Current:Home > reviewsCassie Settles Lawsuit Accusing Sean "Diddy" Combs of Rape and Abuse -Clarity Finance Guides
Cassie Settles Lawsuit Accusing Sean "Diddy" Combs of Rape and Abuse
Benjamin Ashford View
Date:2025-04-06 17:03:08
Content warning: This story discusses sexual assault and abuse.
Sean "Diddy" Combs and ex-girlfriend Cassie have reached a settlement over her lawsuit accusing him of rape and abuse, allegations he denied.
The news was announced Nov. 17, a day after she sued the rapper in a New York court for alleged sexual assault, battery, sex trafficking and subjecting her to a hostile work environment.
"I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control," the singer, full name Cassandra Ventura, said in a statement to NBC News. "I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support."
Her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, added, "I am very proud of Ms. Ventura for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit. She ought to be commended for doing so."
Diddy, who also goes by the name Love, said in his own statement to the outlet, "We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love."
The 54-year-old and Cassie dated on and off for almost a decade before they split in 2018. In her Nov. 16 lawsuit, she accused him of physical and sexual abuse throughout their relationship.
In her complaint, obtained by NBC News, Cassie, 37, alleged she was "lured" into dating Diddy, who she called a "vicious, cruel, and controlling man," after signing with his record label. She cited fear of repercussions for an album deal if she rejected his advances and alleged that throughout their relationship, he "punched, beat, kicked and stomped on" her and forced her to engage in sex acts with male sex workers. She also stated in the lawsuit that in 2018, the two met for dinner to discuss breaking up and that Diddy allegedly later "forced himself into her apartment" 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," she said in a statement to NBC News Nov. 16. "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."
Diddy's attorney Ben Brafman later told E! News in a statement, "Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. 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 payday."
E! News previously reached out to reps for Cassie for comment but hasn't heard back.
(E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.veryGood! (34)
Related
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe is in custody, online records show
- China says Philippines has 'provoked trouble' in South China Sea with US backing
- Sabrina Carpenter Shares Her Self
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Dropping Hints
- Woody Allen and Soon
- How to watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for free: Special date, streaming info
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- When does 'No Good Deed' come out? How to watch Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow's new dark comedy
Ranking
- Trump's 'stop
- Jim Leach, former US representative from Iowa, dies at 82
- 'Mary': How to stream, what biblical experts think about Netflix's new coming
- Video shows drone spotted in New Jersey sky as FBI says it is investigating
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- The Sundance Film Festival unveils its lineup including Jennifer Lopez, Questlove and more
- Trump will be honored as Time’s Person of the Year and ring the New York Stock Exchange bell
- Trump taps immigration hard
Recommendation
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Stop & Shop is using grocery store kiosks to make digital
Gen Z is 'doom spending' its way through the holidays. What does that mean?
Beyoncé's BeyGood charity donates $100K to Houston law center amid Jay
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
China says Philippines has 'provoked trouble' in South China Sea with US backing
Stock market today: Asian stocks are mixed ahead of key US inflation data
Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze