American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has apologized for physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. Surveillance video from that year, obtained by CNN, showed Combs assaulting Ventura during an altercation at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. The video, dated March 5, 2016, aligns with allegations from a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November, which has since been settled.
In the footage, Ventura is seen exiting a hotel room and heading to the elevators. Combs, holding a towel around his waist, runs after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her twice, retrieves her belongings, and briefly drags her before walking away. Ventura slowly stands up, gathers her items, and picks up a phone. Combs returns, shoves her, sits down, and throws an object at her before walking away again. The incident was verified by CNN using publicly available photos of the hotel’s interior.
On Sunday, Combs posted an apology video on Instagram, taking full responsibility for his actions. He stated, “It is very difficult to reflect on the darkest time in your life, but sometimes you have to do that. I was f***ed up. I make no excuses. My behavior on the video was inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in the video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.”
Combs revealed he sought therapy and rehabilitation after the incident, adding, “I went to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m now asking for forgiveness, I’m truly sorry.”