Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence that some readers may find distressing
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 54, has spoken out after video footage of him beating his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, 37, in a hotel lobby was released on 17 May.
The video, obtained by CNN, was recorded in 2016 and showed Ventura leaving a hotel room and attempting to get into a lift to leave the hotel.
Advert
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.
Advert
The footage follows a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November 2023 which accused him of rape and abuse - claims Combs has denied.
Combs settled the next day for an undisclosed amount.
NBC reported that Ventura alleged the abuse included 'punching, beating, kicking and stomping on her over the course of their relationship'.
Advert
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.
The pair were romantically linked on and off between 2007-2018.
His lawyer, Ben Brafman, said in a statement at the time: “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.
Advert
"For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail."
Combs then took to Instagram to issue his own statement.
He said: "Enough is enough. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.
Advert
"Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.
“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth."
However, after the video footage emerged, Combs has now issued an apology.
Please note the following video contains strong language:
In a video posted to Instagram yesterday (19 May), Combs said: "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.
Kya Buller