Diddy speaks out on leaked 2016 video of him assaulting ex-girlfriend

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence that some readers may find distressing

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has broken his silence after a video of him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura surfaced this week.

The rapper took to Instagram on Sunday (19 May) to issue an apology.

He explained: "So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f**ked up.

"I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses, my behavior in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I'm disgusted.

"I was disgusted then when I did it, I am disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, I got into going to therapy, going to rehab.

"Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm so sorry. But I am committed to be a better man each and every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness, I'm truly sorry."

On 16 November, Ventura filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Manhattan alleging Combs 'frequently beat' her during their on-off around 10-year relationship.

A day later, Combs and Ventura announced they'd reached a settlement, however, footage was shared online earlier this week of an incident that took place between the pair in 2016.

Ventura's lawsuit claimed Combs was a 'serial domestic abuser, who would regularly beat and kick Ms Ventura, leaving black eyes, bruises, and blood'.

In a statement, she said: "After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.

"With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life."

Combs 'vehemently denie[d]' the allegations, with his layers telling UNILAD at the time: "Ms. Ventura has [...] resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs' reputation and seeking a pay day."

The video which surfaced this week shows Ventura and Combs at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles - an establishment that has since closed down.

The footage showed Ventura walking to some elevators and Combs running after her wearing only a towel wrapped round his waist.

The rapper can be seen grabbing Ventura by the neck and throwing her to the floor, before kicking her twice and dragging her by her sweatshirt towards one of the rooms.

Combs subsequently walks away before coming back and throwing an object at Ventura.