Cassie's lawyers reject Diddy's apology
Sean "Diddy" Combs posted an apology after a video surfaced last week that showed him assaulting his ex-partner, Cassie, in 2016
Lawyers for Cassie Ventura—the recording artist and ex-partner of Sean “Diddy” Combs—have responded to an apology video posted by the rapper on Instagram on Sunday. Combs uploaded the mea culpa in response to a disturbing hotel security video that emerged last week, which showed him shoving and kicking Ventura, before dragging her across the floor and throwing some sort of object at her head. Last fall, Ventura sued Combs for a years-long pattern of abuse and sexual assault that she alleged transpired during the time they dated all the way through 2018. The two settled one day later.
“My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” Combs says in his own clip. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.” He also claimed that he “sought out professional help, going to therapy, going to rehab” and that he’s “committed to being a better man each and every day.”
Ventura’s lawyers don’t buy it. “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” said attorney Meredith Firetog in a statement to People. “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”
Since Cassie came forward, multiple other women have filed suits against Combs alleging everything from intimidation and threats of violence to assault, harassment, grooming, and even trafficking. Combs’ lawyers have repeatedly denied everything. After his properties in L.A. and Miami were raided by Homeland Security in March, they responded, “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.” The lawyers’ statement at the time continued: “This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”
Last week, after the hotel security video was released, Ventura’s lawyers praised their client’s bravery. “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs,” they said. “Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual abuse, contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.