Sean Diddy Combs and Cassie Ventura Reach Settlement in Rape Lawsuit
Settlement reached in lawsuit as Cassie Ventura accuses Sean Diddy Combs of rape and enduring years of abuse
Singer Cassie Ventura and music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs reached a settlement on Friday, following Ventura's accusations of rape and years of abuse against Combs in a federal lawsuit. Both parties released statements confirming the resolution. "We have decided to amicably resolve this matter. I send my best wishes to Cassie and her family. With love," stated Combs in a Friday statement acquired by CNN.
Ventura, who has had a past relationship with Combs, filed a lawsuit on Thursday, alleging that Combs had raped her and subjected her to extensive physical and emotional abuse over several years.
"I have chosen to seek a peaceful resolution to this situation, with some measure of control over the terms. I express my gratitude to my family, fans, and legal team for their unwavering support," Ventura stated in a CNN-acquired statement.
The settlement details were not immediately disclosed. CNN acquired the lawsuit which claimed that Combs enticed Ms. Ventura into a flashy, high-speed, and drug-infused way of life, as well as into a romantic involvement with him, within the span of two years after their initial meeting in 2005 or 2006. Additionally, Combs signed Ventura to his record label, Bad Boy Records, shortly thereafter.
Ventura alleged in the lawsuit that Combs wielded his power and influence over her throughout their professional and romantic partnership. According to the legal document, they first crossed paths when she was 19 and he was 37, and their business affiliation persisted until 2019.
The allegations outlined in the complaint include instances of physical violence by Combs towards Ventura, his complete control over her personal life, and his involvement in introducing her to a lifestyle of excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Additionally, Ventura claimed that she was coerced into participating in various sexual acts with other men during their time together.
Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie in 2018.
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Cassies husband and fellow artists express support amid her legal battle against Sean Diddy Combs
Ventura accused Combs of forcibly entering her residence and sexually assaulting her after she attempted to terminate their relationship in 2018. As a mother of two, she asserted in the lawsuit that her struggles with substance abuse, specifically drugs and alcohol, were instigated and exacerbated by Mr. Combs during the duration of their association.
Ventura filed a complaint asserting that she continues to experience significant emotional distress. She also revealed that she sought treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation center due to suicidal thoughts caused by the abuse. One of the reasons she decided to speak out now is because New York's Adult Survivors Act is soon approaching its expiration date. Enacted in November 2022, this law enables adult survivors of sexual abuse to legally pursue legal action against their abusers in New York, even if the statute of limitations on their claims has expired. The act provides survivors with a one-year window to file lawsuits against their perpetrators, and it is expected to expire on November 24.
Ben Brafman, the attorney representing Combs, issued a statement to CNN on Thursday categorically denying the allegations. Brafman condemned the claims as "outrageous" and accused Ventura of constantly threatening to write a damaging book unless she received a payment of $30 million, which he deemed to be "blackmail."
At the age of 54, Combs established the music label Bad Boy in 1993 and has been known by various stage names such as Puff Daddy and Diddy. He is credited with making significant contributions to the growth of the hip-hop genre and has been recognized with three Grammy Awards and 14 nominations throughout his career. Although initially successful as a musician, Combs also gained prominence as a producer and entrepreneur.
Ventura, a 37-year-old R&B singer, gained prominence for her hit track "Me & U" from her eponymous first album "Cassie" in 2006. The album was released under the Combs Bad Boy label while she was signed with them. Ventura has collaborated with renowned artists including Lil Wayne and Akon. Notably, in 2009, she dropped the single "Must Be Love," featuring Combs. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
