Cassie Ventura’s lawyer responds to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ apology

In an Instagram apology clip, Diddy accepted that his behavior in the 2016 video was “inexcusable” and he “sought professional help.”

Following the release of a 2016 video showing Sean “Diddy” Combs shoving and kicking Cassie Ventura, Combs has issued a public apology. 

The video, which surfaced on CNN on May 17, matched allegations Ventura made in a now-settled lawsuit from November. In response to Combs’ apology, Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, Partner at Wigdor LLP, released a pointed statement criticizing the sincerity of Combs’ remorse.

Combs’ Public Apology

On Sunday, May 19, Combs, 54, took to Instagram to share his apology. In the video captioned with “I’m truly sorry,” Combs expressed regret over his actions depicted in the surveillance footage. 

He reflected on his past behavior, acknowledging that he had “hit rock bottom” and labeling his conduct in the video as “inexcusable.”

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“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you gotta do that. I was f—– up. I mean I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” Combs stated in his apology video. 

He added, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. Disgusted. 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 be a better man. Each and every day.” Combs also emphasized that he was “not asking for forgiveness” and reiterated that he was “truly sorry.”

Ventura’s Lawyer Responds

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, responded critically to Combs’ apology. Firetog highlighted what she saw as the self-serving nature of Combs’ statement, suggesting that it was more about mitigating his own image than addressing the harm he caused.

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” Firetog said. 

She recalled that when Ventura and multiple other women came forward with accusations, Combs denied the allegations and implied that his accusers were motivated by financial gain. 

“When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday,” she stated.

Firetog’s statement concluded with a strong rebuke of Combs’ motives: “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

Background of Allegations

Since November 2023, Combs has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault from various women, detailed in numerous lawsuits. Ventura’s lawsuit, which was settled, included claims that aligned with the actions seen in the recently released surveillance video.

Public Reaction and Future Steps

The release of the video and the subsequent apology have stirred public debate on the sincerity and timing of Combs’ regret. 

While Combs has expressed a commitment to personal improvement and taking responsibility for his past actions, the response from Ventura’s legal representation underscores ongoing skepticism and concern about his acknowledgment of the harm inflicted.

As the situation continues to develop, the public and involved parties will be watching closely to see if Combs’ actions align with his words, and whether this marks a genuine step towards accountability and change.