Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of physical and verbal abuse.
After the world was moved and appalled watching the 2016 surveillance video at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles of Sean “Diddy” Combs physically abusing his ex, Cassie, the singer is speaking out.
On Instagram, the “Me & U” singer shared a heartfelt written statement. “Thank you for all the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” she wrote. “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,” she continued. “It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.”
As a reminder, Cassie and Diddy were together between 2007 and 2018. Since then, the singer’s met her husband, Alex Fine, who she wed in 2019 and welcomed their daughters, Frankie, 4, and Sunny, 3.
“With a lot of hard work, I am better today but I will always be recovering from my past,” Cassie continued. “Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously.”
Cassie then made a personal plea to anyone reading her message. “My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time,” she wrote. “It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in.”
She then ended with a message of support to domestic violence victims listening. “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.”
“This healing journey is never-ending, but this support means everything to me,” she ended. “Thank you.”
In the caption, Cassie kept it simple with “????????????.”
In the comments, a few of Cassie’s famous friends shared messages of support. “In every echo of your bravery, Cassie, there lies a melody of hope that dances through the silence,” TV presenter Jeannie Mai wrote. “Your voice has been a shield and sanctuary for many, including me. Thank you for turning your fight into your light????.”
“We love you so much Cassie ❤️,” wrote fellow singer Chloe Bailey.
Many of Cassie’s followers are also supporting the star. “Your bravery has shed a great light on abusers who use there money to control the narrative,” wrote one commenter. “I pray for all who’re enduring DV that you make it out safely physically & mentally????????.”
“Cassie you sounded a trumpet ???? that shook the world & opened up the floodgates that for soooo many years people were scared to talk about and we stand with you!” wrote another follower. “Thank you for your bravery!! Many of us that have been in abusive relationships saw ourselves in your testimony & especially in a community where we as women continue to ‘push through’ your testimony put many of us at a halt & forced us to face our traumatic experiences. Thank you ???????? We love you!”
We hope Cassie is reading these comments and taking that love and support in.
Prior to Cassie’s moving statement, Diddy broke his silence on Instagram with an apology. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that,” the rapper said in a video on Instagram. “I was f—– up. I mean I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he continued. “I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to [being] a better man. Each and every day.”
If you or someone you know has been the victim of emotional or physical violence, you can get help. To speak with someone who is trained to help with these situations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) or chat online at www.thehotline.org/
