Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, a prominent producer and music mogul in the hip-hop world, was sued in federal court Thursday by R&B singer Cassie on accusations of rape and repeated physical abuse over a decade.
Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who was once signed to Diddy’s label and was his long-time romantic partner, claims he began abusing her at 19.
The suit describes Combs as an unstable and manipulative individual who used coercive tactics and violent threats.
The abuse included controlling her with drugs and alcohol, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed it for his own pleasure. The suit alleges that in 2018, toward the end of their relationship, Combs forced himself into her home and raped her.
It also alleges that he forced Ventura to carry his handgun in her purse, that he once dangled a friend of hers from the balcony of a high-rise hotel, and that he blew up a car belonging to artist Kid Cudi when he found out he was interested in Ventura.
Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs sued for rape, sex trafficking https://t.co/ttoAbQGoQg
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“After years in silence and darkness,” Ventura, 37, said in a statement, “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.”
The suit was filed in the US District Court in Manhattan. Combs’ lawyer Ben Brafman states that his client “vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.” Brafman alleges that the “baseless and outrageous lies” in the suit come after a failed attempt on Ventura’s part to blackmail Combs with a tell-all memoir. Ventura tried to extort $30 million from Combs, according to Brafman.
Combs, 54, is the founder of the prominent Bad Boy Record label and is one of the most influential producers in hip-hop history. He is also a famous performer and the proprietor of the “Sean John” clothing line.
In 2017, Forbes ranked Combs as the world’s highest-paid celebrity, earning an estimated $130 million per year.
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