Cassie Settles Lawsuit Against Diddy Over Bombshell Rape and Sex trafficking Claims

Cassie Settles Lawsuit Against Diddy Over Bombshell Rape and Sex trafficking Claims

Diddy and Cassie have successfully reached a settlement, following the singer’s recent allegations against the music mogul in a lawsuit that included claims of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse.

In a statement released on Friday by attorney Douglas Wigdor, the involved parties confirmed the resolution of the case, while refraining from disclosing the specific settlement amount. The lawsuit was filed by Casandra Ventura, professionally known as singer Cassie, on Thursday, accusing her former boyfriend, Sean “Diddy” Combs, of sex trafficking and sexual assault. The legal proceedings took place in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, as detailed in court documents.

Cassie expressed her intentions to amicably resolve the matter on terms that provided her with a measure of control, stating, “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

In a separate statement, Combs acknowledged the resolution by saying, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”

The lawsuit, which targeted Sean “Diddy” Combs and his associated companies, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, Combs Enterprises, LLC, and Epic Records, sought unspecified financial damages.

The legal action asserted that Casandra Ventura, who initiated a professional and sexual relationship with the rap mogul when she was 19 years old, had been subjected to trafficking, rape, and severe physical abuse by Combs over the course of a decade.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Cassie remarked, “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. With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”

In response, Combs released a statement on Thursday, denying Cassie’s allegations as “offensive and outrageous” and accusing her of extortion. He stated, “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’ reputation and seeking a pay day.”

The settlement reached between the parties mitigates the possibility of a trial, sparing both Combs and Ventura from a public legal process that would have involved extensive discovery and cross-examination in a courtroom.

Douglas Wigdor, Ventura’s attorney, expressed his appreciation for his client’s courage in coming forward with her allegations, stating on Friday, “I am very proud of Ms. Ventura for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit.”

Cassie’s connection with Combs began in 2005 when she was introduced to the then-37-year-old rap mogul, who expressed interest in signing her to Bad Boy Records. Subsequently, she became ensnared in what the lawsuit describes as an “ostentatious, fast-paced and drug-fueled lifestyle” and a romantic relationship with Combs, during which he allegedly assumed control over various aspects of her life, including her healthcare and career opportunities. The complaint further alleges that Combs supplied her with drugs and alcohol.

According to the lawsuit, Combs coerced Cassie into “repeated unwanted sexual encounters” with male prostitutes he hired and recorded. Despite her attempts to escape the abuse, Cassie claims that Combs’ “vast network of corporations and affiliated entities” repeatedly tracked her down and compelled her to return to him. The lawsuit also alleges that Combs was prone to fits of uncontrollable rage and frequently subjected Cassie to physical violence, resulting in bruises and emotional trauma that required intensive medical and psychological treatment.

In September 2018, after concerted efforts to end the relationship, Cassie and Combs met for dinner in Malibu, California, with the understanding that they would discuss ending their relationship definitively. However, according to the lawsuit, Combs forced his way into Cassie’s apartment after the dinner, attempted to kiss her, and subsequently raped her.

Cassie and Combs began dating in 2007, and their relationship continued on and off for over a decade.

Cassie gained recognition for her hit single “Me & U,” produced by Ryan Leslie, which reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2006. This song served as the lead single from her self-titled debut studio album.

Combs, a three-time Grammy winner, established one of hip-hop’s most prominent empires, with numerous entities bearing his renowned name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and has collaborated with notable artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.

The New York Police Department confirmed there is currently no active criminal investigation into Combs. However, they emphasized their commitment to taking allegations of sexual assault and rape seriously, encouraging survivors to report incidents for proper support and comprehensive investigations.

Several of Cassie’s former labelmates from Bad Boy Records, including D. Woods, Dawn Richard, and Aubrey O’Day from the R&B group Danity Kane, expressed their support for her in light of her accusations against Combs.

Aubrey O’Day, who was part of the group formed by Combs on MTV’s “Making the Band” series in 2005, shared her sentiments on Instagram and Twitter, stating that she had been attempting to convey her concerns.

Dawn Richard, on Twitter, expressed her prayers for Cassie’s peace and healing, commending her for her bravery.

D. Woods, via an Instagram post, voiced her support for Cassie, acknowledging her courage in shedding light on the darkness she had endured and offering her continued strength.

 

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