Cassie breaks her silence almost a week after Diddy's video

Cassie She thanked “family, friends and strangers” for their “love and support” in a lengthy Instagram statement posted nearly a week after a video of her ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs who attacked her was released.

“The expressions of love have created a place for my younger self to feel comfortable and safe now, but this is just the beginning. Domestic violence is THE problem,” she posted on Thursday, May 23. “She made me into someone I never thought I would be. Thanks to a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always have to recover from my past.”

The statement continued: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to take this matter seriously. My only request is that EVERYONE open their hearts to faithful sacrifice the first time. It takes a lot of heart to speak the truth from a situation where you were powerless.”

Cassie offered her “hand” to anyone “still living in fear.”

“Approach your people, don’t interrupt them. No one should bear this burden alone,” she concluded. “This healing journey never ends, but this support means everything to me.”

On Friday, May 17, CNN released a 2016 video of Diddy, 54, running down a hallway at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. The music mogul hit his then-girlfriend Cassie, who was waiting at the elevator, knocking her to the floor. He then kicked her and dragged her down the hallway.

“The heartbreaking video has only further confirmed Mr. Combs’ disturbing and predatory behavior,” Cassie’s attorney said Douglas H. Wigdor told Us weekly in a statement on Friday. “Words cannot express the courage and fortitude Ms. Ventura showed in coming forward.”

Related: Chronicles the relationship between Sean “Diddy” Combs and ex Cassie

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images Sean “Diddy” Combs and ex-girlfriend Cassie endured many ups and downs during their romance before finally splitting in 2018. While Cassie (real name Cassandra Ventura) has now married Alex Fine and become a mother, her relationship with Diddy continues to make headlines. The New York Times reported in November 2023 […]

Diddy apologized in a social media post on Sunday, May 19, for his “inexcusable” behavior captured in the video.

“It's difficult to reflect on the darkest times in life, sometimes you have to do that,” he said, among other things. “I was devastated. I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I'm not looking for excuses.”

The musician takes “full responsibility” for what is shown in the video. “I am disgusted,” he added.

The apology video sparked strong reactions. Cassie's lawyer Meredith Firetog tell Us In a statement on Sunday, he said it was “more about himself than the many people he has hurt.” (He also did not mention Cassie by name. CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister reported on Tuesday, May 21, that she was told by multiple sources that Diddy is not allowed to say Cassie's name.)

Related: Diddy's alleged behavior over the years

Years before two of Sean “Diddy” Combs' homes were raided in connection with a federal sex trafficking investigation, there were talks about what went on inside the rapper's apartments. After the raid made headlines in March 2024, a clip resurfaced in which Usher describes his experiences with Diddy as a teenager. “I had the chance to […]

Diddy and Cassie dated on and off from 2007 to 2018. In November 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against her ex, accusing him of abuse and rape during their long-term romance. The lawsuit was settled a day later, but in the months that followed, several alleged victims spoke out against Diddy. He has denied all allegations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.