Diddy’s Ex-Partner Cassie Ventura Opens Up About Domestic Violence: ‘It Broke Me’
Singer and model Cassie Ventura shared her first public comments on Thursday since the release of a 2016 video showing her being beaten by rap mogul and former partner Sean “Diddy” Combs. In an emotional Instagram post, Ventura, who did not mention Combs by name, revealed the profound impact domestic violence had on her life.
“Domestic violence is the issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become,” Ventura wrote, expressing gratitude for the support she received from the public. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.”
Ventura, also known as Cassie, had previously accused Combs of repeated abuse in a federal lawsuit filed last November, which was settled for an undisclosed sum. Combs did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement.
Two days after the video surfaced on CNN, showing Combs hitting, dragging, and kicking Ventura, the hip-hop star issued an apology. “That behavior in that video is inexcusable,” Combs stated. “I take full responsibility for my actions. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”
Combs disclosed that he sought professional help, including therapy and rehab, following the incident.
In addition to Ventura’s allegations, Combs faces other civil lawsuits, including one filed this week by former model Crystal McKinney, who accuses Combs of pressuring her to become intoxicated and perform a sex act.
Ventura, reflecting on her journey, urged people to believe victims the first time they come forward. “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,” she wrote. “This healing journey is never-ending, but this support means everything to me.”
Ventura met Combs when she was 19 and he was 37. He signed her to his recording label, and their professional relationship soon turned romantic.
