Kori Barnes 
Although news swarmed regarding the initial lawsuit that Cassie Ventura filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs for physical assault, sexual abuse, and more throughout their relationship, social media has kept tabs on the situation while some of the shock had decreased for users. There have been a variety of debates and controversial opinions on their alleged case of domestic violence. Was Ventura telling the truth or just out to get a “pay day”? Did Diddy actually do everything he was accused of regarding Ventura? And let’s not forget the increase of allegations from other accusers coming out against him. But it’s the most recent and disturbing piece of evidence that has completely silenced anyone with doubt.
It’s no longer a question of if Diddy physically assaulted and abused Ventura, and it’s no longer a he said/she said situation. If you’ve watched the recently released video, it appears that Diddy did commit these harmful acts against Ventura; the video now serving as proof. CNN aired a 2016 surveillance video the network obtained exclusively which shows Sean “Diddy” Combs “grab, shove, drag and kick his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during an altercation that matches allegations in a now-settled federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November,” CNN reported.
Personally, I never doubted whether the singer was telling the truth or not. After reading the explicit and traumatic court documents regarding her lawsuit against Diddy, the information was completely unsettling and disturbing. Ventura not only has gained the courage and strength to heal from this time period of her life, but has chosen to inspire others to speak up regarding their abuse. After watching the entire surveillance video in full, Ventura’s previous statements are only further credible.
In the video, Ventura exits a hotel room and walks to the elevators. Combs, who is holding a towel around his waist, runs down a hall after her. He grabs her by the back of the neck and throws her to the floor. Still holding his towel, he then turns to kick her. As Ventura lays lifeless on the ground, Combs grabs a purse and suitcase from the floor near the elevators. He then turns around and kicks her again as she lies motionless. Seconds pass before Combs then briefly drags Ventura by her sweatshirt toward a room before walking away.
Violence is never the answer, regardless of how upset a person becomes. Furthermore, this situation has clearly exposed the perspectives of everyone we value around us regarding domestic violence and believing women the first time they come forward about abuse. Despite how long it may have taken to gain the courage to speak up or try to change their situation, that is an accomplishment in itself. Abuse is a cycle that people don’t often understand, whether it’s outsiders weighing in or the people in the relationship themselves. Ventura’s husband, Alex Fine, took to Instagram to post his support of their family and that abusers can no longer be protected. Also, he believes that ultimately abusers deserve the worst possible karma and fate.
As my heart continues to go out to Ventura, I hope that she’s able to feel a sense of relief that everything is finally being exposed.
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Instagram: @korixnicole
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