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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Issues Apology Following Leak Of 2016 Cassie Ventura Assault Video
Image Credit: Bad Boy/Arista
Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued an apology following the release of a 2016 video showing him assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. As previously reported, the surveillance video was released by CNN on Friday and showed Combs assaulting Ventura in the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
Combs posted to Instagram to share a video in which he apologizes for the actions depicted. Captioning the video “I’m truly sorry,” Combs said (per Billboard):
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f**ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.
“I went out and sought professional help. Had to go into therapy, into rehab. Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Over the weekend, the Los Angeles County DA’s office said in a statement that Combs can’t be prosecuted for the actions seen in the video. The office said:
STATEMENT ON ALLEGED VIDEO INVOLVING SEAN COMBS:
We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles. We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch. If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted. As of today, law enforcement has not presented a case related to the attack depicted in the video against Mr. Combs, but we encourage anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it to law enforcement or reach out to our office for support from our Bureau of Victims Services.
That being said, a law enforcement official told Deadline that while no LAPD investigation has been started, the report that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the footage of the attack after it happened “could, I say could, present the possibility of intent to cover up a crime. “On the surface, that could warrant opening an investigation.”
If you know someone who is being abused, or if you yourself a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Call 1-800-656-4673 to be connected with the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
