Experts weighed in on Sean "Diddy" Combs' latest issue after a video of himself assaulting Cassie Ventura was released.
Combs became the center of controversy again after footage video, released by CNN on May 17, confirmed that he assaulted his then-girlfriend while at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. Ventura sued the Bad Boy Records founder in November 2023, alleging Combs assaulted, raped and abused her throughout their relationship, though they settled it one day after the filing.
As the video has continuously appeared online, experts reminded internet users it would be okay not to watch the clip as it could be a trigger to some.
"I don't think we have a responsibility to witness every instance of violence that happens," therapist Erik Anderson told USA Today. "Here's an instance of very ugly violence, and people kind of need to be responsible for understanding what's going to trigger them and what they're able to tolerate."
Experts added that people could be triggered by the video as it reminded them of a specific past trauma. People who went through violence and domestic abuse could experience it.
Mental health counselor Catherine Del Toro also told USA Today that it is important for people to pay attention to how they feel.
"Typically when we watch these kinds of violent videos, it's very normal to feel shocked, anxious, sad, disgusted and those are all very, very normal feelings," said Del Toro. "But again, (it's important) to distinguish between feeling that and allowing that emotion to go versus ruminating on it and really having it impact our overall functioning."
On the other hand, psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis encouraged people who want to watch the video to check in with themselves first and think about whether the clip could possibly affect them.
After the footage was released, Combs uploaded an apology video on Instagram on Sunday, May 19, to address the issue.
"I hit rock bottom -- but I make no excuses," said Combs. "My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace."
However, he did not mention Ventura's name in the clip.
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