Read Cassie’s emotional first statement in full after shocking Diddy assault
Cassie Ventura has spoken out after a shocking video showing Diddy assaulting her (Picture: Getty / Instagram)
Cassie Ventura has spoken out for the first time after a shocking video emerged, showing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs brutally attacking her.
The CCTV footage, taken in 2016, sent shockwaves around Hollywood when it was published last week, with stars flocking to social media to blast the rapper, 54.
He later issued a groveling apology, describing his behavior as ‘inexcusable’ while claiming that he ‘hit rock bottom’.
Taking to Instagram to address the video for the first time, the Me n U singer – who filed a lawsuit against her ex last year – explained that she was ‘broken down’ at her lowest point, and will ‘always’ be recovering after her ordeal.
‘Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,’ the 37-year-old began the lengthy post.
‘The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7T6OCKRJ-W/?hl=en
‘Domestic violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.’
‘Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously. My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time,’ she continued.
‘It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in.’
‘I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone.
‘This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you.’
Cassie was supported by friends and fans in the comments of her post (Picture: Getty)
Ventura was quickly flooded by supportive messages from fans, followers and family members in the comments below.
Her husband, Alex Fine, was among the first to reach out, sharing: ‘Love you so much , perfect example for our daughters.’
Melyssa Ford replied: ‘You deserve the peace and happiness it seems you’ve been able to find. We stand with you, Cassie and applaud your bravery!’
Marisha Wallace penned: ‘We love you and we see you Cassie. What you went through in silence is what so many women have endured for years, me and my Mother included.
‘Your story will help so many women seek help. Thank you for being so brave to tell it.’
Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy last year (Picture: FilmMagic)
’Sending so much love to you sweetheart ! We love u [sic],’ Tinashe added.
Last November, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of raping and physically abusing her over a period of ten years – something he fiercely denied at the time.
The documents contains a trigger warning on the front due to the extreme nature of the allegations, and included claims of him ‘beating her, plying her with drugs and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes as he filmed’.
It was also claimed that Ventura, who was 19 when they met, was raped ‘in her own home after she tried to leave him’ and ‘endured over a decade of his violent behavior and disturbed demands’.
After going public with her allegations, she later confirmed that she had decided to ‘resolve the matter amicably’, on terms that she had ‘some level of control’, while thanking those around her for their ‘unwavering support’.
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Earlier this month, harrowing footage obtained by CNN showed Combs physically assaulting Ventura at a hotel in 2016 – he was filmed grabbing and shoving his former partner and dragging and kicking her on the floor.
As she left a hotel room and walked towards the elevators, he followed her, before grabbing her and throwing her to the floor.
He then kicked her, took her belongings and kicked her again as she lay on the ground – and dragged her towards the room.
She later returned to the scene and picked up a hotel phone, before he reappeared and shoved her in a corner, throwing something towards her moments later.
Over the weekend, two days after the footage was first published, Diddy issued a somber video, apologizing for his actions.
Diddy denied all allegations against him (Picture: Getty)
‘I was f***ed up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,’ he said.
‘I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.
‘I went and I sought professional help, started going to therapy, I’ve been going to rehab. I had to ask God for His mercy and grace.
‘I’m so sorry. But, I’ve committed to being a better man, each and every day.’
‘I’m not asking for forgiveness, I’m truly sorry.’
Diddy spoke out in a groveling apology (Picture: Instagram)
Ventura’s legal team later released a statement, branding his apology ‘pathetic’.
‘Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,’ Meredith Firetog told PageSix. ‘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.’
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email [email protected].
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men's Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at [email protected].
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