Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Cassie Settle Lawsuit After Rape Accusations
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Sean Combs and Cassie have reached a settlement in the singer’s lawsuit against Combs, in which she accused him of rape, sex trafficking and physical abuse.
In statements obtained by Rolling Stone, both parties said they had reached a resolution in the case; the settlement amount was not disclosed. “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, stated. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
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In a separate statement, Combs wrote: “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
On Saturday, Combs attorney, Ben Brafman, released a statement. “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best,” Brafman said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
Ventura’s lawyer Douglas Widor “commended” his client “for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit.”
The singer filed the suit Thursday in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Combs’ label, Bad Boy Entertainment, as well as Epic Records, Combs Enterprises LLC, and others were listed as co-defendants. Ventura was an employee of these businesses from 2006 to 2019.
In the suit, Ventura claimed that the abuse began in 2005, when Combs allegedly began giving a then 19-year-old Ventura with alcohol and drugs. She also accused Combs of beating her and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes, which she claimed he filmed. Ventura also alleged that Combs raped her after forcing his way into her home in 2018.
Following news of the suit, Aubrey O’Day — the former lead singer of girl group Danity Kane who was signed to Bad Boy Records by Combs — showed her support for the singer. “Been trynna tell y’all for years. Prayers up for this queen 🙌🏼 @cassie,” she wrote on Instagram stories.
This article was updated on Nov. 18 at 4:23 p.m. to include a statement from Sean Combs’ attorney Ben Brafman.
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