Sean “Diddy” Combs issued a public apology on Sunday after CNN released a hotel surveillance video showing him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. The video depicts Combs grabbing, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
In a video statement posted on Instagram, Combs acknowledged the incident and expressed remorse for his actions. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he said. “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and sought out professional help. I got into therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Combs had previously denied Ventura’s allegations, which were part of a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November. Meredith Firetog, an attorney for Ventura, criticized Combs’ apology, stating, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt.
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.”
The surveillance footage, compiled from multiple camera angles dated March 5, 2016, shows Ventura exiting a hotel room and walking to a bank of elevators. Combs, holding a towel around his waist, runs down a hall after Ventura, grabs her by the back of the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then turns to kick her while still holding his towel closed with one hand. Combs retrieves a purse and suitcase from the floor near the elevators, kicks Ventura again as she lies motionless, and briefly drags her by her sweatshirt toward a room before walking away.
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Ventura is then seen slowly standing up, gathering items from the floor, and moving to pick up a phone on the hallway wall near the elevators. Combs, still in a towel and socks, returns and appears to shove Ventura. Seconds later, he sits down on a chair, grabs an object off a table, and forcefully throws it toward Ventura. Combs is seen walking away but turns toward Ventura again when an elevator door opens and someone appears to exit.
Ventura, who reached an undisclosed settlement with Combs, declined to comment on the video obtained by CNN. Douglas H. Wigdor, another attorney for Ventura, stated, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement regarding the 2016 surveillance video, saying, “We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles. We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch. If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.
As of today, law enforcement has not presented a case related to the attack depicted in the video against Mr. Combs, but we encourage anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it to law enforcement or reach out to our office for support from our Bureau of Victims Services.”
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that they are aware of the video but do not have an open investigation involving Combs. The LAPD did not respond to CNN’s question on whether a report was ever filed regarding the assault. A representative for InterContinental Hotels stated, “This hotel is no longer under IHG management, and we do not have any access to prior incident records or footage.”
