New York City – November 19, 2023
In a surprising turn of events, rapper and music executive Sean Combs, widely known as Diddy, and singer Cassie Ventura have reached a resolution merely one day after Ventura initiated legal proceedings, alleging rape and abuse against Combs. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
Cassie Ventura, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, filed the federal lawsuit in New York City on Thursday, alleging that Combs had subjected her to rape and physical abuse, including punching, beating, kicking, and stomping, throughout their romantic relationship. The two had previously been partners and attended events together, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala in New York in 2018.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” stated Ventura in response to the settlement. “I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
In his own statement, Combs also expressed an amicable resolution, saying, “I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, commended her for going public with the lawsuit, acknowledging her strength in speaking out. Combs, a prominent figure in hip-hop, has been a recognizable name in the industry for decades.
The lawsuit, filed by Ventura, claimed that she was trapped in a cycle of abuse by Combs, who allegedly exerted complete control over her personal and professional life, making it difficult for her to escape his hold.
Terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, and both parties have chosen not to provide further comments beyond their official statements.
Ventura, who had stayed silent for years, explained when filing the lawsuit that she was “finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.”
Combs, who rose to prominence in the 1990s, not only as a musician but also as a producer and music executive, has received several accolades, including the “2022 BET Lifetime Achievement Award and the Global Icon Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.” The resolution of this legal matter adds a significant chapter to the complex narrative surrounding these two prominent figures in the entertainment industry.