Sean Combs, the renowned rapper and music industry tycoon, is facing a lawsuit filed by singer Cassie, who has accused him of rape and physical abuse. In her suit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleges that Combs subjected her to over a decade of coercion through physical force and drugs, including a rape incident in 2018.
According to court documents, Ventura met Combs, also known as Puff Daddy or Diddy, in 2005 when she was 19 and he was 37. He signed her to his label, Bad Boy Records, where she released popular tracks like “Me & U.” Alongside their professional relationship, they also began a romantic involvement.
The lawsuit portrays their relationship as one characterized by an extravagant, fast-paced, and drug-fueled lifestyle. It portrays Combs as a vicious and controlling man who abused his power over Ventura as her boss and as one of hip-hop’s leading figures.
Combs’ lawyer, Ben Brafman, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as offensive and outrageous. In response, Douglas Wigdor, an attorney on Ventura’s legal team, revealed that Combs had previously offered her money to prevent the lawsuit, but she rejected his efforts in order to give a voice to all women who suffer silently. Wigdor praised Ventura for her bravery and emphasized that no one should endure what she has experienced.
Taking a stand against violence and abuse in relationships, Ventura, now 37, stated that she is finally ready to tell her story and advocate for other women who face similar issues.
Combs, who founded Bad Boy in 1993 and played a significant role in hip-hop’s commercialization, is a billionaire with his ventures in the liquor industry. The lawsuit describes him as a violent individual, recounting disturbing incidents of his violent outbursts, including forcing Ventura to engage in sexual acts with male sex workers while he allegedly filmed them. It also alleges that Combs compelled Ventura to carry a firearm in her purse, causing her discomfort and intimidation. Furthermore, the complaint reveals that in 2018, Combs raped Ventura after a dinner together, and their association with Bad Boy ended in 2019.
Ventura seeks damages for mental pain, anguish, severe emotional distress, and lost wages. She filed her case under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law that allows victims of sexual abuse to file civil suits beyond the statute of limitations. Her legal team highlights the upcoming expiration of the law in her filing.
Ventura stated, “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.”
Please note that this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and has been auto-generated from a syndicated feed.
