While Sean “Diddy” Combs has fervently denied ex-girlfriend Cassie’s rape and assault allegations, multiple women have come forward with similar claims of alleged misconduct by the music mogul.
Us Weekly confirmed in November 2023 that Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura) filed a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of rape and repeated physical abuse that lasted nearly a decade. Cassie and Diddy dated off and on from 2007 to 2018.
“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,” Cassie said in a statement.
Cassie’s attorney Douglas Wigdor also alleged that Diddy offered his client “eight figures” in a bid to “silence her.” Cassie denied his supposed payday.
Diddy refuted Cassie’s allegations in a statement provided by his lawyer. “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Ben Brafman told Us. “For the past six 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. 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.”
Following Cassie’s complaint, several other women came forward with new or past accusations, including Danity Kane’s Aubrey O’Day and Kimora Lee Simmons.
In March 2024, several of Diddy’s homes, including properties in Miami and Los Angeles, were raided by Homeland Security in connection to a sex trafficking investigation.
A rep for both Cassie and an anonymous plaintiff suing Diddy released a statement in response to the raids: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”
Keep reading for more details about the allegations against Diddy:
Cassie’s lawsuit came with a “trigger warning” notice at the top, noting that her claims contained “highly graphic information of a sexual nature.” Cassie asserted in her filing that Diddy often tried to control her when they were dating by taking drugs, physically hurting her and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes on camera. She also claimed that Diddy forced his way into her home in 2018 and sexually assaulted her.
According to Cassie, Diddy also threatened to blow up Kid Cudi’s car. Cudi, who Cassie started dating during one of her splits from Diddy, corroborated her claims to The New York Times. Cudi’s rep asserted that the rapper’s vehicle did explode after Diddy’s warning.
Diddy denied all of Cassie’s claims.
One day after filing the lawsuit, Cassie confirmed to Us through her attorney Douglas Wigdor that she and Diddy had reached a settlement.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” the November 17 statement read. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Diddy also released a statement distributed through Window, telling Us, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
Following the settlement, attorney Neama Rahmani exclusively told Us that the case was likely settled so quickly was because “Cassie ran out of time,” noting that some of her allegations were “a little bit older.”
Rahmani went on to explain that a New York statute of limitations law about filing civil lawsuits and sexual assault cases was set to close days after Cassie’s filing. “Cassie was up against the clock and the parties really were unable to finalize their negotiations before that window was going to close,” he shared. “So, she was forced to file a lawsuit.”
Nearly six months after the duo settled their lawsuit, CNN obtained video footage of Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie in 2016. In the clip, Diddy wore only a towel and appeared to grab Cassie by her neck.
“The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs,” Wigdor told Us in a statement after the footage resurfaced. “Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
Diddy later apologized for his actions. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted,” he said via Instagram. “I went and sought out professional help. I’ve been going to therapy, going to rehab. Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”