Cassie Ventura Breaks Silence After Diddy Assault Video Release

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Cassie Ventura has broken her silence regarding the disturbing and violent video from 2016 that shows her ex-boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs, assaulting her.

In a statement posted to her Instagram on Thursday, May 23, she began with, “Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet.”

The singer continued: “The outpouring of love has created a place for my youngerself to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.”

This marks the first time the singer has spoken out since CNN released the footage on Friday, May 17, showing Diddy striking Ventura and dragging her through a Los Angeles hotel hallway after kicking her.

“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,” she continued, speaking on how the physical abuse still affects her today.

The “Long Way 2 Go” singer also expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported her since the release of the footage. “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. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in.”

Ventura continued: “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. Love Always, Cassie.”

Numerous fans flocked to the comment section of her post to show their support, with some even sharing that they are in similar situations.

“Going through this exact situation and it’s really not easy… Thank you sharing your story,” one user wrote. Another said, “I cannot emphasise how much it means for all of us survivors and those still stuck in their horrors that we see the survival stories, as painful as they are.”

A third user shared, “Your bravery here is saving so many lives.”

Her statement comes a few days after Diddy released an apology video via Instagram on Sunday, May 17. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Diddy said. “I was f–ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.”

Ventura and Diddy met in 2005 and had an on-and-off relationship for a decade before finally splitting in 2018. In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of rape, sexual assault, physical abuse, and more. The case was settled in less than 25 hours — with the terms remaining undisclosed.

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura said in a statement issued by her attorney at the time. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Violence hotline: 800-799-7233.