Cassie has issued an announcement in response to the outpouring of help she’s acquired following the discharge of the video of her then-boyfriend Diddy bodily assaulting her at a Los Angeles lodge in 2016.
The “Me & U” singer hadn’t spoken out since CNN posted the footage on Could 17, with solely her attorneys issuing statements. That modified on Thursday morning (Could 23) when she addressed the scenario and thanked those that have supported her.
“Thanks for the entire love and help from my household, buddies, strangers and people I’ve but to satisfy. The outpouring of affection has created a spot for my youthful self to settle and really feel protected now, however that is solely the start. Home Violence is THE subject. It broke me all the way down to somebody I by no means thought I’d grow to be. With plenty of exhausting work, I’m higher at present, however I’ll at all times be recovering from my previous,” she wrote on Instagram, making no point out of Diddy by identify.
“Thanks to everybody that has taken the time to take this matter critically. My solely ask is that EVERYONE open your coronary heart to believing victims the primary time. It takes plenty of coronary heart to inform the reality out of a scenario that you just have been powerless in.”
Cassie continued: “I supply my hand to people who are nonetheless dwelling in concern. Attain out to your folks, don’t reduce them off. Nobody ought to carry this weight alone. This therapeutic journey isn’t ending, however this help means the whole lot to me. Thanks. Love All the time, Cassie.”
Kelly Rowland, Chloe Bailey, Lala Anthony, Taraji P. Henson and extra showered Cassie with love and counseled her bravery in her IG remark part.
Within the footage dated March 5, 2016, and launched by CNN, Diddy is seen putting Cassie at an elevator financial institution of a Los Angeles lodge and dragging her by way of the hallway after kicking her.
“The gut-wrenching video has solely additional confirmed the disturbing and predatory conduct of Mr. Combs,” stated Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, in an announcement to Billboard on the time. “Phrases can’t specific the braveness and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has proven in coming ahead to convey this to gentle.”
Diddy issued an apology on Sunday (Could 17), saying his actions within the video have been “inexcusable,” and added he was “disgusted” along with his conduct.
“It’s so tough to mirror on the darkest instances in your life, however generally you bought to do this,” Diddy stated within the video posted to Instagram. “I used to be f–ked up. I imply, I hit all-time low. However I make no excuses. My conduct on that video is inexcusable. I take full accountability for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I used to be disgusted then once I did it, I’m disgusted now.”
Cassie and Diddy met in 2005 and dated on-and-off for a decade earlier than splitting for good in 2018. Ventura filed a lawsuit in opposition to Diddy in Manhattan federal court docket in November 2023, alleging rape, sexual assault, bodily abuse and extra.
The 2 events settled the dispute lower than 24 hours later. Phrases of the settlement weren’t disclosed. “I’ve determined to resolve this matter amicably on phrases that I’ve some stage of management,” Ventura stated in an announcement issued by her lawyer on the time. “I need to thank my household, followers and legal professionals for his or her unwavering help.”
With further sexual assault lawsuits piling up, Combs has continued to disclaim all allegations made in opposition to him. “Let me be completely clear: I didn’t do any of the terrible issues being alleged,” he stated in a assertion on Dec. 6. “I’ll battle for my identify, my household and for the reality.”
Learn Cassie’s assertion in full beneath.
In case you or anybody you understand is experiencing home violence, attain out to the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline — which is offered 24/7 — to get free and confidential assist. You may as well name 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
