Sean "Diddy" Combs Issues Apology After Assault Video Surfaces

Nearly 48 hours after a surveillance video emerged showing Sean "Diddy" Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016, the music mogul has publicly apologized.

On Friday, CNN released the video in which Combs can be seen grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura during an altercation. These actions align with allegations in a federal lawsuit Ventura filed in November, which has since been settled. At the time of publication, Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry who founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, had not responded to requests for comment.

Combs remained silent for almost two days as backlash intensified. On Sunday, at 11 a.m. ET, he finally addressed the incident in an Instagram video, offering an apology for actions he had previously denied.

“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Combs said in the video. “I was f**ked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”

He continued, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I am disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”

Notably, Combs did not mention Ventura by name in his apology.

Following Combs' statement, Ventura's attorney, Meredith Firetog, criticized his response, stating, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt. When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. 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.”

In Ventura’s November lawsuit, she accused Combs of rape and years of physical and emotional abuse. Combs had issued a blanket denial of these allegations and those in five other civil suits filed against him afterward, labeling them as lies motivated by financial gain and public notoriety.

Despite his denials, the surveillance footage corroborates Ventura’s allegations of an incident in March 2016 at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. In the video, Combs, wearing only a towel, is seen chasing Ventura down a hallway, throwing her to the floor, kicking her twice, and dragging her by her sweatshirt. 

Ventura’s complaint described the altercation in detail, claiming Combs, extremely intoxicated, punched her in the face, giving her a black eye. When she tried to leave the hotel, he pursued her, yelling, and threw glass vases at her. Hotel security later urged her to leave, suggesting they had seen the footage of Combs assaulting her.

Combs reportedly paid $50,000 for the security footage from the hotel. When CNN reached out, a representative for InterContinental Hotels stated the hotel is no longer under IHG management and had no access to prior incident records or footage.

In his apology, Combs mentioned seeking professional help, stating, “I got into therapy, went to rehab. I 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.”

Despite the settlement, the details remain undisclosed, and Combs continues to deny all allegations. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD are aware of the video but have not pursued charges, citing the statute of limitations.

Following the video's release, Ventura received widespread support on social media. Former Bad Boy artist Aubrey O'Day and Ventura's husband, Alex Fine, also voiced their support, with Fine condemning violence against women in a heartfelt Instagram post.

This ongoing saga highlights the courage required to confront abuse and the long road to accountability for powerful individuals.