of multiple sexual assault allegations, despite settling a lawsuit with Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, out of court last year. The recently surfaced hotel surveillance video from 2016 shows Combs physically assaulting Ventura, substantiating her claims.
Ventura, a singer and model, met Combs when she was 19 and he was 37. Combs signed her to his label, and they subsequently began a romantic relationship. Despite the settlement, Combs is now contending with a series of similar, lurid sexual assault allegations.
While he has previously vehemently denied all accusations, the disturbing video footage has added to the scrutiny and calls for accountability.
