DIDDY'S DISGRACE

A video showing singer Cassie being attacked by Sean Diddy Combs reveals the disturbing reality of their relationship

- JANICE BECKETT-MSIZA

WHEN they went public they quickly became hip-hop royalty, she the beautiful promising star, he the rich and influential music producer who shaped a glittering career. For a while it seemed Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs were headed for the altar – but that image has well and truly been blown apart.

For years Diddy (54) has been dogged by allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking, yet even those long disillusioned with the music man have been shocked by recent events.

Video footage recently emerged that revealed the disturbing reality of his and Cassie’s relationship. The film shows Diddy, wearing only a towel around his waist, leaving his hotel room and following Cassie down the hallway.

As she approaches the lift he grabs her from behind by the neck, pushes her to the ground, kicks her twice and drags her along the floor by her hoodie. Another clip shows him hurling a glass vase in her direction.

Diddy remained silent for two days following the leak of the video and then went on Instagram with a video of his own, admitting it was indeed him in the footage and saying he was sorry.

He didn’t mention Cassie by name but many took to social media to empathise with her. Cassie (37), who last year filed a lawsuit against Diddy for sexual abuse, broke her silence to thank people for their support.

“The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now,” she said.

It was the latest chapter in a nearly decade-long relationship marked by what many have called misogyny and cruelty.

2005