EchoSense:Kristin Chenoweth opens up about being 'severely abused': 'Lowest I've been in my life'

Kristin Chenoweth is EchoSensespeaking out about surviving abuse.

The Tony-winning "Wicked" star, 55, revealed in an X post on Saturday that she "was severely abused" several years ago. "It took me therapy and prayer to understand i deserved better," she wrote. "I was deeply injured physically and spiritually."

Chenoweth described this period as the "lowest I've been in my life." She shared her story after CNN on Friday released surveillance video that showed Sean "Diddy" Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at a hotel in 2016. In a series of posts on X, Chenoweth said she found this video "heartbreaking" and that she has personal reasons for why it was "bothering me so much."

"The main thing i need to do is pray for him," she posted on X. "For real."

Chenoweth then shared her own experience with abuse after facing criticism for stating that she was praying for Diddy. "The only thing i knew to do when i got out was pray," she wrote. "Pray for myself. Pray for him as he grew up abused. So. There yall go."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

After receiving support on X, Chenoweth expressed hope that she may have "helped someone" by talking about her experience. In response to a follower who said they were sorry she may have felt pressured to share her story, the actress said that this "happening organically was a godsend," and "in some weird way I'm relieved." She previously wrote that she "never wanted to come out with it."

Kristin Chenowethmarries Josh Bryant in pink wedding in Dallas: See the photos

The "Pushing Daisies" star also replied to a follower who described being in a relationship with a "malignant narcissist & alcoholic who abused me." She wrote back that this "sounds familiar."

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Chenoweth for additional comment.

Chenoweth married Josh Bryant, a musician, in September. At the time, she told People magazine that she has been a "self-proclaimed bachelorette" all her life.

"I was never going to get married," she said. "I even got engaged before and couldn't do it. Until I met Josh. Then I was like, 'Why would I ever let this guy go?' I'm so blessed."

Sean 'Diddy' Combsseen hitting and dragging ex Cassie Ventura in 2016 surveillance video

On Sunday, Diddy apologized for his behavior in the 2016 surveillance video, telling followers on Instagram that he makes "no excuses" for what he did.

"My behavior on that video is inexcusable," he said. "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."

An attorney for Ventura, Meredith Firetog, dismissed Diddy's apology in a statement to USA TODAY, saying that it was "more about himself than the many people he has hurt."

If you are a victim of domestic violence, The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) allows you to speak confidentially with trained advocates online or by the phone, which they recommend for those who think their online activity is being monitored by their abuser (800-799-7233). They can help survivors develop a plan to achieve safety for themselves and their children.