Rape lawsuit against P. Diddy: Surprising settlement after just one day!
New York/Los Angeles (USA) - Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs (54) is one of the most successful representatives of the hip-hop industry. Last Thursday, his ex-girlfriend, the singer Cassie (37), filed a lawsuit for rape. Just one day later, the two agreed on a settlement.
Just one day after Cassie filed the civil lawsuit for rape, abuse and assault in a federal court in New York, both parties announced last Friday evening (local time), according to media reports, that they had reached an amicable agreement to settle the case.
However, they did not disclose details of the terms of the settlement. Combs alias P. Diddy - known for hits such as "Bad Boy for Life" and "I'll Be Missing You" - had previously denied the allegations via his lawyer.
Cassie, real name Casandra Ventura, said in a statement that she had decided to resolve the matter amicably "on terms that allow me a measure of control".
She said she wanted to thank her family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support. Combs shared, "We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family nothing but the best. Love."
Combs has thus been spared a potentially long, unpleasant trial with the publication of numerous pieces of evidence. Ventura, whose allegations are now public, avoids cross-examination by Combs' lawyers.
Control through intimidation, sexual abuse and physical violence
The plaintiff had accused Combs of sexual abuse, rape, intimidation and physical violence, among other things, during their long-standing relationship. Numerous serious allegations were made in the 35-page indictment.
"After years of silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story," said the plaintiff in a statement made available to Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
She wants to talk about the trauma she experienced, also to help other victims of violence and abuse in partnerships.
Serious case of grooming? Combs had allegations denied
Combs firmly rejects these "disgusting and outrageous" accusations, his lawyer Ben Brafman said. Ventura had threatened to write a book about their relationship and demanded 30 million dollars from Combs.
The rapper rejected this as "obvious blackmail", writes Brafman. Ventura's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, replied in a statement that Combs had offered the singer money to prevent the lawsuit. Ventura had rejected this.
According to the statement of claim, Ventura met the then 37-year-old musician in 2005 when she was 19 years old. Combs signed her to his label Bad Boy Records.
During their long-term relationship, which ended in 2018, rapper Diddy had controlled Ventura with drugs, abuse and threats of violence, among other things. As part of her lawsuit, Ventura demanded compensation payments of an undisclosed amount.
Combs, who is also a record producer, actor and businessman, is one of the most successful representatives of the hip-hop industry.
At the MTV Video Music Awards in September, Combs was honored as a pioneer and for his influential career with the "Global Icon Award".