CCTV footage has confirmed what many in the music industry saw coming: a reckoning for Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
The video shows Diddy kicking his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, as she lies motionless on the floor. Despite Diddy’s subsequent apology, the footage has solidified his fall from grace.
“I don’t see a path for him to come back from this,” said Amy DuBois Barnett, former editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine, who has covered hip-hop culture extensively. Barnett noted that Diddy’s reputation had long been marred by a “chequered” history and an “unbridled temper.”
Diddy, also known as P Diddy, Puff Daddy, or Puffy, is a three-time Grammy winner and one of the best-selling artists of all time. Despite past controversies, his status as an artist, producer, and businessman remained largely untarnished. Negative stories circulated within the industry, but many remained hidden from the public eye.
Last November, Cassie Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs, in which she accused him of rape and sexual trafficking, for an undisclosed sum. Combs’ lawyer stated the settlement was not an admission of guilt. While some celebrities continued to support him, that changed with the release of the CCTV footage obtained and published by CNN last week.
The assault captured in the footage is shocking. Diddy is seen kicking Ventura and then dragging her across the floor while wearing just a towel. The video, dated March 5, 2016, was filmed at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. Ventura’s lawsuit detailed a similar incident at that hotel.
Following the video’s release, additional lawsuits have been filed against Combs, accusing him of abuse, sexual misconduct, and rape. The latest, filed by former model Crystal McKinney, alleges that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2003 after a fashion event in New York. Diddy’s representatives have yet to comment on these new claims.
Initially, Combs dismissed the accusations as attempts to extort money. However, the video of Ventura’s assault has significantly undermined his denials.
Combs remained silent for two days after the video’s release before issuing an apology on Instagram. He admitted to being in the video, calling his actions “inexcusable.” “I was disgusted then when I did it, and I’m disgusted now,” he said. He mentioned seeking professional help, including therapy and rehab, and apologized for his behavior. However, he did not mention Ventura in his apology.
Ventura’s lawyers criticized the apology, stating it was self-centered and inadequate. Entertainment lawyer Camron Dowlatshahi echoed this sentiment, calling it “too little too late” and criticizing Diddy for believing his wealth could shield him from accountability.
Barnett described Diddy’s apology as “the most ill-advised ever,” fitting the typical “famous man” strategy: deny, get caught, apologize, and then mention therapy. She highlighted that Diddy’s previous accusations against Ventura and others of being gold-diggers had angered many in the industry.
In April, police raids on Diddy’s mansions were broadcasted, part of an ongoing criminal investigation into sex trafficking. Since then, the once-revered hip-hop legend has kept a low profile.
Images of Combs with his daughters on Instagram starkly contrast with the violent assault footage. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office stated that charges could not be brought due to the statute of limitations for assault. This raises questions about the impact of the CCTV video and the ongoing investigation on his career.
Diddy’s music career, heavily reliant on collaborations with top artists, is now in jeopardy. His last album featured stars like Mary J. Blige, The Weeknd, 21 Savage, and John Legend, collaborations that are unlikely to happen again.
The effect on his listener base remains uncertain. While Peloton has banned his music from their playlists, other companies have not yet commented. Comparisons to R. Kelly, who continues to have millions of Spotify listeners despite his child sexual abuse convictions, suggest that fan loyalty might persist despite Diddy’s disgrace.