John Legend says allegations against Diddy are 'shameful'

John Legend speaks out against Diddy, less than a year after the duo collaborated on a track that appeared on Legend's The Love Album: Off the Grid.

“I was horrified by the descriptions I read before the video evidence was released,” Legend said. CNN this week of devastating accusations against Diddy, as well as the video released showing the hip-hop star appearing to assault his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. “And it’s absolutely something that needs to be brought to light when this happens.”

The duo collaborated with Babyface on 2023's “Kim Porter,” named after Combs' late partner, who died in 2018 of pneumonia.

Noting that the allegations against Diddy are “shameful,” Legend added, “My default position is to believe women when they make these accusations and make sure we're doing everything we can to support women.” hoping “that they are heard and that any sort of accountability and reparations can be made to make these women whole again.”

In the video, obtained by CNN earlier this month and dated March 5, 2016, Combs appears to push Ventura to the ground near an elevator, kicking her repeatedly as she lies on the ground and drag her down a hallway. The content of the video reflects an assault allegation made by Ventura in a now-settled lawsuit she filed against Diddy in November.

Shortly after, on May 19, Diddy took to social media to share a video of himself taking responsibility and apologizing for his actions in the disturbing clip. “It's so hard to reflect on the darkest moments of your life, but sometimes you have to,” Diddy says in his Instagram video. “I was fed up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I can't make any excuses. My behavior in this video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in this video. I'm disgusted .I was disgusted then when I did it, I'm disgusted now.

He continued: “I went out and sought professional help. I had to go to therapy, to rehab. I had to ask God for mercy and grace. I am really sorry. But I am committed to becoming a better man every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness. I am really sorry.”

“The heartbreaking video only further confirmed Mr. Combs’ disturbing and predatory behavior,” Ventura attorney Douglas Wigdor said in a statement sent to Billboard. “Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light. »

Ventura was the first to accuse Diddy of sexual assault, filing a suit in November in which Cassie's lawyers claimed she “endured more than a decade of his violent behavior and disturbed demands,” including repeated physical assaults and forcing her to “engage in sexual acts.” with sex workers” while he masturbated. According to the complaint, after trying to separate from him in 2018 after an on-and-off public relationship for 11 years, Combs allegedly “forced her into his home and raped her while she said 'no' repeatedly and tried to push him. away.” The case was quickly settled, but Combs was later sued by several other women who claimed they had been sexually assaulted by the hip-hop mogul.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,” Diddy wrote on Instagram in December. “For the last few weeks, I have sat in silence and watched people attempt to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Disgusting allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick paycheck. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the horrible things alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.