Following a federal lawsuit filed in New York against musician and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs, Cassie Ventura—known by her stage name Cassie—has swiftly reached a settlement, confirmed by her attorney. Ventura accused Combs of rape and physical abuse during their past relationship. “I’ve chosen to resolve this amicably on terms that allow me a level of control. Grateful for the unwavering support from my family, fans, and legal team,” Ventura stated. Cassie Ventura Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit Against Ex-Boyfriend Diddy Over Abuse and Rape Allegations
Combs responded, saying, “We’ve agreed to an amicable resolution. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
However, in a subsequent statement to CBS News, Ben Brafman, Combs’ attorney, clarified,
“Settling a lawsuit, especially in 2023, doesn’t imply wrongdoing. Mr Combs’ decision doesn’t contradict his firm denial of the claims. He’s pleased with the mutual settlement and extends his best wishes to Ms. Ventura.”
CBS News, Ben Brafman
Details of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Where it all Started
Cassie filed the complaint on Thursday showing the 54-year-old Combs as an “unmerciful, harsh, and dominating individual,”. Diddy controlled Ms. Ventura’s personal and career life, as revealed in the suit. It outlined the alleged abuse inflicted on her after their encounter in 2005, when she was 19 years old and signed to his label.
The Relationship Journey Between Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Cassie
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and singer Cassie began their relationship in 2007, spanning over a decade before their split in 2018. Later in November, Cassie filed a lawsuit accusing Diddy of rape and abuse.
- Started dating in 2007
- The two dated on and off from 2007-2018
- Finally broke up in 2018
Why Now?
Ventura broke her silence after years of hiding. She claimed that sharing her experience was for herself, and other women undergoing violence in their relationships. In her statement to CBS News on Thursday, she highlighted the significance of opening up during the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act. It encouraged her to speak out about the enduring trauma she endured.
The lawsuit outlined several accusations against Combs, alleging that he raped Ventura at her residence when she tried to end their relationship.
It further detailed instances of severe physical violence. Among them, Cassie reportedly punched, kicked, and beaten, causing physical harm. Additionally, it claimed that Combs destroyed rapper Kid Cudi’s car in 2012 upon learning he was interested in dating Cassie.
Counter Accusations before Cassie Ventura Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit
Responding to these allegations in a statement on Thursday, Brafman, on behalf of Combs, refuted the claims, asserting that Cassie had attempted to extort $30 million from him. Brafman, in a statement to CBS News, strongly rejected the allegations, stating, “Mr. Combs adamantly refutes these offensive and extreme claims.”
He highlighted a six-month period during which Ventura persistently demanded $30 million from Combs. She threatened to publish a damaging book about their relationship—a demand that he firmly rejected, labelling it as overt blackmail. Responding to Brafman’s assertion, Cassie’s attorney countered, alleging that it was, in fact, Combs who offered Ventura a substantial sum to prevent her from speaking out and filing the lawsuit.
Jessica Levinson, a legal expert and contributor to CBS News from Loyola Law School, emphasized the potential advantage for both sides in swiftly reaching a settlement. “A quick resolution is beneficial for both parties. Sean Combs aims to avoid prolonged attention on the allegations against him and wants to prevent this from lingering in the public discourse.”
Now that the case is closed, as Cassie Ventura Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit, we wait to see what more unfolds, and if other victims will come up to accuse Diddy of the case with Rkelly.