Sean “Diddy” Combs apologized after video surfaced of him punching his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.
The 54-year-old rapper shared a video on his Instagram page on Sunday, speaking directly to the camera and saying he had “no excuses” for his behavior in the surveillance video, which was reported by CNN ) was obtained and released on Friday.
“My behavior in that video is inexcusable,” Diddy said. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted. I was disgusted when I did it, (and) I’m disgusted now.”
The surveillance video, reportedly taken on March 5, 2016, shows Diddy running toward Ventura in a hotel before throwing her to the ground and kicking her. CNN said the video was filmed at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, which is now closed.
Ventura filed a lawsuit against Diddy in November, alleging sex trafficking, rape and physical abuse, and the two sides reached a settlement a day later.
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“This heart-wrenching video is further evidence of Mr. Combs’ disturbing predatory behavior,” Ventura’s attorney, Doug Wigdor, said in a statement Friday. “Words cannot express the courage and perseverance that Ms. Ventura showed in coming forward to expose this incident.”
In his apology video, Diddy said he was reflecting on the “darkest period” of his life, when he hit “rock bottom.” He also said he sought professional help after the attack.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “But I work on becoming a better person every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Contributor: Taijuan Moorman, USA Today
If you are a victim of domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) allows you to speak confidentially online or by phone with a trained advocate who advises those who believe their online activities are being monitored by their abuser (800-799-7233). They can help survivors make plans to keep themselves and their children safe.
