Diddy’s violence “broke me down to someone I never thought I’d become,” Cassie says after he issued an apology
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Cassie Ventura disclosed on Thursday how Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs “broke me down to someone I never thought I’d become” in her reaction to the video apology the rapper issued on Tuesday for attacking her as shown in a CCTV footage, after denying the allegation for years and rubbishing Cassie and other female accusers as people seeking “a pay day”.
CNN was the first to show the footage last week after it was sent to the broadcaster by a sleuth who dug up the CCTV archive filmed on 5 March 2016 at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, where Diddy repeatedly hit and kicked Cassie in the hall leading to his room before dragging her along the floor.
Diddy did not mention Cassie by name in his apology but everyone knew who and what he was referring to. Two other women have gone public since his admission on Tuesday, increasing to eight the number of women who have accused him of physical assault and rape. Some are taking lawsuits against him.
The release of the video has reignited attention on the allegations Cassie made against Diddy last November accusing him of sexually assaulting her.
In a now-settled lawsuit, Cassie alleged she was trafficked, raped, and beaten by Diddy on multiple occasions over a span of 10 years.
Diddy admitted to the assault in the video, describing his actions as “inexcusable” and expressing regret. Despite the settlement of the lawsuit, the video has brought the issue back into the public domain, prompting Cassie to make a statement.
“Domestic violence is the issue,” she said on Thursday, disclosing how the abuse “broke me down to someone I never thought I’d become.”
She expressed gratitude for the support she has received from her family and the public, stressing the “outpouring of love” has provided her with a sense of safety and peace.
Cassie said: “Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet. The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.
“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. 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.”
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