After Diddy attacked Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016, Ventura broke her silence on Thursday morning (May 23) and issued a statement to her fans.
The 37-year-old released a statement about the violent video surfacing on CNN and thanked friends, family, and strangers for the outpour of support. To her 10.4 million followers, she wrote:
“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.
Ventura appreciated everyone’s severity of issues surrounding sexual assault, abuse, and domestic violence.
She continued: “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.”
She ended the statement by offering her sympathy to others. Cassie concluded:
“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. Thank you. Love Always, Cassie.”
Cassie and Diddy settled a sexual assault lawsuit in November 2023 for an undisclosed amount. The lawsuit detailed the hotel incident and others.
Diddy issued an apology after the surveillance footage went public last Friday. Days later, he posted a video on Instagram describing the incident as “one of his darkest moments.”
Following the lawsuit, Diddy’s properties were searched, leading to additional sexual assault lawsuits against him. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office stated that no assault charges would be filed against Diddy due to the statute of limitations.
Cassie has shared plans to return to music after the lawsuit, including a new album and tour.