Diddy's ex girlfriend Cassie breaks silence following his apology for leaked video of him assaulting her

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

Cassie Ventura has spoken out following a 2016 video of her being assaulted by Diddy being shared online.

On May 17, CCTV footage dated as being from March 5, 2016 was shared by CNN showing Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles and Ventura has since taken to her social media for the first time the video was released to speak out.

Diddy took to Instagram on Sunday (19 May) to issue an apology for his actions in the video.

He said: "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."

And Ventura has since spoken out too.

She took to her Instagram page earlier today (23 May) to share a message with her followers.

The video showed Diddy physically assaulting Cassie (John Shearer/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)

The post reads: "Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet. The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger

self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning.

"Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.

"Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously. My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were

powerless in.

"I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don't cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone. This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you. Love Always, Cassie."

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.