Cassie Ventura, the ex-girlfriend of Sean Diddy Combs, has finally reacted to the recent video showing the US rapper assaulting her.
Diddy and Cassie have been in the news since last November after the singer claimed the rapper sexually assaulted her.
In a now-settled lawsuit, Cassie alleged that she was trafficked, raped, and beaten by Diddy on many occasions over 10 years.
However, last week, a shocking video from 2016 surfaced online showing Diddy kicking, hitting, and dragging Cassie.
The music executive also admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, saying he was sorry and that his actions were “inexcusable”.
But in a statement on Thursday, Cassie called domestic violence “the issue,” stating that it “broke me down to someone I never thought I’d become”.
The singer thanked her family and the public for their support, adding that the “outpouring of love” has helped her younger self settle and feel safe.
She also urged people to believe victims who speak out about abuse.
“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family. friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet. 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,” she wrote.
“Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously. 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.
“This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me.”
The Los Angeles county district attorney’s office recently revealed that Diddy will not be prosecuted over the assault video.