When Sean “Diddy” Combs received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards in 2022, he made a heartfelt acknowledgment to his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. “I’mma keep it a hundred with y’all, I was in a dark place for a few years,” Combs said during his acceptance speech. “And also Cassie for holding me down in the dark times. Love.”
However, this moment has since taken on a different tone following Ventura’s allegations against Combs. In November, Ventura accused Combs of rape and abuse in a lawsuit that was quickly settled. Adding fuel to the controversy, a video was released on Friday showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in 2016.
Combs and Ventura had an on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018. Ventura’s complaint alleged that Combs raped her in 2018 and subjected her to repeated physical and emotional abuse throughout their relationship.
Ben Brafman, Combs’ attorney, clarified that settling the lawsuit does not imply an admission of guilt. “A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Brafman said in a statement. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they reached a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Despite this, Combs publicly apologized for his actions depicted in the 2016 video. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Combs said in a video posted to Instagram. “I was f**ked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
Combs continued, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I am disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.” Notably, he did not mention Ventura by name in his apology, adhering to the terms of their settlement which prohibits either party from speaking about the other.
At the BET Awards in 2022, Ventura’s allegations were not yet public. Combs accepted the award to a standing ovation, with his then-girlfriend, rapper Yung Miami, holding a “Go Papi” sign in the audience. His family, including his mother, Janice Combs, and sons, Christian and Justin Combs, were also present.
During his acceptance speech, Combs expressed gratitude towards God, his mother, his late mentor Andre Harrell, and the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. His shout-out to Ventura made 17 months before her lawsuit, has since sparked renewed conversation on social media, with many now criticizing his reference to her as “diabolical” and “narcissistic.”
Meredith Firetog, Ventura’s attorney, criticized Combs’ apology as self-serving, stating it was “more about himself than the many people he has hurt.”
The November 2023 settlement stipulates that Combs and Ventura cannot publicly discuss each other, ensuring the controversy continues to resonate in the public sphere while legally keeping the details under wraps.
