Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued an apology for a recently surfaced security video from 2016, aired by CNN, that appears to show him attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway.
Combs described his behavior as “inexcusable” and stated that he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
On Sunday, the hip-hop mogul posted a video on social media expressing remorse for the alleged assault, admitting that he is “disgusted” by his past actions.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you have to do that,” Diddy said on Instagram. “I was messed up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
The video, which CNN first aired on Friday, is the latest development in 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 her, and throwing a vase in her direction.
The security camera video, dated March 5, 2016, closely matches the description of an incident at an InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles described in a November lawsuit filed by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura. The lawsuit alleges years of sexual abuse and violence by Combs.
According to the lawsuit, Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the security video. CNN did not disclose how it obtained the footage but confirmed its authenticity by comparing it to publicly available images of the InterContinental Hotel.
While Diddy has denied the allegations in the lawsuit, neither he nor his representatives had responded to the video’s release until Sunday.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” Combs said Sunday. “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I sought professional help, including therapy and 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.”
On Friday, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office acknowledged the video, describing it as “extremely disturbing and difficult to watch.”
However, they noted that the incident occurred beyond the statute of limitations for prosecuting assault.
