Wendy Williams Reacts to Diddy’s Arrest and Past Allegations: “It’s About Time”
Two weeks after Shawn “Diddy” Combs was arrested and indicted for charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, former talk show host Wendy Williams has spoken out. Known for her candid takes on celebrity scandals, Wendy didn’t hold back when addressing the charges now facing the music mogul.
In an interview published by the Daily Mail on October 1st, Wendy reflected on the shocking news, stating, “What is really weird is that I have been told by so many people, ‘Wendy, you called it,’ including some people from my family who have said the same.”
Wendy’s reaction to Diddy’s arrest suggests a long-standing awareness of rumors or potential misconduct within the music industry.
Wendy also revisited the infamous 2016 surveillance footage, which captured Diddy assaulting his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway. The video, which resurfaced in May 2023 after being published by CNN, added fuel to the controversy surrounding Diddy.
Williams described the footage as “horrific,” stating, “You know how I feel about that. It’s about time to see this video on TV of Cassie getting pummeled. It was just horrific.”
The former talk show host emphasized the deeper implications of the assault, questioning how often these incidents may have occurred and how many women may have been affected.
“But now you have to think—how many more times, how many more people, how many more women? It’s just so horrible,” Wendy added, hinting at the potential for a pattern of abuse.
Wendy Williams has long been outspoken about the challenges of dating powerful figures in the music industry. Reflecting on the dynamics between Diddy and Cassie during their on-again, off-again relationship, which spanned a decade before ending in 2018, Wendy shared her concerns about the power imbalance between moguls and their partners.
Back in 2015, during her talk show, Wendy explained, “When you date a mogul, it’s really difficult to avoid them because if you use your head, you never know when they’re going to pop up on the scene.”
She elaborated on the intimidation factor, describing how a person in Diddy’s position could easily track someone down, saying, “He can hire a plane right now, zoom it to South Africa, land on the roof of the hotel where she’s staying, pay people off at the front desk, give me the key, and let me up in her room.”
For Wendy, this scenario represents the overwhelming power someone like Diddy could wield over their partner. “I’m already paranoid as a person, but to know that somebody could actually swoop down on me in the middle of nothing would scare the life out of me,” she added.
In the wake of the video’s release, Diddy addressed the incident in a May 2023 Instagram post, acknowledging his wrongdoing. The rapper reflected on the darker times in his life, admitting, “I was messed up.
I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.” He added that he sought professional help, entering therapy and rehab in an attempt to heal.
Diddy expressed deep remorse, stating, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, and I’m disgusted now.”
He went on to apologize directly to Cassie, emphasizing that he was not seeking forgiveness but was dedicated to becoming a better man. “I’m so sorry,” he said, “but I’m committed to being a better man each and every day.”
In November 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy, detailing the abusive relationship and describing an incident that matched the one caught on the 2016 hotel footage. Although Diddy initially denied the altercation, he eventually addressed the claims after the video surfaced.
Just a day after Cassie filed her lawsuit, the two reached a settlement, sparking speculation about the extent of the allegations and the possible implications for Diddy’s reputation.
As Wendy Williams reflects on Diddy’s arrest and the long history of allegations, her reaction signals both relief and frustration. For years, rumors swirled about the darker side of Diddy’s persona, and for Wendy, this moment feels long overdue.
“It’s about time,” she said, acknowledging that Diddy’s arrest and the resurfacing of the 2016 assault video have brought critical issues to light.
The charges against Diddy—racketeering, sex trafficking, and conspiracy—have cast a dark shadow over his legacy. As the legal battles continue, many, including Wendy, are left to wonder how deep the alleged misconduct runs and how many lives may have been affected.