Cassie Says Diddy’s Abuse “Broke Her Down” In New Statement Addressing Viral Video

Years after video evidence captured a disturbing assault in a hotel hallway, Cassie Ventura has again spoken out about her harrowing experiences with Diddy.

“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers, and those I have yet to meet,” Ventura wrote in a statement she posted to Instagram. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now. But this is only the beginning. Domestic violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.”

Ventura also emphasized the profound impact of domestic violence, sharing, “With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past. Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously.”

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A post shared by Casandra Fine (@cassie)

CNN released the 2016 footage last week, which showed Diddy violently attacking his then-girlfriend. In the clip, he grabs her, throws her to the ground, kicks her multiple times, drags her and hurls an object at her.

Following the video’s release, Diddy issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging his “inexcusable” behavior and taking “full responsibility” for the incident. Diddy expressed being “disgusted” with himself and claimed he sought professional help.

Ventura’s attorney, Meredith Firetog, criticized his apology as “disingenuous” and self-centered. Firetog noted that Diddy initially denied the allegations and accused victims of seeking financial gain.

Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against the disgraced mogul under New York’s Adult Survivors Act last November.

The lawsuit contained allegations of rape, physical abuse and forced participation in unwanted sexual encounters with other men while Diddy watched, spanning their relationship from 2007 to 2018.

The lawsuit also claimed that he exerted control over Ventura’s life and ignored abuse she suffered from others in his inner circle. The case was settled out of court a day after it was filed, with the settlement’s terms remaining undisclosed.

Diddy denied the allegations but wished his ex well, while his lawyer asserted the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing. As a result, Ventura was a criticized by some people who thought she was simply going after mone—until the video was released, forcing her critics to backtrack.

“My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time,” she added. “It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in. I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone.

Ventura expressed her gratitude and solidarity with other survivors as the post concluded with, “This healing journey is never-ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you. Love Always.”