Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, also known as Brother Love, has been sued by his ex-girlfriend, Cassie, over allegations including rape, physical abuse, and sex trafficking. This high-profile lawsuit has not only captivated the media and fans but has also drawn comments from fellow celebrities like 50 Cent and Aubrey O’Day.
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan’s Federal District Court, has reignited discussions about abuse and power imbalance in the music world. Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, had a long-term relationship with Diddy, starting in 2005 and ending in 2018. Her decision to take legal action, coupled with the reactions from notable figures like 50 Cent and Aubrey O’Day, underscores the ongoing challenges and hidden adversities faced by many women in the entertainment industry.
In the lawsuit, Cassie writes:
“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. “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 also states:
“Mr. Combs asserted complete control over Ms. Ventura’s personal and professional life, thereby ensuring her inability to escape his hold,” the filing read. “He provided unprecedented avenues for success for the aspiring artist, but in return, demanded obedience, loyalty, and silence.”
Obedience and silence were also expected of Combs’ staff and employees at Bad Boy Entertainment, Cassie alleges. Although Combs was “prone to uncontrollable rage and frequently beat Ms. Ventura savagely” in the presence of Combs’ team, the singer claims nobody challenged “their frightening and ferocious boss.”
The lawsuit against Diddy by Cassie includes some very grave allegations. It claims Diddy forced Cassie into non-consensual sexual encounters with male prostitutes, which he allegedly recorded. Despite her attempts to leave, Cassie states she was continually located and brought back by Combs’ extensive network.
In September 2018, during what Cassie believed was a final meeting at a Malibu restaurant, Combs allegedly attempted to kiss her and then raped her after being rejected.
Combs, in a statement to USA TODAY, refuted these accusations as “offensive and outrageous,” asserting that Cassie demanded $30 million over six months, threatening to release a damaging book. He labeled this as blackmail and described the lawsuit as filled with “baseless and outrageous lies.”
Cassie’s experiences with Combs reportedly necessitated extensive medical and psychological care. Her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, praised her courage in confronting the abuse.
Further allegations detail an incident at Cassie’s 29th birthday party in August 2015, where Combs is accused of forcing her to leave for a hotel to engage in sexual acts with sex workers, a practice he termed as a “freak off.”
In another incident, Combs allegedly dangled one of Cassie’s friends over a hotel balcony while intoxicated. Additionally, the lawsuit mentions a 2011 incident involving Cassie’s brief relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, leading to an enraged Combs attacking Cassie with a corkscrew and later threatening to harm Cudi.
Cassie’s personal life post-Combs includes dating Alex Fine, announcing their engagement and expecting a daughter in 2019. Fine’s Instagram post in June 2019 expressed his commitment and love to Cassie and their family.
50 Cent, renowned for his outspoken social media presence, couldn’t resist commenting on the situation. He posted on Instagram, employing his characteristic humor:
“Damn brother love, brother love, brother love, you out here looking 👀CRAZY AS A MF. LMAO”
Similarly, Aubrey O’Day, who rose to fame as a member of Danity Kane, a girl group formed on Diddy’s “Making The Band 3” and later signed to his label Bad Boy Records, shared her perspective. O’Day, having previously disclosed her own difficult experiences in the music industry, showed her support for Cassie on Instagram. Her post read:
“Been trynna tell y’all for years. Prayers up for this queen 🙌🏻 @Cassie One day y’all are gonna put some respect on my name when I tell you things. Thank you!”
In addition to the latest lawsuit, Diddy has faced criticism over the years from other notable figures in the music industry. These include singer Jaguar Wright, Diddy’s former bodyguard, known as “Big Gene,” and former Bad Boy artist and writer Mark Curry, who wrote a tell all about his former emplpyer titled “Dancing With The Devil: How Puff Burned the Bad Boys of Hip Hop.” Each has voiced their own grievances and experiences, adding to the complex narrative surrounding Diddy’s career and influence in the music world.
