Music producer and rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing serious new claims in court. His ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura), told a New York court on May 15 that he raped her in 2018. She also said he later paid her $20 million to settle the case.
Details from the Courtroom
Cassie, 38, gave an emotional statement during the trial. Combs is being charged with several crimes, including:
-
Sex trafficking
-
Racketeering
-
Transporting people for prostitution
She said the rape happened in her own living room shortly after their relationship ended. The relationship, she said, included years of emotional and physical abuse.
“I just remember crying and saying no,” she told the court. “But it was very fast.”
Why Cassie Spoke Out
Cassie said she filed the lawsuit in November 2023. That came after she finished rehab and trauma therapy. She had been having flashbacks and suicidal thoughts.
“I can’t carry this anymore,” she said. “I can’t carry the shame, the guilt. I came here to do the right thing.”
Cassie also talked about violent episodes during what she described as “Freak Offs.” These were drug-fueled sex parties that Combs allegedly hosted. She said he would beat her during these events and sometimes threatened to leak videos of her.
“He would grab me, push me, hit me in the head, kick me,” she said.
She shared one story from 2013, when she says Combs slammed her into a bedframe and hurt her eye. According to her, he ignored the injury.
What the Jury Saw
Prosecutors showed jurors photos from the alleged sex parties. These were taken from video footage. The media was not allowed to see them. One juror reportedly gasped. Another looked away.
The court also saw photos of Cassie with bruises. Her mother took the pictures after Combs allegedly kicked her.
Fighting Back Made It Worse
Cassie said she tried to defend herself sometimes. But it didn’t help.
“It would just make him more violent,” she said. “Make him push me harder.”
She said Combs once warned her, “It would ruin everything I had worked for. It would make me look like a slut.”
Life After the Relationship
Cassie admitted she was using opiates heavily during the relationship. She said she had PTSD, blackouts, and even sleepwalked. She quit drugs in 2022 and is now pregnant with her third child.
What’s Next in the Trial
Combs’ lawyers are expected to question Cassie on Thursday. Reports suggest they may try to paint her as unreliable by pointing to her own past behavior.
If found guilty, Combs could face 15 years to life in prison.
Who Is Sean “Diddy” Combs?
Combs is the founder of Bad Boy Records. The label helped launch stars like:
-
Mary J. Blige
-
Faith Evans
-
Usher
-
The Notorious B.I.G.
He has denied all claims of abuse. He admits some past relationships were sexual but says they were always consensual.
He is currently being held in custody in Brooklyn.
