Deputy federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley is speaking out and has urged Australians to boycott Diddy following the release of the disturbing footage showing the mogul physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie.
Ley released a statement demanding that radio stations and other media outlets stop playing his music in response to the video. “Australians have an opportunity to take action on this issue. We can call out this unacceptable violence,” she said. “I am asking Australian businesses to reconsider any activities they may be taking that may be financially benefiting Mr Combs.
She continued, “This should see Australian media companies, including radio stations, take any of his music off their channels today. Everyone has a role to play in calling out domestic violence. Australia should send a clear message on this matter.”
The CCTV footage released by CNN on Saturday showed Combs throwing his then-girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, also known as the singer Cassie, to the ground, kicking her twice, dragging her along the ground, and hurling a vase at her in a hotel hallway in 2016.
The video seems to depict an incident described in a lawsuit filed by Cassie against Diddy in November, accusing him of committing years of sexual abuse and other violent acts. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, with Combs denying any wrongdoing. However, Sunday morning he released a video apologizing for his actions shown in the CCTV footage, expressing that he was “truly sorry” and acknowledging that his behavior was “inexcusable.”
“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he said.
Ley also believes while the incident occurred in the US, it would have an impact in Australia.
“While this matter is occurring in the United States, the vision that is circulating on media and online will deeply affect many thousands of Australian women who will be reliving their own traumatic experiences once again today,” she said.
“This is a reminder that domestic violence is a global scourge, and my thoughts are with all victim-survivors who will be hurting.”