Singer and former partner Cassie, legally known as Casandra Ventura, on Thursday, 16th November 2023, filed a lawsuit against Music Producer, Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy, for alleged rape, sexual assault, and sex trafficking after an 11-year relationship that ended in 2018.
Ventura filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, detailing a decade of alleged violent behavior, manipulation, and abuse by Combs.
The lawsuit describes instances of rape, physical attacks, coercion into sexual acts with others, substance abuse influence, and controlling behavior.
Ventura’s legal filing contends that she endured a decade of violent behavior and disturbing demands from Mr. Combs, referring to it as a period of being “held down” and “trapped in a cycle of abuse”.
Allegations in the lawsuit against Combs include raping her in her home after her attempt to leave, physically attacking her, coercing her into sexual acts with male sex workers.
Brandishing a firearm, introducing her to excessive substance abuse, and forcing her to obtain illicit prescriptions to feed his addictions
The lawsuit paints a picture of Combs as a controlling figure who signed Ventura to his label, and then ensnared her in a fast-paced lifestyle marked by drugs.
Cassie stated that he led her into a romantic relationship with him—a man significantly older and in a position of power in the entertainment industry.
According to the lawsuit, Combs, upon meeting Ventura in 2005, allegedly took over both her professional and personal life, escalating to frequent instances of sexual and physical abuse.
Moreover, the lawsuit accuses Combs of introducing Ventura to opiates, openly displaying pills and drugs, and pressuring her to obtain prescriptions in her name.
It describes a harrowing incident in January 2009 where Combs allegedly assaulted Ventura at a club, leaving her bleeding profusely.
The filing further claims Ventura was confined to hotels during times of healing, unable to leave even when requesting to return to her parents’ home.
Additionally, it details a violent incident involving musician Kid Cudi in 2011, where Combs allegedly assaulted Ventura after discovering her communication with Cudi, resulting in severe injuries.
Ventura stated her readiness to speak out after enduring years of silence and darkness.
She said that she hoped to shed light on the plight of women facing violence and abuse in relationships.
Story: Ihuoma Ukeje