Cassie Ventura has broken her silence following the release of a disturbing video from 2016 that shows her then-boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs, assaulting her in a hotel. The singer took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received since the footage surfaced. “Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers, and those I have yet to meet,” Ventura wrote. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.”
Ventura emphasized the gravity of domestic violence, describing how it had profoundly affected her. “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,” she continued. She urged people to believe victims the first time they come forward, acknowledging the courage it takes to speak out about such experiences. “Thank you to everyone that 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.”
In her heartfelt message, Ventura also reached out to others who might be in similar situations, offering them a hand of support. “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.”
The video, which was released by CNN on May 17, shows Combs chasing Ventura down a hallway, grabbing her by the back of the neck, shoving her to the ground, and kicking her as she lay there. Combs issued an apology in a video earlier this week, acknowledging his inexcusable behavior. “I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses,” he said. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
Ventura’s lawyer responded to Combs’ apology, stating, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt.” This statement comes in the wake of a lawsuit Ventura settled against Combs in November 2023, which accused him of sex trafficking and sexual assault. According to court filings, Ventura alleged that Combs “often punched, beat, kicked, and stomped” on her during their relationship.
Combs is currently facing multiple civil lawsuits that include allegations of rape, sex trafficking, and more. The latest lawsuit, the sixth overall, was filed this week by former model Crystal McKinney, who alleges she was “drugged and sexually assaulted” by Combs after meeting him at a 2003 Fashion Week event in New York City. ABC News has reached out to Combs regarding McKinney’s civil lawsuit but has not received a response.
In addition to these civil lawsuits, Combs is also the subject of an ongoing federal investigation into allegations of human and sex trafficking. This investigation led to federal agents raiding his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March. Combs has denied any wrongdoing related to this investigation.
The release of the video and the subsequent public statements have brought renewed attention to the issue of domestic violence and the importance of supporting victims. Ventura’s message has resonated with many, highlighting the need for empathy and belief in those who come forward with their stories.
If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or access help through their chat at thehotline.org. For those affected by sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or you can chat online at online.rainn.org.
The unfolding events surrounding Combs and Ventura serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the long-lasting impact it can have on survivors. Ventura’s courage in speaking out and the support she has received underscore the importance of addressing and combating domestic violence in all its forms.
