Anyone who has spent any amount of time online has seen their share of celebrity scandals. But the recent uproar over a disturbing video of Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, has struck a particularly raw nerve.
For many, especially within the Black community, this incident demands more than a fleeting moment of outrage—it requires a reckoning.
Diddy’s swift apology on Instagram attempted to address the issue, but for many, it fell short. He expressed his disgust, and in doing so, acknowledged the gravity of his actions. Yet, the question remains: should we forgive and move on, or does this moment call for a more profound response?
🔥🚨BREAKING: New York City Mayor Eric Adams said they are considering revoking Sean Diddy Comb’s key to New York City.
Mayor Adams who is also facing sexual assault charges says that he was ‘deeply disturbed’ with the video of Puffy and Cassie. This will be the first time they… pic.twitter.com/ny0z5lmwM7
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) May 20, 2024
The Black community is known for its resilience and capacity for forgiveness. We’ve had to be, navigating a society that often marginalizes and oppresses us. This cultural inclination toward forgiveness is both a strength and a vulnerability. It’s rooted in our collective experiences, a survival mechanism in the face of systemic injustices. However, in cases like this, it can also be a double-edged sword.
Diddy’s contributions to music, culture and business are undeniable. He’s been a trailblazer, a symbol of Black excellence and success. But these accomplishments do not exempt him from accountability. The video of him beating Cassie is a stark reminder that even our most esteemed figures are capable of egregious actions. It’s a visible transgression that forces us to confront the possibility of unseen abuses.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean there should be no consequences. In fact, true accountability is a prerequisite for genuine forgiveness. Diddy’s actions cannot be excused by a public apology. (Who even advised him to make that IG apology is another story altogether). But his actions demand a deeper introspection and a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable, regardless of one’s status or achievements.
Many are ready to cancel Diddy. Credit: Getty
We must also consider the broader implications. Diddy is a father to daughters. The impact of his actions extends beyond Cassie and himself—it reverberates through his family and the community at large. The idea that a man who is supposed to be a role model, especially to young women, could commit such an act is profoundly disheartening. It’s a betrayal of the trust and respect that many have placed in him.
Diddy himself acknowledged his disgust, which mirrors our collective sentiment. But words brought on after the fact are not enough, especially when they follow a vehement denial BEFORE there was video proof. And we’re not going to even talk about all the people who called Cassie everything but a child of God and said she was only after money. All the fellow rappers and celebrities, and commonfolk, who slapped Diddy on the back and called him a victim of a gold digger is another story, as well, and hammered home how we have a long way to go when it comes to believing Black women.
To truly reckon with this atrocity, we need to see tangible steps toward change—both from Diddy and within our community. This includes not just apologies, but active efforts to support survivors of abuse, to educate others about the impact of domestic violence, and to ensure that such behavior is unequivocally condemned and addressed.
So, are we done with Diddy? In a sense, yes. We must be done with excusing and overlooking such transgressions, no matter who commits them. We can recognize Diddy’s contributions to our culture while also holding him accountable for his actions. It’s not about canceling a person; it’s about canceling the tolerance for abuse (though I’m not mad at anyone who puts his music in the vault with R. Kelly).
As a community, we can forgive, but we must also insist on justice and accountability. Diddy’s legacy will now include this dark chapter, and it’s up to him to decide how he responds. For us, the path is clear: we stand against abuse, we demand accountability, and we protect our own. In this way, we honor the strength and resilience that have always defined us.
