Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The case involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs continues to unfold in court, with recent revelations shedding light on his relationship with Cassie and the subsequent fallout of an alleged assault.
Diddy was taken into custody last year in September. Accused of racketeering and sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, or coercion, among other allegations, he has denied all charges and is currently facing trial.
During the trial, insights into the relationship between Combs and his longtime partner, Casandra Ventura, known in the music world as Cassie, have emerged.
Before the trial commenced, a video surfaced online showing Combs purportedly assaulting Cassie at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City back in March 2016.
In the wake of the video’s release, and prior to his arrest, Combs released an apology video, referring to it as the ‘darkest time in his life’.
He stated: “So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f**ked up.
“I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses, my behavior in 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 am disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, I got into going to therapy, going to rehab.
“Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I am committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness, I’m truly sorry.”
Despite his apology, many on social media dismissed his statement, condemning the music mogul for his actions.
Recently, during the ongoing trial, Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson presented a conversation between Cassie and Ventura that took place after the assault.
The messages revealed Combs expressing remorse for the incident while Ventura criticized his behavior.
Days following the assault, the court heard that Combs texted Ventura: “Baby I cant say it enough Im so sorry!!!!!”
On the same day, Ventura reportedly replied: “I still have crazy bruising from Friday. I would be a dummy to subject myself to that possibly happening again.
“When you get f***** up the wrong way, you always want to show me that you have the power and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll, I’m someone’s child.”
In November 2023, Cassie initiated legal action against Combs, accusing him of subjecting her to a prolonged decade of ‘abuse, violence, and sex trafficking’.
Ventura’s lawsuit, filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan, claims that Combs ‘frequently beat’ her throughout their intermittent relationship, which spanned from 2007 to 2018.
Just a day after filing, the two parties announced they had reached a settlement.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), which is available 24/7. Alternatively, you can chat online at online.rainn.org