Sean “Diddy” Combs apologized on Sunday for assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a 2016 hotel incident. CNN released a hotel surveillance video showing Diddy grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Cassie.
“My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions,” Diddy said in an Instagram video. He expressed disgust at his actions, both then and now, and shared that he sought professional help through therapy and rehab. “I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry,” he added.
Previously, Diddy denied Cassie’s assault allegations, which were part of a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by her in November. Cassie’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, criticized Diddy’s apology, saying it’s more about him than the people he hurt. Specifically, she pointed out that Diddy only apologized after his denials were proven false. Does this apology feel genuine to you? Can true change follow such a violent past?
The surveillance footage, from multiple camera angles, shows the March 2016 incident at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. meanwhile, CNN verified the location using publicly available photos. In the video, Cassie leaves a hotel room and heads to the elevators. Diddy, in a towel, runs after her, grabs her neck, throws her to the floor, and kicks her. He kicks her again as she lies motionless and drags her by her sweatshirt.
Cassie slowly stands, gathers her belongings, and tries to use a hallway phone. However, Diddy returns, shoves her, and throws an object at her. Ventura settled her lawsuit against Diddy and declined to comment on the video.
Attorney Douglas H. Wigdor praised Cassie’s bravery in coming forward. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the video but can’t charge Diddy due to the statute of limitations. The LAPD is aware of the video but has no open investigation.
How should society address such public acts of domestic violence? Should there be changes in how we handle the statute of limitations for such cases?