Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued a public apology following the release of a 2016 security video aired by CNN, which appears to show him attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. The hip-hop mogul took to social media on Sunday to express remorse for his actions, calling his behavior “inexcusable.”
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Diddy said in a video on Instagram. “I was f—ed up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
The video, first aired by CNN on Friday, is part of a series of public allegations and revelations of physical and sexual violence against Combs. In the footage, Combs, wearing only a white towel, is seen apparently punching and kicking Cassie, his protege and longtime girlfriend at the time. The video also shows Combs allegedly shoving and dragging Cassie, and throwing a vase in her direction.
The security camera footage, dated March 5, 2016, closely matches the description of an incident detailed in a lawsuit filed by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura. The November lawsuit alleges years of sexual abuse and other violence from Combs. It also claims Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the security video. CNN verified the location of the footage by comparing it to publicly available images of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City.
Although Combs has denied the allegations in the lawsuit, he had not addressed the video until Sunday. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” Combs said. “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office commented on the video, stating that they are “aware of the video” and find the images “extremely disturbing and difficult to watch.” However, they noted that “we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.”
Diddy’s apology marks a significant moment in his ongoing legal and personal battles, highlighting his commitment to seeking help and becoming a better person.
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