16 November 2023 , 22:02
973
0
On Thursday, Cassandra Ventura filed a civil lawsuit in the Federal District Court in Manhattan against Sean "Diddy" Combs, accusing him of rape and abuse. The artist has vehemently denied the allegations.
According to court documents obtained by The Mirror, Casandra Ventura - known as Cassie in the music industry - claimed that when she was 19, Diddy began abusive techniques. After signing her to his label, Bad Boy Records, Ventura alleges that Diddy "lured Ms. Ventura into an ostentatious, fast-paced, and drug-fuelled lifestyle, and into a romantic relationship with him."
Additionally, she points out a potential 'power imbalance,' claiming Diddy was her boss who was "two decades her senior." Plus, she refers to him as "one of the most powerful men in the entertainment industry."
She alleged Diddy would supply her with drugs and force her to have sex with prostitutes as he filmed.
Cassie Ventura and Sean Combs (Carl Timpone/BFA/REX/Shutterstock)In 2018, according to the suit, Combs allegedly forced his way into her home and raped her. "When she believed that she had finally separated from her long-time abuser, she joined Mr. Combs for a dinner, after which he forced her into her home and raped her while she repeatedly said “no” and tried to push him away," the complaint reads.
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe
The rapper also allegedly "blew up a man’s car after he learned that he was romantically interested in Ms. Ventura" and "ran out of his apartment with a firearm in pursuit of a rival industry executive whom he learned was nearby."
Ventura claims there were bystander witnesses, including some staff of Diddy's, but they were too afraid to speak up or intervene. However, "no one dared to speak up against their frightening and ferocious boss."
Ventura said in a statement to the New York Times: “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.”
Combs' lawyer Ben Brafman said: “Mr Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. 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.”
Ventura is more commonly known in the States as Cassie, a recording artist, model, and actress. Her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, claims the parties had spoken before the suit was filed. He claims: “Mr Combs offered Ms Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts.”
Her lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, but 'prays' for 'relief,' including "a money judgment representing compensatory damages including consequential damages, lost wages, earning, and all other sums of money, together with interest on these amounts, according to proof." Additionally, she is seeking financial compensation for "mental pain and anguish."
The Mirror contacted Sean Combs for comment. The Mirror wouldn't normally ID a victim of alleged sexual assault but she has publicly spoken out.