Legal documents detail numerous salacious allegations spanning over a decade.
Elgin Nelson
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the veteran music mogul, is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend and R&B singer, Cassie Ventura. Ventura alleges a decade-long pattern of control, physical abuse, and rape by Combs.
“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,” Ventura said in a statement to CNN.
According to the lawsuit, Ventura reveals a disturbing narrative of abuse that allegedly began within a few years, signed under Diddy’s label, Bad Boy Records.
She describes instances where Combs physically attacked her, including incidents where he reportedly beat, kicked, and stomped on her, resulting in visible injuries like bruises, burst lips, black eyes, and bleeding. The troubling allegations extend to destructive acts, such as Combs allegedly exploding in rage by damaging a man’s car upon discovering his romantic interest in Ventura. The lawsuit further claims that Combs “coerced Ms. Ventura into engaging in explicit sexual acts with male sex workers while he filmed and touched himself during these encounters.”
Additionally, the lawsuit also alleges that Combs introduced Ms. Ventura to an excessive lifestyle of alcohol and substance abuse, even pressuring her to get illicit prescriptions to satisfy his addictions.
Ventura maintains that Combs had “complete control over her personal and professional life, thereby ensuring her inability to escape his hold. He provided unprecedented avenues for success for the aspiring artist, but in return, demanded obedience, loyalty, and silence.”
Despite her multiple attempts to escape, Diddy’s “extensive network of corporations and affiliated entities consistently located her,” according to the lawsuit.
In response to the allegations, Diddy’s attorney, Ben Brafman, denies the accusations, characterizing them as “offensive and outrageous.”
Brafman claims that for the last six months, Ventura continuously sought $30 million from Combs, initially threatening to pen a damaging book about their relationship.
“For the past 6 months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail,” Brafman said in a statement to CNN.
“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’ reputation and seeking a payday.”
The lawsuit also names Bad Boy Records, Bad Boy Entertainment, Epic Records, and Combs Enterprises as defendants.
“No human should have to endure what Ms. Ventura has endured,” said Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor. “Her ability and willingness to speak up against the abuse she suffered, and seek to hold accountable her abuser and those who enabled the abuse, is a testament to her strength and resilience. We are honored to represent this brave victim in her pursuit of justice.”