Sean Combs Apologizes For ‘Extremely Disturbing’ Video Showing Him Assaulting Girlfriend Cassie Venture In 2016

Surveillance footage from 2016 of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs abusing his girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, has surfaced. In the video, Combs is seen shirtless and wearing only a towel around his waist in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel. Combs violently drags and throws Ventura, wearing a black hoodie, to the floor before kicking and dragging her. Combs then through several objects at Ventura.

Combs is currently the subject of several criminal investigations. In March, authorities raided Combs’ home on suspicions of sex trafficking. After the raids on his home, rapper 50 Cent, Combs’ music industry nemesis, said he would produce a documentary on Combs. Combs also faces lawsuits from producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones and Ventura.

After the 2016 surveillance footage of Combs and Ventura hit the internet, Combs released an apology on social media for his actions. The video, only captioned with, “I’m truly sorry,” shows Combs acknowledging the abuse and claiming he has “sought out professional help.”

“My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” Combs stated. “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.”

Despite the graphic nature of the video, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said their office cannot charge Combs for the assault. In an Instagram post, Gascón explained that the assault passed the statute of limitations.

“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,” part of the statement said.

The statement evoked anger from many social media users, including fans of Ventura. In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs for alleged rape, assault and other abuse. The case was settled within a day.

Combs has been accused of sexual assault by several other women. Combs was named a co-defendant in April, along with his son Christian Combs, in a lawsuit. Christian was accused of assaulting and drugging Grace O’Marcaigh on a yacht owned by his father.