Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has broken his silence following a video that emerged of him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.
The 54-year-old rapper spoke out on Instagram, telling followers that he 'makes no excuses' for his behaviour in the clip.
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He said: "So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f**ked up.
"I mean I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses, my behaviour in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I'm disgusted.
"I was disgusted then when I did it, I am disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, I got into going to therapy, going to rehab.
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"Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm so sorry. But I am committed to be a better man each and every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness, I'm truly sorry."
The footage of Combs assaulting Cassie - which was obtained by CNN - was taken at a Los Angeles hotel back in 2016.
In the clip, the rapper can be seen chasing Cassie down the hallway before he assaulted her.
Combs can be seen grabbing Cassie, throwing her to the floor and kicking her twice.
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Last year, Cassie filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Manhattan alleging that Combs 'frequently beat' her during their on-off around 10-year relationship.
Just a day later, they reached a settlement.
In response to the video circulating this week, one of Cassie's lawyers, Douglas H Wigdor, issued a statement.
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It read: "The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behaviour of Mr Combs.
"Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light."
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said on Friday (17 May): "We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles.
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"We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch.
"If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately, we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.
"As of today, law enforcement has not presented a case related to the attack depicted in the video against Mr Combs, but we encourage anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to report it to law enforcement or reach out to our office for support from our Bureau of Victims Services."
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, call the Freephone 24/7 National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women's Aid in partnership with Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.womensaid.org.uk.
Topics: News
Lucy Devine