Sean 'Diddy' Combs publicly apologized for assaulting Cassie, but his apology video ignites fierce backlash from industry peers with 50 Cent calling it 'bad move' and Aubrey O'Day pointing out his inconsistencies.
- May 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' recent apology video has not just ignited a mix of reactions to his elaborate expression of remorse over a 2016 assault against Cassie Ventura but has also drawn sharp criticism from former associates.
Sean "Diddy" Combs didn't take long to issue a formal apology over a 2016 video that appears to show the Bad Boy CEO assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The video, dated March 5, 2016, and shared by CNN, shows Combs shoving Ventura to the ground near an elevator bank and striking her repeatedly while she lies there and dragging her down the hotel hallway.
On Sunday, May 19, Combs shared his emotional apology via Instagram, reflecting on what he called one of the darkest times in his life. "It's so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that," he said. "I was f***ed 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."
Despite Combs' earnest tone, the video received sharp rebukes from several figures in the music industry. One consistent critic was 50 Cent. The G-Unit ringleader suggested Diddy's apology only made the embattled rapper's image so much worse. "This is not going to work, who is advising him right now? SMH bad move," he wrote on Instagram.
Another notable detractor was Aubrey O'Day, who previously worked with Diddy under his Bad Boy label. Speaking out on her X/Twitter account, O'Day criticized Diddy for failing to direct his apology at Cassie. "Diddy did not apologize to Cassie," she wrote. "He apologized to the world for seeing what he did."
O'Day pointed out the inconsistency in Diddy's words and actions, noting his past denials of Ventura's claims. "He says he's 'disgusted w himself now, and he was disgusted w himself then,' " O'Day wrote. "But apparently he wasn't disgusted enough w himself to not PIN this statement out calling her a liar & denying all of it.. leave god and mercy out of this, they aren't present here, and you know it."
It's worth noting that Diddy initially responded to Ventura's allegations, which she detailed extensively and are supported by the released video, quite differently. On December 6, 2023, Diddy released a statement categorically denying her claims, calling them "sickening allegations" made "by individuals looking for a quick payday." He declared, "Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth."
While Diddy concludes his apology video claiming he is committed to being a better man each and every day, it's evident that some within the industry, like O'Day and 50 Cent, view his public mea culpas with considerable skepticism. With his pinned denial of Ventura's claims still standing on his X/Twitter page, Diddy's bid for redemption seems more complex than a simple apology can resolve.
