Diddy Accused of R*pe, S*x Trafficking, Domestic Violence in Lawsuit By Ex-Girlfriend
Diddy Accused of R*pe, S*x Trafficking, Domestic Violence in Lawsuit By Ex-Girlfriend
Sean “Diddy” Combs, a music mogul and rapper, finds himself at the center of a serious legal battle. His former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, has taken legal action against him, filing a lawsuit in a federal court in New York City on Thursday.
The allegations made by Ventura are grave and concerning. alleging that the music mogul raped and sex trafficked her over the course of an abusive 10 years.
“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,” she said in a statement. “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.”
According to the lawsuit document accessed by CNN, it is alleged that Combs drew Ms. Ventura into a lavish, high-speed lifestyle filled with drugs, and into a romantic relationship with him. This reportedly occurred within two years of their first meeting around 2005 or 2006, shortly after which Combs signed Ventura to his music label, Bad Boy Records.
Ventura claims that throughout their professional and romantic relationship, Combs “exerted his power and influence” over her. The complaint notes that she was 19 years old and Combs was 37 when they first met, with their business relationship continuing until 2019.
The complaint outlines allegations that Combs was physically abusive towards Ventura, took control over every part of her personal life, “introduced” her to a lifestyle characterized by heavy drinking and drug use, and coerced her into participating in different sexual acts with other men during their relationship.
In her lawsuit, Ventura alleges that when she attempted to end their relationship in 2018, Combs forcefully entered her home and raped her.
As a mother of two, Ventura asserts in the lawsuit that she battled with drug and alcohol addictions “that were established and fueled by Mr. Combs” over the duration of their relationship.
The lawsuit also mentions that Ventura continues to endure “immense emotional distress” and had to seek treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation facility due to suicidal thoughts, which she attributes to the abuse she experienced.
“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 – an R&B singer who goes by the stage name Cassie – said in a statement.
“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.”
Ben Brafman, attorney for Combs, said in a statement that “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.”
The statement continued, “For the past 6 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.”
Furthermore, the lawsuit levels an accusation of sexual battery against Combs.
Ventura is pursuing an unspecified amount in monetary damages through the lawsuit.
The legal action also implicates Combs’ businesses, naming Bad Boy Records, Bad Boy Entertainment, and Combs Enterprises. Additionally, it includes Epic Records, identified as an employer of Ventura, in the lawsuit.
The Adult Survivors Act of New York, enacted in late November 2022, empowers adult survivors of sexual abuse to file lawsuits in New York against their abusers, regardless of the expiration of the statute of limitations on their claims. This law provides a one-year window for these survivors to initiate legal action, set to close on November 24.
Sean Combs, 54, is the founder of the music label Bad Boy, established in 1993. Known also by his stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy, Combs has been influential in the hip-hop genre, earning three Grammy awards and 14 nominations throughout his career. Beyond his musical success, he has also made a name for himself as a producer and entrepreneur.
Casandra Ventura, 37, is recognized as an R&B singer, particularly for her hit “Me & U” from her 2006 debut album “Cassie,” released under Combs’ Bad Boy label. Her career includes collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne and Akon, and in 2009, she released the single “Must Be Love” featuring Combs.
Ventura’s legal team alleges that Combs attempted to financially silence her. “Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit,” stated Doug Wigdor, her attorney, to Deadline. This claim was made following Ventura’s lawsuit in federal court, accusing Combs of long-term “abuse, violence and sex trafficking.” Ventura reportedly refused this offer, choosing instead to speak out on behalf of women who suffer in silence. “Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery,” Wigdor added.
This statement came in response to a rebuttal from Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, who asserted that Combs “vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.” Brafman, previously representing Harvey Weinstein, claimed that for six months, Ventura demanded $30 million from Combs, threatening to publish a damaging book about their relationship, which Combs dismissed as blatant blackmail. Brafman contends that despite withdrawing her threat, Ventura has now filed a lawsuit filled with unfounded and exaggerated accusations, aiming to damage Combs’ reputation and secure a financial settlement.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.