Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth recently revealed that she was “severely abused” by an unnamed ex, sharing her past experiences in response to a disturbing video of Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016. In a series of posts on X Saturday, Chenoweth explained that the video of Combs bothered her deeply and urged others to pray for him, despite facing criticism for not focusing on the victims of abuse. Chenoweth then shared her own story of abuse, revealing that it took therapy and prayer for her to realize she deserved better after suffering physical and spiritual injuries.
The actress admitted that she had been at the lowest point in her life after the abuse, and although she has not forgiven her abuser yet, she is being guided by prayer and faith. Chenoweth emphasized the importance of handling abuse in a way that is best for the victim and shared her hope that her story would help someone else going through a similar situation. Currently married to singer Josh Bryant, Chenoweth did not disclose the identity of her alleged abuser, but mentioned her past relationships with various figures in the entertainment industry.
Chenoweth’s revelation came after the release of surveillance footage showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura in the hallway of a hotel, aligning with Ventura’s previous accusations of rape and abuse against Combs. While Combs and his legal team had denied the allegations for years, he eventually took responsibility for his actions in an apology video following the video’s resurfacing. Combs acknowledged hitting rock bottom and sought professional help through therapy and rehab to address his behavior. Despite not explicitly asking for forgiveness, he expressed deep regret and apologized for his actions towards Ventura during their on and off relationship from 2007 to 2018.
The resurfacing of the video and the subsequent discussions around abuse prompted a reminder to those affected by such issues to seek help through resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, providing a safe space for individuals to talk about their experiences. The conversation surrounding Chenoweth’s and Combs’ experiences shed light on the lasting impact of abuse, the importance of seeking support, and the complex process of healing from trauma. As more public figures come forward with their stories, it emphasizes the need for awareness, empathy, and resources to address and prevent abuse in relationships.
