Warning: this article mentions sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Musician and model Cassie Ventura has broken her silence on ex-boyfriend Sean 'Diddy' Combs' controversial apology video - in which he took 'full responsibility' for assaulting her at a hotel during their prior relationship - with an emotional statement.
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"Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers, and those I have yet to meet," she penned on Instagram.
"The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now. But this is only the beginning.
"Domestic violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.
"Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to take this matter seriously. My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time, it takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in."
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She added: "I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don't cut them off, no one should carry this weight alone.
"This healing journey is never-ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you. Love always, Cassie."
In a video released by CNN last week, recorded in 2016, Ventura was seen leaving a hotel room and attempting to get into a lift to leave the hotel.
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While waiting at the lift doors, Combs runs down the hallway after her, dressed just in a towel.
He grabs her by the back of the neck and throws her to the floor.
He then begins to kick her as she lies motionless, and is then seen dragging her around a corner.
He starts to walk away, but then picks up an object and throws it at her.
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The footage follows a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November 2023, which accused him of rape and abuse - claims Combs has denied.
NBC reported that Ventura alleged the abuse included 'punching, beating, kicking and stomping on her over the course of their relationship'.
She also alleges he forced her to have sex with male sex workers, recorded it and encouraged her to drink excessively and use drugs.
Her lawsuit also detailed the 2016 attack now shown on tape.
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Following the release of the video, Combs later took to Instagram to issue his own statement.
"So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f***ed up.
"I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses, my behaviour in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I'm disgusted.
"I was disgusted then when I did it, I am disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, I got into going to therapy, going to rehab.
"Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm so sorry. But I am committed to be a better man each and every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness, I'm truly sorry."
Ventura's attorney, Meredith Firetog, stated the following in response: “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt.
"That he was only compelled to ‘apologise’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: Celebrity, Crime, Music, Domestic Abuse
Rhianna Benson