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'I Was F***ed Up': Diddy Acknowledges Beating Ex-Girlfriend In 2016 Amid Several Ongoing Misconduct Lawsuits

A man in sunglasses looking at something off camera.
The public scrutiny on Diddy for alleged sexual misconduct has heightened since November 2023, when his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, sued him for rape .
(
Ronald Martinez
/
Getty Images
)

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Mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who is currently facing several lawsuits for sexual misconduct, has released an apology video following the publication of security camera footage that reportedly shows him beating ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, in 2016.

Why now: A graphic video originally shared by CNN on Friday appeared to show Diddy beating Cassie in a Century City hotel. The video quickly made the rounds on social media. Cassie had previously accused Diddy of the assault in a November 2023 lawsuit.

The apology: "My behavior on that video was inexcusable," Diddy said. Diddy, who had previously denied all charges, called his behavior "f***ed up" and said he had sought out therapy following the incident.

The backstory: Cassie's 2023 lawsuit against Diddy alleged rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse. Until today, Diddy had denied all charges. The parties settled the lawsuit on undisclosed terms a day after the suit was filed.

Other lawsuits: After Cassie's lawsuit, two other women sued the music mogul a week later for sexual assault and revenge porn. A December 2023 lawsuit alleged a separate count of rape , and in February 2024 he was accused of drugging and assaulting music producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones. Diddy was also sued in May 2017 by his former personal chef, who accused him of harassment and retaliation. That lawsuit was settled in 2019.

Can Diddy be prosecuted for the actions on the video?: The Los Angeles District Attorney's office said no in a statement released Friday, "as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted." In March, two homes linked to Diddy were raided by federal agents.

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