R&B singer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, has filed a lawsuit against Sean Combs, known as Puff Daddy. The lawsuit, lodged in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning over a decade, beginning in 2005 when Ventura was just 19.
The 35-page legal document details various allegations against Combs, portraying a relationship riddled with power imbalances and exploitation. Ventura accuses Combs of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other severe violations, including battery and sexual harassment. These charges paint a grim picture of her time under Combs’ influence, both personally and professionally, as she was an employee of his businesses from 2006 to 2019.
The legal filing describes multiple instances of alleged misconduct, including an incident where Cassy was forcefully kissed by Puff Daddy during her 21st birthday celebration. The document states that she left the scene in distress and confided in her closest friend, but was too afraid to share the incident more widely. On another occasion, it is alleged that he deceitfully administered ecstasy to her.
The complaint further alleges manipulation involving a fabricated event in Miami in 2007, designed to separate Ms. Ventura from her then-boyfriend. Despite recognizing the deceit, she felt compelled to comply with his demands. During this period, the filing claims Mr. Combs provided her with drugs and engaged in sexual acts with her. Subsequently, he is said to have provided her with housing in New York and Los Angeles, along with a Jaguar vehicle, and reportedly insisted on receiving her medical records via email.
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Over a span of a decade, the lawsuit alleges that Sean Combs frequently physically assaulted Ventura, leaving visible injuries. Each time, it is claimed that he used his resources and influence to conceal the abuse, often secluding her in hotels until her injuries were less noticeable.
The filing also accuses him of compelling her to engage in sexual activities with male sex workers, starting when she was 20 years old. He purportedly expressed an interest in watching these encounters, even giving specific directives for the types of partners to be sought online. These events, referred to as “freak offs” or “FOs,” were allegedly demanded with increasing frequency.
During these encounters, he is accused of not only directing the activities but also recording them, treating the events as a personal project and meticulously arranging the setting for filming. The lawsuit contends that she found these experiences deeply distressing, often causing her physical discomfort. The document asserts that he kept numerous recordings of these incidents.
In a statement, Cassie expressed the gravity of her decision to come forward: “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.” This brave declaration underscores the challenge many victims face in confronting powerful figures.
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Countering these accusations, Combs’ lawyer, Ben Brafman, issued a strong denial, asserting, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.” Brafman further claims that Ventura demanded $30 million from Combs, threatening to release a damaging book about their relationship, an accusation she denies.
Douglas Wigdor, representing Ventura, refuted Combs’ defense, stating: “Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence.” This response emphasizes the gravity of the situation and Ventura’s determination to stand up against her alleged abuser.
This lawsuit comes at a critical time, with the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act looming. This act provides a temporary window for adult survivors of sexual abuse to seek legal recourse, irrespective of when the abuse occurred. The filing under this New York’s Adult Survivors Act is a critical aspect of Cassie’s legal strategy.
