Cassie Ventura has broken her silence days after a disturbing hotel surveillance video showing Sean “Diddy” Combs violently assaulting her in 2016 was released by CNN. The singer-songwriter took to Instagram on Thursday to express her gratitude for the support she has received since the video’s release and to share her thoughts on domestic violence.
“The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning,” Ventura wrote. “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.”
Ventura continued, sharing that despite significant personal progress, the scars from her past remain. “With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past,” she stated. She urged the public to “open your heart to believing victims the first time,” emphasizing the courage it takes to speak out about such traumatic experiences. “It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in,” she added. “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.”
Ventura’s heartfelt message comes in the wake of the disturbing footage, which showed her being violently assaulted by Combs in a Los Angeles hotel. The video captures Ventura walking to an elevator lobby before Combs, wearing a towel around his waist, grabs her by the neck, throws her to the ground, kicks, and drags her. He later shoves her into a corner and throws an object at her off-camera.
This footage corroborates allegations Ventura made in a lawsuit filed in late 2023, accusing Combs of repeated physical and sexual abuse. Although Combs settled the lawsuit one day after it was filed, he has vehemently denied the allegations through his attorney, Ben Brafman.
Combs has faced several other lawsuits from accusers who allege violent and abusive behavior. In March, federal agents raided properties linked to him, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding his actions.
Two days after the release of the hotel surveillance video, Combs posted a one-minute apology video on Instagram, stating he was “disgusted” with himself and taking “full responsibility” for his actions. Despite this, Ventura’s husband, Alex Fine, also addressed the footage, condemning Combs’ behavior. “Men who hit women aren’t men,” Fine wrote on Instagram. “Men who enable it and protect those people aren’t men. As men, violence against women shouldn’t be inevitable, check your brothers, your friends, and your family.”
Ventura’s call to action highlights the broader issue of domestic violence and the need for societal change. Her statement is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting survivors and believing their stories. “This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you,” Ventura concluded.
As Ventura continues to heal and advocate for victims of domestic violence, her bravery in sharing her story serves as an inspiration and a call to action for others to speak out against abuse and support those in need.
