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R&B singer Cassie has settled her lawsuit with former partner Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs, who she had earlier accused of rape and physical assault.
Douglas H. Wigdor, the attorney for Cassie, whose full name is Cassie Ventura, has confirmed the agreement, which came only 24 hours after the news of the lawsuit was first reported. In a statement, Cassie said: “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Diddy said: “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
According to Wigdor, both parties don’t plan to discuss the matter further. Additionally, the settlement fee is undisclosed.
The couple were together from 2007 until 2018. Cassie previously claimed in the lawsuit, which was filed in the Federal District Court in Manhattan, that Combs coerced her into engaging in sexual activities with multiple male prostitutes, all while recording the encounters.
She said in an initial statement on November 16th: “After years in silence and darkness, I am 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.”
The statement added: “With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”
The lawsuit claimed when Ventura attempted to end the relationship in 2018, Combs entered her apartment and raped her. Additionally, it’s also alleged that he blew up the car of Kid Cudi when she began dating the rapper, with Cudi claiming, “This is all true.”
Before settling the case, Combs’ lawyer, Ben Brafman, told The Independent: “Mr Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past six months, Mr Combs has been subjected to Ms Ventura’s persistent demand of $30m, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail.”
Brafman added: “Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
