Sean “Diddy” Combs has apologized after a video surfaced in 2016 that appeared to show him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Kathy Ventura.
In a clip shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, the 54-year-old rapper speaks directly to the camera and says he “makes no excuses” for his actions in surveillance video obtained by CNN and released Friday. Stated.
“My actions in that video are inexcusable,” Diddy said. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I'm disgusted. I was disgusted when I did it, and I'm disgusted now.”
Surveillance video, reportedly taken on March 5, 2016, shows Diddy running down a hotel hallway toward Ventura, wrapped in a bath towel, before punching her, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her twice. is reflected. He then grabbed her girlfriend and dragged her down the hallway. The video also shows Diddy throwing what looks like a vase.
According to CNN, the video was shot at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, which is currently closed.
Do you want to rest? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In November, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing her of sex trafficking, rape and physical abuse. The parties settled the lawsuit one day after it was filed.
USA TODAY has reached out to Diddy's representatives for comment.
Cassie's lawyer: 'Nobody's upset' by Diddy's apology
In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Ventura's attorney dismissed the rapper's apology video.
“Comms' latest statement is more about himself than it is about the many people he has hurt,” attorney Meredith Firetog said. “When Kathy and several other women came forward, he denied everything and implied that the victims were looking for a payday. It was only after repeated denials were proven false that he denied everything. The fact that he had to apologize shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will ever apologize.'' His insincere words upset me. ”
Doug Wigdor, Ventura's attorney, previously said in a statement Friday that the “heartbreaking” video released by CNN “only further confirms Mr. Combs' disturbing and predatory behavior.” “Words cannot describe Mr. Ventura's courage and fortitude,” he added. Ventura came forward to shed light on the matter. ”
The CNN video appears to match allegations in a lawsuit Ventura filed in November, which alleges Diddy was “extremely intoxicated and punched Ventura in the face, blackening his eye.” He was describing an incident that took place in March 2016. When Ventura tried to leave, Diddy “followed her screaming into the hotel hallway,” according to the complaint, before “grabbing her and grabbing a glass vase from the hallway.” “He threw it and caused the glass to break.” She was around them when she ran to the elevator to escape. ”
Diddy says he's 'really disappointed' after video of him assaulting Cassie in 2016 was released
In her apology video, Diddy said she was reflecting on the “darkest moments” of her life, when she hit “rock bottom.” He also said he sought professional help after the incident that was caught on video.
“I'm so sorry,” he said. “But I try to be a better person every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm truly sorry.”
Since last year, Diddy has faced multiple lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. He has denied the allegations, saying in a statement in December that he had “not done anything as terrible as is being alleged” and that his accusers were “looking for a quick paycheck”. did.
In March, Diddy's home was searched by the Department of Homeland Security, and multiple news outlets, including the Associated Press, reported that she was linked to a sex trafficking investigation.
In a statement released Friday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Diddy will not be charged in connection with the hotel surveillance video.
“We find the footage extremely disturbing and difficult to watch,” the agency said in a statement posted on social media. “If the acts described had occurred in 2016, they would have occurred beyond the time limit for assault charges to be brought, and unfortunately no charges could be filed.”
Contributor: Taijuan Moorman, KiMi Robinson and Ajane Forbes, USA TODAY
If you are a victim of domestic violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) allows you to speak confidentially with a trained advocate online or by phone. Recommended for people who believe their online activity is being monitored by an abuser (800-799-7233). These can help survivors make plans to keep themselves and their children safe.
