Cassie Ventura, a singer and former girlfriend of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, has spoken out for the first time since a 2016 video showing him physically assaulting her was released. In statements on Instagram and in interviews with various media outlets, Ventura expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from friends, family, and fans. She also shared her experiences with domestic violence and encouraged others to believe victims.
Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, alleging rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking over the course of their relationship. The lawsuit was settled shortly after it was filed. Since then, several other women have come forward with similar allegations against Combs.
The 2016 video shows Combs kicking, grabbing, dragging, and throwing a glass vase at Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. In the statement she posted on Instagram on May 23, Ventura wrote that 'Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.' She went on to thank her supporters and encourage others to speak out.
Ventura's lawyer, Douglas H. Wigdor, released a statement confirming that the video confirmed Combs' disturbing and predatory behavior. Roger Bonds, who served on Combs' security staff from 2003 to 2012, witnessed Combs being violent with women around four or five times during his tenure. Crystals McKinney sued Combs for sexual assault in March 2023.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted searches of Combs' Holmby Hills and Miami mansions as part of a federal inquiry into sex trafficking allegations involving Combs.
Despite the allegations against him, Combs has denied any wrongdoing and apologized for his actions in the 2016 video. Ventura's statement on Instagram did not mention Combs by name, but she encouraged others to 'open your heart to believing victims the first time.' She also noted that 'this healing journey is never ending.'