Diddy Says He “Lost His Mind” During Cassie Assault in Written Apology

Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of the most influential yet controversial figures in the music industry, has once again found himself at the center of international headlines. This time, it is not for his business ventures or chart-topping hits but for a deeply personal and painful admission: an apology to his former partner, Cassie Ventura. In a letter submitted ahead of his October 3rd sentencing, Combs reflected on his past violence toward Cassie, admitting, “I literally lost my mind.”

This statement follows years of legal scrutiny, criminal charges, and public debates about his legacy. The letter addresses the infamous 2016 surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway—a video that went viral and shocked even those who had long followed his career. For the mogul once celebrated as a cultural architect of hip-hop and R&B, the apology represents both a confession and a desperate attempt to reconcile his actions with the public, the court, and perhaps most importantly, his own family.

The Background: A Legacy Stained

Diddy, born Sean Combs, has spent decades building an empire in music, fashion, and business. From his early days at Uptown Records to founding Bad Boy Entertainment, he transformed himself into a global brand. With Grammy Awards, multimillion-dollar business ventures, and cultural influence that stretched beyond music, he seemed untouchable.

But in recent years, Combs’ empire has been overshadowed by scandal. He was convicted of two prostitution-related offenses, acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but still faces sentencing after a high-profile trial. Central to the case was Cassie Ventura, the singer, model, and actress who shared a tumultuous on-and-off relationship with Combs for over a decade.

Cassie testified in court, describing years of control, abuse, and trauma. Her account, combined with testimonies from escorts and another unnamed ex-partner referred to only as “Jane,” painted a disturbing picture of Combs’ private life. The surveillance footage from 2016 served as undeniable visual evidence—an image of violence that Combs himself admits continues to haunt him.

The Apology: “I Lost My Mind”

In his letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs directly confronted the incident.

“The scene and images of me assaulting Cassie play over and over in my head daily. I literally lost my mind. I was dead wrong for putting my hands on the woman that I loved. I’m sorry for that and always will be.”

The apology, while public, was directed at the judge, suggesting it was as much about legal mitigation as it was about genuine remorse. Yet, Combs did not shy away from the gravity of his actions.

He described the guilt as a “heavy burden” that he will carry for the rest of his life, acknowledging the “remorse, the sorrow, the regret, the disappointment, the shame.” He further reflected on his role as a father of seven, admitting that his violent actions were even harder to accept when imagining them happening to one of his daughters:

“I honestly feel sorry for something that I couldn’t forgive someone else for if they put their hands on one of my daughters. This is why it is so hard for me to forgive myself. It’s like a deep wound that leaves an ugly scar.”

This personal angle, highlighting his fatherhood, may resonate with some who view him as more than just a celebrity figure. However, critics have noted that apologies often arrive only after legal consequences loom, raising questions about sincerity.

The Trial and Evidence

Earlier this year, Combs’ defense team attempted to seek acquittal and even requested a new trial. Judge Subramanian denied the request, emphasizing that the prosecution presented “overwhelming evidence” of guilt under the Mann Act, a federal law dealing with the transportation of individuals for illegal sexual purposes.

The evidence against Combs included:

Testimonies from Cassie Ventura detailing years of abuse.

Testimonies from another ex, “Jane.”

Accounts from escorts who worked with Combs.

Text messages and emails that supported the allegations.

The now-infamous 2016 hotel surveillance footage.

The ruling stated that the government “proved its case many times over,” leaving little room for defense maneuvering.

The Public Response

The public reaction to Combs’ letter has been mixed. Some fans and industry figures see it as a necessary step toward accountability, praising his willingness to admit fault. Others view it as too little, too late—an apology crafted for leniency rather than genuine healing.

Social media has been especially divided. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), many users expressed anger at how long it took for Combs to apologize publicly. Others questioned why the apology came only after Cassie’s testimony and the release of damaging evidence.

For survivors of domestic violence, the apology is a stark reminder of the systemic challenges victims face when coming forward against powerful figures. Cassie, who ended her relationship with Combs in 2018, has not publicly commented on the letter.

Cassie’s Role in the Case

Cassie Ventura was more than a former partner—she was a central witness in the trial. Her testimony not only highlighted her own trauma but also gave credibility to others who came forward. Her decade-long relationship with Combs, which began when she was signed to his label, has long been the subject of speculation and scrutiny.

Cassie’s courage in speaking publicly against one of the most powerful men in the industry reflects a broader cultural shift in how abuse allegations against celebrities are treated. The #MeToo movement paved the way for survivors to challenge powerful men, and Cassie’s testimony continues that legacy.

The Broader Cultural Impact

Diddy’s case is not just about one man and one relationship—it is part of a broader reckoning in entertainment. His downfall reflects a pattern of once-untouchable moguls facing accountability, from Harvey Weinstein to R. Kelly.

The music industry, in particular, has been criticized for its tolerance of toxic masculinity, exploitation, and abuse. Diddy’s case forces difficult conversations about the intersection of fame, power, and accountability.

Fans are also grappling with how to reconcile Combs’ musical legacy with his personal actions. His contributions to hip-hop and R&B cannot be erased, but his violent behavior casts a long shadow over his achievements.

What Comes Next?

As Combs awaits sentencing, the question remains: how will this apology affect his future? Judges often consider expressions of remorse when determining sentencing, but the weight of evidence against Combs may limit its impact.

Beyond the courtroom, Diddy’s reputation is at stake. Will he ever regain the trust of fans, collaborators, or business partners? Or will this apology be remembered as a final attempt to salvage a legacy already shattered?

For Cassie and others who testified, the apology may bring little comfort. True accountability extends beyond words—it requires actions that demonstrate change, restitution, and genuine acknowledgment of harm.

As October 3rd approaches, the world will be watching to see how justice is served.