'The healing journey is never ending': Cassie speaks of Sean 'Diddy' Combs assault video

Sean "Diddy" Combs and R&B singer Cassie Ventura Credit: PA

R&B singer Cassie Ventura has spoken out publicly for the first time since security footage emerged appearing to show her being assaulted by her then-partner, Sean "Diddy" Combs.

The footage from 2016 appears to show the rapper chasing his then-girlfriend, before kicking her on the ground in a Los Angeles hotel corridor.

In a statement on Instagram on Thursday, Cassie urged people to "open your heart to believing victims" of domestic violence "the first time."

She said that being a victim of domestic violence had "broke me down to someone I never thought I would become", and that "the healing journey is never ending".

She thanked her friends, family, and people online whose "outpouring of love" has allowed her to "feel safe".

She added that "with a lot of hard work, I am better, but I will always be recovering from my past."

Cassie published the statement on her Instagram page Credit: @Cassie

The video, obtained by CNN, appears to match a description of an incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in a now-settled lawsuit originally filed by Cassie in November last year.

Cassie claimed she was a victim of rape and violent behaviour during their decade-long relationship in the lawsuit, which was settled a day after it was filed.

Last week, Combs apologised for his behaviour and said he had "committed to be a better man."

In the video posted on Instagram on Sunday, he said "it's so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life [...] but I make no excuses."

"My behaviour on that video is inexcusable," he said, "I take full responsibility for my actions."

He added that he had sought professional help in the years since, attending therapy and rehab.

The video obtained by CNN was filmed in March 2016 Credit: AP

Combs has also been named as a defendant in several sexual abuse lawsuits. In March, his properties in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by federal authorities in a reported sex trafficking investigation.

In her Instagram statement on Monday, Cassie urged victims of domestic violence to speak out.

"I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear," she said, "reach out to your people, don't cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone."

Domestic Abuse helplines

Fortalice

Fortalice is a Refuge for women and their children escaping domestic abuse.

Their 24 hour advice line for Bolton is 01204 365677, or you can call them on 01204 701846.

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Refuge

Refuge supports more than 6,000 clients on any one day, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome many different forms of violence and abuse - including domestic violence, sexual violence, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, human trafficking and modern slavery, and female genital mutilation

  • If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can phone The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

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Women's Aid

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for over 45 years.

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Men's Advice Line

Men’s Advice Line is a team of friendly Advisors who will listen and believe you. Its focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse, and the safety of any children, by providing confidential support.

  • You can call on 0808 8010 327 for non-judgemental information and support.

  • Lines are open Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm

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ManKind

The Mankind Initiative is the principal, expert and specialist charity in the UK focussing on male victims of domestic abuse. The charity collaborates and works in close partnership with other organisations and practitioners to support these victims too. It was the first in Great Britain to support male victims.

  • You can call ManKind on 01823 334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)

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Merseyside Domestic Violence Service

Merseyside Domestic Violence Services (MDVS) formally known as Chrysalis is a registered charity working with women, men, children, young people and families whose lives have been affected in some way by the issues related to domestic violence and cultural/honour based crime.

For assistance call or text 07802 722703, or email info@mdvs.org

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