Sean “Diddy” Combs, a renowned hip-hop mogul, and R&B singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that accused Combs of extensive abuse during their long-standing relationship.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, New York, was settled on Friday, November 17, 2023, just a day after it was initiated.
Ventura, 37, accused Combs, 54, of engaging in serial physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape over their 11-year relationship. The details of the settlement have not been made public. In her statement, Ventura expressed her desire to amicably resolve the matter, maintaining some level of control over the situation. She also thanked her family, fans, and legal team for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal.
Combs released a similar statement on his part, wishing Ventura and her family well and emphasizing the resolution of the matter in a friendly manner.
The lawsuit comes after Ventura filed the complaint, which included multiple claims of rape and abuse over their decade-long relationship. Ventura alleged that Combs lured her into his luxurious and fast-paced lifestyle shortly after she met him and signed with his record label, Bad Boy Records, when she was 19 years old.
The lawsuit further alleges that Combs was prone to uncontrollable rage and often subjected Ventura to savage beatings, including punching and kicking. Ventura also claimed that Combs forced her to consume drugs and engage in sexual activities with other men, which he filmed. She claims that Combs raped her at her Los Angeles home in 2018, while she was attempting to end their relationship.
Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, strongly denied these allegations, accusing Ventura of demanding $30 million from Combs under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship. Brafman described Ventura’s allegations as baseless and outrageous lies aimed at tarnishing Combs’ reputation and seeking financial gain.
The couple’s relationship began in the early 2000s, with Combs signing Ventura to his Bad Boy Records label. They first became romantically linked in 2007, though they did not make their relationship public until 2012. In previous interviews, Ventura had spoken highly of Combs, noting that he was a constant source of inspiration. There were rumors of engagement in 2014 when Combs posted a photo of a diamond ring, leading to speculation about a proposal to Ventura.
