“I’m So Sorry”: Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Responds to Viral Assault Video
Rapper Faces Backlash Over Disturbing Footage
20.05.2024: New York: Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs issued a public apology on Sunday following the release of hotel surveillance video from 2016, showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura. This footage has surfaced amid several civil lawsuits against Combs, alleging that he is a violent sexual predator who used alcohol and drugs to control his victims. Earlier this year, federal agents raided his homes as part of these ongoing investigations.
Apology and Admission
In a video posted on Instagram, Combs addressed the incident, stating, “My behavior on that video is inexcusable.” He expressed his remorse, saying he was “disgusted” by his actions and that he sought professional help, including therapy and rehab, following the incident. “I’m so sorry,” Combs said. “I’m committed to be a better man each and every day.”
Details of the Assault
The footage, published by CNN, captures the violent altercation between Combs and Ventura, a singer and model known as Cassie. The video shows Combs hitting, dragging, and kicking Ventura. She leaves a hotel room, only to be chased by Combs, who appears to be wearing only a towel. He then throws her to the hallway floor and assaults her. Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, commented, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs.”
Legal Battles and Accusations
Ventura sued Combs in federal court last fall, accusing him of more than a decade of coercion through physical force and drugs, including a 2018 rape. This lawsuit was settled out of court, but it was followed by a series of similar sexual assault claims against the hip-hop star. Ventura met Combs when she was 19 and he was 37, after which he signed her to his label and they began a romantic relationship.
Combs’ Response to Allegations
Combs has vehemently denied all accusations against him. In a December 2023 statement on Instagram, he stated, “Enough is enough,” accusing his accusers of “looking for a quick payday.” He added, “For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.”
Reaction to Combs’ Apology
Following the release of Combs’ apology video, another lawyer for Ventura, Meredith Firetog, responded, saying the message “rings hollow.” She added, “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words,” as reported by TMZ.
Ongoing Investigation
In March, armed agents conducted a highly publicized raid on Combs’ luxury properties in Miami and Los Angeles, suggesting an active investigation into the rapper’s alleged criminal activities.