Editor’s note: Jill Filipovic is a New York-based journalist and author ofOkay, Boomer, let’s talk: How my generation was left behind.” Follow her twitter. The opinions expressed in this comment are solely her own.view more opinions On CNN. This article has been updated to reflect the latest news.
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Last year, singer Kathy Ventura (also known as “Kathy”) settled a lawsuit accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs of years of physical abuse, including rape and forcing her to have sex with male sex workers.
Provided by Jill Filipovic
Jill Filipovich.
Following the settlement, his lawyers made it clear that Combs was innocent. “The decision to settle the case, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, told CNN in a November statement. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the case does not in any way undermine his blanket denial of the claims. He is pleased that a mutual settlement was reached and wishes Ms. Ventura the best of luck.”
Well, now we have the video. And in the face of that incontrovertible evidence, Mr. Combs finally issued a public apology.
“It’s very difficult to look back on the darkest times of our lives, but sometimes we have to,” he said in a video statement. Instagram. “I messed up, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses. My actions in that video are inexcusable.”
Combs added: “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I am disgusted. I was disgusted then. I am disgusted now.”
But here’s the problem. When Kathy filed her complaint last year, Combs had the opportunity to take full responsibility. But he did not hold her accountable, instead accusing her of extortion.
Five other lawsuits have been filed against Combs since November, ranging from sexual abuse to sex trafficking, revenge porn and gang rape. Combs and his lawyers called it a “witch hunt,” “money extortion,” “individuals looking for a quick paycheck,” “baseless,” “transparent attempt to garner headlines,” and “done.” denied all allegations such as. I’ll lie. ”
In December, Combs posted on Instagram: “For the past few weeks, I have sat silently and watched as people assassinated my person and tried to destroy my reputation and legacy,” he said. “Vulgar allegations have been made against me by people looking for a quick paycheck. Let me be clear: I have done nothing as egregious as is being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and my truth.”
Now, at least part of the truth is out, and Combs is singing an entirely different tune. After months of not only denials but also slandering various accusers as money-grubbing liars, he admitted that at least one accuser was telling the truth.
This makes some wonder if he would have admitted it if it weren’t for the video. If not, how sorry would he really be? And how many abusers have adopted Combs’ strategy of denying responsibility and painting their accusers as greedy fabricators with legitimate accusations?
Video of horrific assault on Kathy released as US faces There have been significant funding cuts to domestic violence funds, shelters, victim services and other support systems, and the U.S. Supreme Court has made it illegal for people under domestic violence restraining orders to own guns. We are considering a lawsuit asking whether it should be allowed. More than a third of women murdered in 2021 were killed by an intimate partner (for men, that number was just 6%).
In the best-case scenario, the vindication of Kathy’s abuse claims could help encourage other victims to come forward. Combs’ repeated loud denials and slander of his accusers are a crucial reminder that while not all accusations of wrongdoing are true, neither are many of the same denials. It might become something.
American criminals law In this system, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But in the court of public opinion, a different calculus applies. As each of us, as individuals, considers accusations of abuse or other serious wrongdoing, a man’s word should not automatically trump a woman’s just because he is wealthier than her. Standing out or just because he’s a man.
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But it wasn’t easy for Cassie to watch what had to be one of the worst moments of her life broadcast to the world. And other women who have survived abuse may be pulled back into emotionally dark places.
No one needs to see such a video to believe what a woman says. After all, the overwhelming majority of domestic violence incidents occur off-camera, at the hands of intimate partners, and often in private. House.
However, I hope this example is instructive. Denial is not always true. Even powerful people with a lot to lose can do terrible things. And while it’s good for people who have hurt others to take responsibility and admit wrongdoing, if they confess only after being caught, that confession sounds very hollow.
Resources for victims of domestic violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. Available 365 days a year. Connect callers with local resources and immediate support. You can also use our online chat tool.
get help around the world. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, UN Women provides a global directory list. You can also find a list of national agencies at The Pixel Project.
