Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs admits beating ex-girlfriend, apologises for ‘inexcusable’ actions
- CNN released a security video on Friday showing Combs punching and kicking Cassie, a singer who was his girlfriend when the footage was filmed in 2016
- ‘I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,’ the rapper said in on Sunday
Sean “Diddy” Combs admitted that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “inexcusable”.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” the music mogul said in a video statement posted on Sunday to Instagram and Facebook.
The security video broadcast on Friday shows Combs, wearing only a white towel, punching and kicking Cassie, an R&B singer who was his protégé and long-time girlfriend at the time. The footage also shows Combs shoving and dragging Cassie, and throwing a vase in her direction.
He had denied the allegations in the lawsuits, but neither he nor his representatives had responded to the newly emerged video until Sunday.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Diddy says on the video. He adds: “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Combs is looking sombre and wearing a T-shirt in the selfie-style apology video, and appears to be on a patio. It is the hip-hop mogul’s most direct response and first apology after six months of allegations that have threatened his reputation and career.