Cassie Ventura’s Lawyer Responds To Diddy’s Apology After Disturbing Video Emerges
A troubling chapter in the lives of Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs has resurfaced, prompting public apologies and legal responses. Cassie’s lawyer has spoken out following Diddy’s recent apology for a 2016 incident where he was seen shoving and kicking Cassie in a surveillance video.
On Sunday, May 19, Diddy, 54, took to Instagram to issue an apology after the video was published by CNN on May 17. In the video, Diddy expressed remorse for his actions, saying, “I’m truly sorry,” and acknowledged the hurt he caused. This footage matched allegations Cassie made in a lawsuit settled last November.
Reflecting on his behavior, Diddy admitted, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that. I was f—ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
He added, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
“Disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, 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,” Diddy added.
Despite his public apology, Cassie’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, criticized Diddy’s statement. In a response obtained by PEOPLE, Meredith said, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt.”
She continued, “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday.”
Meredith’s statement highlighted the disingenuous nature of Diddy’s apology, stating, “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”
The altercation caught on video showed Cassie, now 37, leaving a hotel room and heading towards an elevator. Diddy followed, grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and kicking her. He then grabbed her purse and suitcase, kicked her again, and began dragging her back to the hotel room. The footage also showed Diddy throwing something at Cassie.
Cassie’s lawsuit detailed a similar incident in 2016 at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, California. She described how Diddy, intoxicated, punched her in the face, giving her a black eye. As she tried to leave, Diddy allegedly followed her into the hallway, throwing glass vases at her. Despite her attempt to escape, Cassie eventually returned, fearing his anger. Hotel security urged her to leave, having witnessed the footage of the assault.
Diddy’s lawyer had previously denied any wrongdoing when the lawsuit was filed and during the settlement. However, the emergence of the video has brought the issue back into the spotlight.
