Fashion designer Misa Hylton, the ex of Sean "Diddy" Combs, is speaking out in support of Cassie after public outcry around a newly surfaced 2016 surveillance video of the media mogul physically assaulting the singer.
via: People
The fashion stylist and designer, 51, who shares son Justin, 30, with the music mogul, 54, posted to Instagram on May 21 and shared photos of Justin as well as Diddy's six other children as she reacted to the disturbing 2016 video.
"I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her. I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma," wrote Hylton alongside images of Diddy's kids Quincy, 32, Christian, 26, Chance, 17, twins D'Lila and Jessie, both 17, and Love, 17 months.
"These young people were raised by women that want the best for them – we put God and education first and have always been united in our mutual effort to support their dreams," she added. "Two of the youngest do not have their mother here and it has been our duty to support them."
"Their father needs help and I am praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it," concluded Hylton.
The surveillance video, released by CNN on May 17, shows an altercation between Diddy and Ventura at a hotel in 2016 that matches allegations she made in a now-settled lawsuit from last November.
In the footage, Diddy grabs Ventura by the neck and throws her to the ground before kicking her and grabbing both her purse and suitcase. He then kicks her again, starts dragging her to the room, lets go and later throws an object at Ventura before walking away.
Diddy addressed the footage in a statement shared to Instagram on May 19 alongside the caption, "I'm truly sorry."
"It's so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life," he said in the footage. "Sometimes you gotta do that. I was f---ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable."
The Bad Boy Records founder continued, "I take full responsibility for my actions in that video."
"Disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I'm disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm so sorry, but I'm committed to be a better man. Each and every day," Diddy added.
He concluded the statement by stating that he is "not asking for forgiveness" and was "truly sorry."
A representative for Diddy did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Ventura's attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, said in a statement previously obtained by PEOPLE that the video confirms her allegations. (Combs' lawyer had previously denied any wrongdoing on his part, both when Ventura filed and when she and the rapper later settled.)
“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," Wigdor said in the statement.
Hylton previously commented on Diddy's ongoing allegations and legal issues after Justin and Christian were handcuffed amid a highly publicized property raid on Diddy's house in March.
"The over zealous and overtly militarized force used against my sons Justin and Christian is deplorable," she said at the time. "If these were the sons of a non-Black celebrity, they would not have been handled with the same aggression. The attempt to humiliate and terrorize these innocent young BLACK MEN is despicable!"
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.
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