LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: P. Diddy seen leaving Bauer Media on November 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer/GC Images)
It looks like Diddy is seeking a fresh start.
On Thursday (June 20), Sean “Diddy” Combs seemingly erased all content from his Instagram account. The account, still followed by nearly 20 million people, now shows an empty profile feed.
The move comes a month after he uploaded an apology video on the social media platform following CNN’s release of surveillance footage showing him physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie in 2016.
As previously reported by The Shade Room, the Bad Boy Records founder reacted to the leaked video and expressed disgust with his behavior through an Instagram Reel on (May 19).
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you gotta do that. I was f****d up. I mean, I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses. My behavior on 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’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I had to go into therapy, go 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. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry,” Diddy said in the video.
Diddy’s Instagram hiatus occurs amid his ongoing scandals, including law enforcement raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes in March as a part of a federal sex trafficking investigation.
Per The Shade Room, in November 2023, Cassie accused Diddy of rape, sexual assault, and more in a comprehensive lawsuit. They settled for an undisclosed amount the next day. However, Diddy did not admit to any wrongdoing.
On (May 23), Cassie finally addressed the viral assault video and Diddy’s controversial apology. She started by expressing gratitude to her “family, friends, and strangers for their continued love and support.”
“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.”
Diddy’s Instagram purge came a week after he returned the Key to New York City.
According to a new report by TMZ, the selection committee voted to revoke the Key, and Combs complied with their request. The decision came after New York City Mayor Eric Adams commented on the resurfaced footage of Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2016.
“I think all of us were deeply disturbed by watching that chilling video of the young lady being assaulted by him,” he said.
During a live interview with PIX11, Adams clarified that this was the first time an honoree’s key had been rescinded.
TMZ reports that Diddy was notified about the Key at his Los Angeles and New York offices. A source told the outlet that New York City sent letters on June 4, and the media mogul responded by returning the Key on June 10. The letters, signed by Mayor Adams, reportedly contained instructions for returning the Key.
Moreover, the letters stated that the Key to the City of New York committee had “recommended and nullifying and rescinding” Diddy’s honor, a recommendation Mayor Adams subsequently endorsed.
“Like many people, I was deeply disturbed by recent footage of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs assaulting his then partner. I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Our city has worked tirelessly to make sure survivors are heard and seen by our administration,” Adams wrote.
