Just two days after Cassie Ventura was savagely assaulted by her then boyfriend Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, the actress and singer put on a brave face and turned out for the world premiere for her new film The Perfect Match.
HipHollywood was on hand for the March 7, 2016 premiere — also attended by Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez — and caught she and Combs smiling for the cameras on the red carpet. We also spoke to Ventura about her role and shooting intimate scenes with her co-star Terrence J.
Just days earlier on March 5, 2016, security video obtained by CNN appears to show Combs assaulting Cassie in the hallway of the Intercontinenal Hotel. The video captures multiple angles and shows Combs running down the hallway in a white towel before hitting her, kicking her and dragging her out of frame. The video also shows Cassie talking on a phone in the hallway before Diddy appears again, this time seated and then throwing an object at her.
Cassie also detailed the physical abuse she endured during her relationship with Combs in a federal lawsuit in November. In the since settled suit she also recounts an instance in March 2016 where Combs became “extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye.”
On March 4, 2016 (just one day prior) Cassie spoke to HipHollywood about her role in the film and appeared excited about this new chapter in her professional life, all the while masking a dark secret in her personal one.
In the lawsuit she also alleged that Combs raped and physically abused her, including punching, beating, kicking during their nearly decade long relationship (from 2007-2018). The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.
Diddy issued an apology via his instagram account saying that he is “truly sorry” for his “inexcusable” actions.
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into 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 be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Cassie has not released a statement regarding the video or apology, but her attorney Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
