Timing Constraints Lead to Cassie's Quick Settlement in Lawsuit against Diddy, Says Legal Analyst
Cassie swiftly reaches settlement with Diddy in her sexual assault lawsuit, ending legal battle Stay updated with the latest news
Cassie quickly reached a settlement in her lawsuit against her ex Sean “Diddy” Combs, just one day after publicly accusing him of past sexual assault and abuse. According to attorney Neama Rahmani, the swift resolution was likely due to legal restrictions.
“This has to be one of the fastest settlements in American history. We’re talking about one day,” Rahmani exclusively told We on Tuesday, November 21, after reviewing the case. “The reason that this lawsuit was settled was probably the reason that it was filed in the first place. Cassie ran out of time.”
The lawyer, not affiliated with Cassie's (real name Casandra Ventura) legal team, told Us that certain allegations were "a little bit older," indicating that the statute of limitations had expired.
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In New York, a law was in effect that extended the statute of limitations for filing civil lawsuits and sexual assault cases, but that window closed on November 24. Rahmani explained that Cassie was unable to finalize negotiations before the deadline, forcing her to file a lawsuit. Once the lawsuit was filed on November 16, 37-year-old Cassie, Rahmani believed that Diddy recognized the potential cost in legal fees and damage to his reputation, prompting a quick settlement.
The specific reason for the speedy negotiations may not be disclosed as they took place "behind closed doors," which is typical for cases of this nature, according to the attorney. "They're private, not public," Rahmani told Us, noting that Cassie was allegedly seeking $30 million in damages and asserted that Diddy's legal team had offered her an eight-figure sum, which she declined.
Rahmani stated that it was likely a smart decision for Diddy to pay a large sum of money to protect his reputation and avoid legal action from his ex-partner, Cassie, given his significant wealth. Cassie recently made headlines after filing a lawsuit alleging that during their 10-year on-and-off relationship, Diddy encouraged her to use drugs and forced her to have sexual encounters with other individuals. She also claimed that Diddy raped her in 2018.
Rahmani explained on Tuesday that the swift resolution of Diddy's case does not necessarily mean he is admitting guilt. "Ultimately, there will be confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions, so no one will be talking," he stated. "As embarrassing as a settlement like this is, a public trial dragging on for months or years would have done far more harm to Diddy's reputation."
Diddy's attorney, Ben Brafman, emphasized on Saturday, November 18, that the settlement does not imply his client's involvement in the alleged acts. "To be clear, settling a lawsuit, especially in 2023, does not mean admitting wrongdoing," Brafman said in a statement to Us. "Mr. Combs' decision to settle the lawsuit does not undermine his outright denial of the claims. He is pleased they reached a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best."
One day before, Cassie's lawyer Douglas Wigdor released a statement on her behalf, stating that the singer had chosen to settle the matter in a friendly manner, with terms that she had some level of control over. "I want to express my gratitude to my family, fans, and legal team for their unwavering support," she added.
Diddy also released a statement on Friday, November 17th, through Wigdor, saying "We have chosen to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love."
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If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
