by Riley Cook
In a surprising turn of events, Sean "Diddy" Combs and R&B singer Cassie have reportedly settled the lawsuit filed by Cassie one day earlier, in which she accused the music producer of rape and physical abuse spanning over a decade. Cassie's lawyer announced the resolution, stating that both parties had "resolved the claims ... to their mutual satisfaction." The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur / Contributor / Getty Images
In a statement, Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, expressed her decision to resolve the matter amicably, thanking her family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support. Combs, 54, also released a statement, saying, "We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best."
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, claimed that Combs subjected Cassie to years of abuse, including beatings, rape, and forced substance use. Cassie alleged that the abuse began shortly after they met in 2005 when she was 19, and Combs was 37. The suit painted a grim picture of their relationship, suggesting a sinister underbelly beneath the public on-and-off dynamics.
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Among the allegations were claims that Combs regularly fed Cassie drugs and alcohol, forced her into sexual encounters with male prostitutes while filming the acts, and brutally raped and beat her. The suit further stated that Cassie endured savage beatings, sometimes in the presence of business associates too afraid to intervene.
Cassie also claimed that Combs controlled every aspect of her life, from her finances to her healthcare, living situation, and career. She alleged that attempts to distance herself from Combs were met with threats to damage her music career, including shelving her record.
The shocking lawsuit prompted support from several entertainment figures, drawing attention to the serious allegations against Combs. Cassie, who began her career under Combs's label at a young age, found support from others in the industry.
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In the wake of the lawsuit, resurfaced interviews with other individuals, including Combs' former flames, portrayed him as a serial abuser. Gina Huynh, also known as Virginia V, claimed in a 2019 interview that Combs stomped on her stomach and punched her in the head during their five-year relationship. Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Recordings, alleged in 2004 that Combs threatened to kill and beat his pregnant wife, Kimora Lee Simmons. Members of the girl group Danity Kane, formed by Combs on MTV's "Making the Band" in 2005, also supported Cassie after the allegations emerged.
Combs vehemently denied the allegations after the lawsuit was filed, claiming that Cassie had been demanding $30 million from him for the past six months under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship. His attorney characterized the lawsuit as blatant blackmail.
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As the lawsuit settles, the public awaits further details on the terms of the agreement. The resolution comes amidst a renewed spotlight on the issue of abuse and power dynamics within the entertainment industry, particularly concerning high-profile figures like Sean "Diddy" Combs.