Rapper and music executive Sean Combs and the singer Cassie have reached a settlement in a lawsuit Cassie filed accusing him of rape and abuse, it was announced Friday.
The announcement of a settlement comes just one day after Cassie, a singer and entertainer whose full name is Casandra Ventura, filed the suit against Combs, known as Diddy. The two had been romantic partners.
"I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control," Ventura said in a statement. "I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
In a federal lawsuit filed in New York City on Thursday, Ventura accused Combs of raping and physically abusing her — including punching, beating, kicking and stomping on her — over the course of their relationship.
Combs also said in a statement that they resolved the matter amicably. "I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love," he said in a statement.
Ventura's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, said that Ventura was strong for going public with the lawsuit, and "she ought to be commended for doing so.” Combs is one of the most recognizable names in hip-hop.
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. A representative said the parties would have no other comment besides the statements.
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When announcing the lawsuit Ventura said she had stayed silent for years but was “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 lawsuit alleged Ventura was trapped by Combs "in a cycle of abuse."
"Mr. Combs asserted complete control over Ms. Ventura’s personal and professional life, thereby ensuring her inability to escape his hold," the lawsuit alleged.
Ben Brafman, a lawyer for Combs, on Thursday rejected the accusations, calling them offensive and outrageous, and said Combs "vehemently denies" them.
In a statement Saturday, Brafman said a decision to settle "especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing."
"Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims," he said. "He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best."
The couple met around 2005, and Combs later signed Cassie, a singer, model, actor and dancer, to his record label, Bad Boy Records, with a 10-album deal.
Ventura tried to leave Combs for good in 2018, the lawsuit says, and Combs forced himself into her apartment and raped her.
Shortly thereafter she was able to take steps to completely separate herself from Combs, including leaving the apartment, which Combs had paid for, the suit alleged.
The lawsuit also included allegations Combs forced Ventura to have sex with male sex workers while he watched and filmed the incidents.
Combs rose to prominence in the 1990s, and, in addition to a being a musician, became a producer and music executive. He was also in reality-TV shows, including “I Want to Work for Diddy" and "Making the Band."
He was recognized with the 2022 BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and he received the Global Icon Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
