Diddy and Cassie Legal Encore: A settlement was reached on Friday between singer Cassie Ventura and music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, just one day after Ventura filed a federal lawsuit accusing Combs of rape and years of abuse.
Combs expressed a desire to resolve the matter amicably, saying, We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.
Ventura, who had previously dated Combs, filed the lawsuit on Thursday, alleging rape and detailing years of physical and other abuse. In her statement, Ventura mentioned her decision to resolve the matter amicably on terms where she has some level of control, thanking her family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.
The settlement details were not immediately released.
Ventura, a singer, model, and actress known professionally as Cassie, filed the suit in federal court in New York City. The lawsuit made serious allegations against Combs, including physical violence, control over all aspects of her personal life, and exposure to a lifestyle of excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Ventura also claimed that through threats of violence, Combs forced her into engaging in various sex acts with male sex workers.
In response, Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, denied the allegations, calling them outrageous. He accused Ventura of persistent threats to write a damaging book if she wasnt given $30 million, which he equated to blackmail.
Venturas attorney, Douglas Wigdor, responded to Brafman, alleging that Combs tried to pay her off to keep quiet. According to Wigdor, Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. He commended Ventura for her bravery in rejecting these efforts and giving a voice to all women who suffer in silence.
In her lawsuit, Ventura claimed that Combs lured her into a fast-paced, drug-fueled lifestyle and a romantic relationship with him within a few years of their meeting in 2005 or 2006. Combs signed her to his Bad Boy Records record label shortly after. The lawsuit alleged that during their business relationship, which lasted until 2019, Combs exerted power and influence over her, initially using drugs and alcohol to coerce her into a sexual relationship.
Also Read: Rustin Resilience: A Stirring Yet Tepid Tale
Ventura also claimed that after trying to end their relationship in 2018, Combs forced his way into her home and raped her. The lawsuit revealed struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout their relationship, which Ventura claimed were established and fueled by Combs.
Ventura filed her suit under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act, allowing adult survivors of sexual abuse to sue their abusers in New York, even after the statute of limitations on their claims. The act is set to expire next week. It remains unclear whether Ventura reported any of the allegations to the police.
Combs, 54, founded the music label Bad Boy in 1993 and has gone by stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy. Credited with work regarded as instrumental in the growth of the hip-hop genre, Combs has won three Grammys in his career, along with 14 nominations. While achieving initial success with his music, Combs also became a notable producer and entrepreneur.
Ventura, 37, is an R&B singer best known for her song Me & U off her 2006 self-titled debut album Cassie, released while she was signed to Combs Bad Boy label. She has also collaborated with artists such as Lil Wayne and Akon, releasing the single Must Be Love featuring Combs in 2009.
Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to the singer Cassie?
Casandra Ventura, known by her stage name Cassie, has reportedly reached a settlement with Sean “Diddy” Combs just one day after filing a federal lawsuit in New York. The lawsuit accused Combs of rape and physical abuse during their relationship. Ventura’s attorney confirmed the settlement in a statement.
What nationality is Cassie?
Ventura hails from New London, Connecticut and was born to a mother of African-American, Mexican and West Indian heritage, and a Filipino father.
How old is Cassie Ventura?
Cassie comes from a diverse ethnic background. Her mother, Stacey, is of African-American, West Indian, and Mexican descent, while her father, Rodrick, has Filipino roots. As a result of her parents’ multiracial heritage, the 37-year-old musician is of mixed race.