Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued a public apology for his “inexcusable” behavior after video footage surfaced allegedly showing him attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
The footage, dated March 5, 2016, was published by CNN on Friday. It appears to show Combs chasing Ventura, grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the floor, and kicking her as she lay on the carpet.
On Sunday, Combs addressed the incident on Instagram, expressing his remorse and admitting his shame. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you have to do that,” Combs stated in the video. “I was messed 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’m disgusted.”
The disturbing footage, reportedly from a surveillance camera in a Los Angeles hotel hallway, also allegedly shows Combs dragging Ventura by her sweatshirt before walking away. Later in the clip, Ventura is seen trying to stand up when Combs returns, pushes her again, and then throws an object at her from a chair.
Combs, 54, revealed he sought “professional help” after recognizing the need for change in his life. “I was disgusted then when I did it, and I’m disgusted now,” he added in the Instagram video. “I sought professional help, started going to therapy and rehab, and had to ask God for his mercy and grace.”
The rapper clarified that he was not seeking forgiveness but is committed to self-improvement. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Combs did not mention Ventura by name in his apology.
Combs and Ventura were in an on-off relationship for 11 years, ending in 2018. In November 2023, Ventura, now 37, sued Combs, accusing him of years of violence and sexual abuse. The lawsuit was resolved with an undisclosed settlement, though Combs’ lawyer asserted that it was “in no way an admission of wrongdoing.”
In recent developments, other women have also filed lawsuits accusing Combs of physical and sexual abuse. Last month, federal investigators raided the rapper’s homes in Florida and Los Angeles as part of an investigation into human trafficking.
