Cassie speaks out after resurfaced Diddy assault video: 'This healing journey is never ending'

"Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become."

Cassie is breaking her silence after hotel surveillance footage of her being physically assaulted by her ex-partner Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2016 recently resurfaced.  

The singer, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, posted a statement on her Instagram account on Thursday thanking everyone for “all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” noting that the outreach “has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now.”

However, Cassie stated “this is only the beginning.” She continued, “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of heart work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.”

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She also took a moment to thank “everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously,” before noting that “my only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time.” She added, “It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in.”

And, for those who are in similar situations, the 37-year-old offered a message of support. “I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear,” she wrote. “Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone.” 

Cassie concluded her statement, “This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you.” The DA will not be pursuing charges against Diddy due to the statute of limitations.

The audio-less video, which was obtained by CNN, features Combs running down a hotel hallway, grabbing Ventura by the neck, throwing her to the ground, and repeatedly kicking her. Later footage shows the rapper shoving Cassie and throwing objects in her direction.

In the wake of its resurfacing, Cassie’s lawyer provided a statement to Entertainment Weekly that read: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

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Combs has since apologized in his own Instagram post, noting that he takes “full responsibility for my actions in that video." He continued, “I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought professional help. After going to therapy and going to rehab, I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”

Last November, Cassie sued Combs for rape and physical abuse, but settled her case against the rap mogul one day later. Following her lawsuit, multiple other accusers have sought legal action against Combs, who has denied all of their allegations. In March, federal agents raided the rapper’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami. 

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.