Model and singer Cassie Ventura has broken her silence following the release of disturbing footage showing her ex-boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs, physically assaulting her in a hotel hallway. The video, obtained by CNN, depicts the rapper and record executive punching and kicking Cassie while wearing only a white towel in a Los Angeles hotel on March 5, 2016.
Cassie, who was in a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, addressed the incident on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support she has received and emphasizing the importance of believing victims. “I will always be recovering from my past,” she wrote. “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, “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.”
The video also shows Combs shoving and dragging Cassie, and throwing a vase at her. The release of the footage has brought renewed attention to allegations of abuse and misconduct against Combs, who has faced multiple public accusations of physical and sexual violence.
In response to the video, Combs described his actions as “inexcusable” and expressed his disgust. The footage emerged shortly after federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami as part of a sex-trafficking investigation. The investigation involves accusations of sexual assault, solicitation, and distribution of illegal drugs and firearms.
Combs has denied all allegations. His lawyer stated in response to a February lawsuit alleging coerced solicitation of prostitutes: “We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”
“This healing journey is never-ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you. Love always, Cassie,” She concluded.
