Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs issued an apology on Sunday following the surfacing of hotel surveillance footage from 2016, showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura.
Several civil lawsuits have targeted Combs, alleging violent and predatory behavior, including the use of alcohol and drugs to manipulate his victims. Federal agents raided his homes earlier this year, adding to the scrutiny.
The disturbing video, published recently, depicts Combs attacking Ventura, also known as Cassie, confirming her previous claims made in a lawsuit settled late last year.
In his Instagram video, Combs expressed remorse for his actions, describing the behavior in the footage as “inexcusable.” He stated that he sought professional help after the incident, including therapy and rehab, and pledged to become a better person every day.
The footage shows Combs physically assaulting Ventura, dragging and kicking her, which aligns with her allegations of coercion through physical force and substance use, including an alleged rape in 2018.
Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, described the video as “gut-wrenching,” further confirming Combs’ disturbing behavior.
The lawsuit filed by Ventura last fall was settled out of court, but it sparked additional sexual assault allegations against Combs. Ventura met Combs when she was 19, and their romantic relationship began after he signed her to his label.
Combs has previously denied all accusations, stating that the allegations aimed to tarnish his reputation for financial gain.
Following Combs’ apology video, Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, dismissed it as “hollow,” emphasizing that it came only after his denials were proven false.
In March, armed agents conducted raids on Combs’s properties in Miami and Los Angeles, suggesting ongoing investigations into the rapper.
