Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued an apology for his actions towards his ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced recently. The video, which aired on CNN, showed him kicking and pushing Ms. Ventura in a hotel hallway back in 2016.
In a statement posted on his Instagram page, Diddy expressed remorse for his behavior, calling it “inexcusable” and stating that he sought professional help and turned to therapy and rehab. He also acknowledged seeking forgiveness from God and expressed his deep regret for his actions.
However, lawyers representing Ms. Ventura criticized Diddy’s apology, claiming it was more about himself than the people he had harmed. They referenced his previous denials of the allegations and accused him of only apologizing once he was exposed. The lawyers also emphasized that his words were insincere and lacked credibility.
The CCTV footage, which has not been independently verified by the BBC, depicted Diddy pushing Ms. Ventura to the ground, kicking her, and attempting to drag her by her shirt. The incident was reported to have taken place at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office mentioned that the video may be too old to prosecute, highlighting the challenges in addressing cases with delayed evidence. The relationship between Diddy and Ms. Ventura began when she was 19 years old and he was 37.
Last year, Ms. Ventura settled a lawsuit against Diddy for undisclosed compensation after accusing him of rape and sexual trafficking over a decade. Diddy’s lawyer clarified that the settlement did not imply any admission of guilt.
Since then, several women have come forward with allegations of sexual and physical abuse against Diddy. Authorities conducted raids at his properties in Los Angeles and Miami as part of a federal investigation into human trafficking.
The unfolding events shed light on the complexities surrounding allegations of abuse and the challenges in seeking justice, especially in cases with delayed evidence. The impact of Diddy’s actions on his victims and the ongoing investigations underscore the importance of holding individuals accountable for their behavior.
