Diddy found himself in hot water again after his seemingly forced video apology regarding the brutal, heartless beating he delivered to his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in the viral 2016 hotel surveillance video. Speculation and public outrage have been rampant, and understandably so– after Diddy released his video apology the other day, only for viewers to realize he never mentioned who exactly he was apologizing to. Why? Because not once did he mention Cassie’s name. Fast forward to today, and it’s now been revealed that there is a legal reason preventing Diddy from mentioning Cassie’s name in his apology.

Following Cassie’s sexual assault lawsuit against Diddy, the two parties reached a settlement, which included a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This NDA forbids both Diddy and Cassie from discussing each other in public. That’s right, folks, their lips are sealed.

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According to TMZ, Diddy’s legal team carefully examined every aspect of the video apology before it’s release. Compliance with the NDA was their top priority, meaning there could be no reference to Cassie, even though Diddy reportedly wanted to mention her name. It’s a tricky situation for him, as he walks a tightrope between expressing remorse and avoiding any potential legal ramifications.

It’s worth noting that Cassie’s silence since the release of the 2016 beating video is also a result of this settlement. Despite expectations that she might publicly air her grievances, Cassie has remained tight-lipped, honoring the terms of the agreement.

But here’s the twist. Cassie is just the tip of the legal iceberg that Diddy is facing. The settlement may have resolved her lawsuit, but he still has three other suits to contend with, which involve similar allegations, including human and sex trafficking. With pending litigation, Diddy’s legal team has advised him to think twice before making any public statements. After all, his words could potentially be used against him in court.

Although he was permitted to record the apology video, it was done under the watchful eye of his legal counsel. They provided guidance to ensure he complied with the terms of the NDA. Diddy may have wanted to acknowledge the impact he had on Cassie’s life, but he had to choose his words carefully.

As the legal saga continues to unfold, the public awaits further developments. On thing’s for sure, Diddy has a long way to go and LOT more remorse to prove on his behalf, if he ever wants to win his fans back again. What he did to Cassie in that 2016 video (and according to Cassie, throughout the duration of their 10-year relationship), is absolutely horrific.

Not sure how true Diddy’s claims are –that he’s sought professional help to rid himself of his disturbing violent behaviors– but Lawd knows he definitely needs it. Only time will tell if he will eventually be a reformed man overall.

Sending love and light to Cassie…she is a brave women indeed for coming forward with such personal, traumatic experiences she endured with her ex, Diddy.