Cassie Thanks Fans for Support After Release of Diddy Assault Video: ‘Domestic Violence Is the Issue…Open Your Heart to Believing Victims the First Time’
R&B singer Cassie published an emotional statement on social media Thursday in which she thanked her family and fans for the overwhelming support following the release of a video that showed Sean “Diddy” Combs physically assaulting her in 2016. Combs posted an apology video after the attack footage resurfaced and admitted to the assault.
“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” Cassie wrote. “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. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.”
More from Variety
“Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously,” Cassie continued. “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. 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.”
Cassie concluded by writing: This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you.”
In the resurfaced video, which was taken on March 5, 2016, Combs was seen grabbing, shoving and kicking Cassie, who filed a lawsuit against Combs in November. The footage matched allegations made in her lawsuit that outlined an incident that occurred at the now-shuttered InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.
Cassie filed a suit in New York on Nov. 16, 2023, accusing Combs of raping and beating her throughout their relationship, among other allegations. Although the two parties reached a settlement the following day, Combs was soon after hit with multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you gotta do that. I was fucked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses,” Combs said in an apology video posted on Instagram. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in this video. They’re disgusting. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought professional help. I’ve been 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 being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”
Read Cassie’s full statement in the post below.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
