American rapper and producer Sean Combs, popularly known as P Diddy, has addressed a video showing him assaulting his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassandra Ventura, also known as Cassie.
In the video seen by The Kenya Times, P Diddy expressed regret and disgust for his behavior, stating that he takes full responsibility for his actions as seen in the video.
The rapper also revealed that he went and got professional help after the incident in efforts to become a better man.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you have to do that. I was messed 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 was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now,” stated P Diddy.
“I went and sought out professional help, I had to go into therapy, rehab, I had to ask God for his Mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness, I’m truly sorry.”
Viral Assault Video
In the CCTV footage, compiled from multiple camera angles dated March 5, 2016, and retrieved from the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles the business mogul is seen exiting one of the hotel rooms and walks toward the elevator where Cassie is.
Combs, holding a towel around his waist, runs down the hall after Ventura, grabs her by the back of the neck and throws her to the floor. Still holding his towel closed with one hand, he then turns to kick her.
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While Ventura is on the floor, Combs retrieves a purse and a suitcase from her that had now been dropped near the elevators.
He turns around and kicks Cassie again as she lies motionless on the floor, then briefly drags her by her sweatshirt toward a room before walking away.
Cassie’s Lawyers Respond
The release of the video elicited mixed reactions worldwide.
Some netizens believed that P Diddy would not have apologized if the video had not been leaked, considering he had earlier on denied the allegations of assault.
Cassie’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, felt that his statement was more about himself than the people he hurt.
“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt. When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday,” she noted in a statement.
“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,” she said.
Douglas H. Wigdor, who is also Ventura’s lawyer, said: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
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Reactions to P Diddy Apology
American professional basketball player LeBron James unfollowed P Diddy on social media after the video.
Renowned Kenyan media personality Betty Kyallo weighed in on the video expressing disgust and called for people to boycott him.
“So wrong. I’m so disgusted! Shame on him! Pure evil! Argh cancel Diddy already! She said.
Instagram user, Saida Hassan felt that his apology was as a result of him being caught on camera.
“He is apologizing because he got caught on camera,” she said.
Ntazola Gloria said that, “Nope, if the video did not come out in the public, you would not be disgusted Diddy. Why you disgusted now? Very delusional indeed. Somebody take this one to jail very fast.”
Cassie who reached an undisclosed settlement with P Diddy has however not commented on the video.
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