NOTE: The next article accommodates disturbing particulars and video footage. Please learn at your individual discretion.
Singer Cassie Ventura has commented on the discharge of a safety digicam video that confirmed her being attacked by ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs in a lodge in 2016.
The video, obtained by CNN and launched Friday, noticed Combs launch a brutal bodily assault on Ventura wherein he grabbed her by the again of the neck and threw her to the ground, earlier than kicking her twice whereas she lay on the bottom.
“Home violence is THE concern,” Ventura, 37, wrote in an announcement posted to Instagram on Thursday. “It broke me right down to somebody I by no means thought I’d change into.”
The recorded incident from March 5, 2016, was included in a since-settled rape and intercourse trafficking lawsuit filed by Ventura towards Combs, 54. On the time of the settlement, Combs’ attorneys have been adamant the undisclosed settlement was not an request for forgiveness.
After the video was launched publicly, Combs uploaded an apology to social media saying he was “really sorry,” and that his actions have been “inexcusable.”
In her assertion, Ventura thanked her household, buddies and members of most people for his or her help and properly needs.
“The outpouring of affection has created a spot for my youthful self to settle and really feel secure now, however that is solely the start,” she wrote.
“With a number of arduous work, I’m higher right this moment, however I’ll at all times be recovering from my previous,” she continued. “Thanks to everybody that has taken the time to take this matter critically. My solely ask is that EVERYONE open your coronary heart to believing victims the primary time.”
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“It takes a number of coronary heart to inform the reality out of a scenario that you just have been powerless in,” she wrote. “I supply my hand to those who are nonetheless dwelling in worry.”
Ventura inspired others to “attain out to individuals” and assist carry the burden of home abuse.
When Ventura filed her lawsuit towards Combs in November 2023, she alleged she’d confronted extreme abuse for over a decade.
“After years in silence and darkness, I’m lastly prepared to inform my story, and to talk up on behalf of myself and for the advantage of different ladies who face violence and abuse of their relationships,” she stated in an announcement. “With the expiration of New York’s Grownup Survivors Act quick approaching, it turned clear that this was a chance to talk up in regards to the trauma I’ve skilled and that I will likely be recovering from for the remainder of my life.”
Earlier than his apology, Combs denied all allegations of misconduct and unlawful behaviour, and had vowed to clear his identify.
The Los Angeles County District Legal professional’s Workplace stated they can’t cost Combs over the lodge video as a result of the 2016 incident is “past the timeline the place a criminal offense of assault may be prosecuted.”
Combs has been in authorized bother for months now and has been named in seven totally different civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and different mistreatments. The newest lawsuit got here Tuesday and noticed a mannequin accuse Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her at his New York Metropolis recording studio in 2003. (One of many seven fits named Combs as a defendant however introduced allegations of sexual assault towards his son, Christian “King” Combs.)
In March, Combs’ Los Angeles dwelling was raided by Homeland Safety brokers as a part of a federal investigation for intercourse trafficking. He has not been formally charged with any crimes.
— With recordsdata from International Information’ Michelle Butterfield
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In the event you or somebody you realize is experiencing abuse or is concerned in an abusive scenario, please go to the Canadian Useful resource Centre for Victims of Crime for assist. They’re additionally reachable toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
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