On a recent episode of CNN’s NewsNight, anchor Abby Phillip sat down with rapper Cam’ron to discuss the recently released surveillance footage of Diddy violently attacking his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. The interview quickly became tense as Cam’ron openly questioned why he was even booked for the show and promoted his own product, Pink Horse Power, a natural supplement for men’s libido. As Phillip asked Cam’ron if he recognized Diddy in the video, he bluntly replied, “What do you mean my experiences? I seen him and I thought it was disgusting.” Cam’ron continued to assert that Diddy’s apology was more for Cassie than anyone else and he did not know how Diddy acted in the industry, commenting, “Who’s the talent agent for this joint? You think I be sitting around watching what Diddy do?”
Phillip attempted to steer the interview back to Diddy and his public image, playing a video of Cam’ron and fellow rapper Mase speaking highly of Diddy. However, Cam’ron did not seem interested in discussing Diddy’s character and shifted the focus to calling out those who invited him to the show, saying, “Who booked me for this joint?” Phillip eventually cut the interview short, to which Cam’ron simply said, “Thank you for having me.”
Both Cam’ron and Phillip are no strangers to controversy. While Cam’ron is known for his outrageous behavior and promotion of products, Phillip has made a name for herself as a rising star at CNN, being elevated to anchoring the 10 pm slot in October 2023. However, this is not the first time she has had a difficult interview, as she previously co-moderated a Democratic Primary debate in January 2020 and has faced criticism for her reporting on the Obama White House.
So Cam’ron went on CNN tonight and it was an absolute disaster pic.twitter.com/xm3tCe9O7N
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 21, 2024
The footage of Diddy’s violent attack on Cassie was obtained by CNN, showing the rapper chasing her down a hotel hallway and slamming her down to the ground before dragging her back to their room. The video sparked outrage and Diddy took to Instagram to apologize, saying, “I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses.” However, his apology did not sit well with many of his followers, who accused him of only apologizing after the footage was released and questioned the sincerity of his words.
Sources claim that Diddy sought professional help and went to rehab following the incident in 2016 and continues to seek therapy and spiritual guidance. This is not the first time that Diddy has faced allegations of violence and misconduct as he is also currently involved in a lawsuit over allegations of him coercing producers to solicit prostitutes and pressuring them into sexual acts. His sons were also handcuffed during a recent raid by Homeland Security as part of a sex trafficking investigation.
Cassie’s attorney, Meredith Firetog, released a statement in response to Diddy’s apology, saying, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt.” She goes on to criticize Diddy for denying the allegations and accusing his accusers of seeking a payday before finally issuing an apology once the video was released. However, the LA County District Attorney has stated that they will not be able to prosecute Diddy for the assault as the statute of limitations has passed.
The footage of Diddy’s attack on Cassie has sparked widespread conversation about violence and accountability in the entertainment industry. It has also brought to light other accusations against Diddy, further damaging his public image. As for Cam’ron, his controversial behavior and blunt statements during the interview have also sparked discussion and debate. Despite the tense and confusing interview, it has brought attention to important issues and sparked important conversations about violence and accountability.