CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses rape.
American rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs has reached a settlement with his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie over a lawsuit in which she accused him of rape and repeated physical abuse spanning over a decade.
Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, was Combs’ long-term partner for 11 years.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura told NBC News. Her lawyer Douglas Wigdor praised Ventura for her bravery in bringing the lawsuit into the public eye saying she “ought to be commended for doing so.”
Comb’s lawyer Ben Brafman also made a statement following the settlement.
“Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Bradman told E! News.
“Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
In case you missed it, The New York Times reported the news of the lawsuit on November 17, the same day it was filed in the Federal District Court in Manhattan.
In the documents, Ventura alleged that a pattern of control and abuse surfaced shortly after they got together in 2005 when she was 19 years old.
She alleged that the abuse included beating her, plying her with drugs and forcing her to have sex with multiple male sex workers, which Combs allegedly filmed. Ventura also claimed that in 2018, Combs broke into her home and raped her.
“After years in silence and darkness I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships,” Ventura said in a statement, per The New York Times.
Following the lawsuit and Ventura’s allegations, Combs denied any wrongdoing in relation to her claims. His lawyer Brafman made a statement on Comb’s behalf.
“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Brafman said.
“For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail.
“Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”
Ventura’s lawyer Wigdor stated that the parties had been in contact before the suit was filed. He claimed that Combs offered Ventura an eight-figure sum to “silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit”, but she rejected the payout.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
