Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sued by singer Cassie, who alleged he had raped and sexually trafficked her over 10 years during their relationship.
Renowned hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs, 54, has been one of the most influential artists in hip-hop since founding Bad Boy Records in 1993.
He has worked with rap superstars the Notorious B.I.G, Mary J. Blige, The Lox, Mase, 112, and many more.
Under his label, Combs, who goes by P. Diddy, Puffy, or Diddy, had a working and romantic relationship with singer and model Cassie Ventura, whom he signed and also dated for decades.
In November 2023, Cassie broke the internet as it was revealed she had sued the entrepreneur. Combs has been accused of sexual abuse and assault by a singer previously, according to a bombshell filing.
Here’s everything we know about the singer, her relationship with Diddy, net worth, and more.
Who is Cassie Ventura?
Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura, famously known as Cassie, is an American singer, songwriter, model, actress, and dancer.
Cassie was born on August 26, 1986, in New London, Connecticut, United States.
She was born to a Filipino father and Black American, Mexican, and West Indian mother.
Cassie’s multicultural background became a blend of influences she’d later channel into her music.
The name of her mother is Stacey Hobson.
Before she began singing, Cassie modeled as a teenager booking gigs for magazines such as Seventeen.
In 2004, Cassie met musician and producer Ryan Leslie who signed the singer to NextSelection Lifestyle Group.
With Ryan, Cassie released her breakout single Me & U. That track alone is a significant chapter in the R&B book of the 2000s. It charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and turned Cassie into an overnight sensation. This initial success was a harbinger of things to come.
While she never quite replicated the mammoth success of her debut single, Cassie’s subsequent albums and singles, like Long Way 2 Go and Official Girl, showcased her as an R&B staple.
As Cassie rose to fame, Ryan partnered with Diddy’s label Bad Boy Records to release her self-titled debut album.
Aside from her music career, Cassie dabbled in acting having appeared in Step Up 2: The Streets, The Perfect Match, and Empire.
How did Diddy and Cassie meet and how long were they together?
Diddy and Cassie met for the first time in 2005 and she was signed to his label. At the time, she was 19 and the rapstar was 37 years old.
Around same time, what was meant to be a working relationship turned romance as the pair had began dating.
Diddy, who has been romantically linked to a few star-studded celebrities throughout his career, had his second longest relationship was with singer Cassie Ventura.
She was swept up in his luxurious lifestyle and reaped the benefits of having her debut album released under his label.
Diddy and Cassie were together on and off for nearly 11 years.
The two began secretly dating in 2007, but they didn’t make their public debut until 2012.
However, the two had their first break up in 2015 before getting back together the same year.
The following year, the couple took some time apart again but eventually rekindled their relationship.
It wasn’t until 2018 that Diddy and Cassie decided to officially call it quits.
Why did Cassie sue Diddy?
Diddy has been accused of rape and repeated physical abuse by his former girlfriend, R&B legend Cassie, in a new federal lawsuit.
In the suit, Cassie claims that not long after she met Combs in 2005, when she was 19, he began a pattern of control and abuse that led her to live a “lifestyle of excessive alcohol and substance abuse.”
The rapper allegedly controlled and abused Cassie for over a decade – as well as plying her with drugs, beating her, and forcing her to have sex with multiple male prostitutes while he watched and recorded.
In 2018, near the end of their relationship, Combs forced his way into her home and sexually assaulted her, according to the lawsuit.
“Throughout their relationship Mr. Combs was prone to uncontrollable rage, and frequently beat Ms. Ventura savagely,” the suit claims.
“These beatings were witnessed by Mr. Combs’ staff and employees of Bad Boy Entertainment and Mr. Combs’s related businesses, but no one dared to speak up against their frightening and ferocious boss.”
The Me & U singer released a statement saying she’s finally ready to speak out after years of silence.
“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,” Cassie said.
“With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”
Combs denied the allegations, calling the suit baseless as part of Cassie’s attempt to seek a payday.
“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Comb’s attorney, Ben Brafman, said in a statement to The New York Times.
“For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Venturea’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 not resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Comb’s reputation and seeking a payday.”
Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, claims the parties spoke before the lawsuit was filed.
“Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts,” Wigdor claims.
Does Cassie have kids?
Cassie Ventura has two children with her now-husband Alex Fine.
Following her breakup with Diddy, Cassie began dating Alex- who’s a fitness trainer.
The following year in June 2019, the two announced they were expecting their first child.
Two months later, the two got engaged and married the same month on August 28, 2019.
In December 2019, Cassie and Alex welcomed their first daughter, Frankie Stone.
Two years later, on March 22, 2021, the couple had their second daughter, Sunny Cinco.
What is Cassie’s net worth?
The American singer has been in the entertainment industry for decades and has accumulated an impressive fortune.
Per CelebrityNetWorth, Cassie Ventura has made an estimated current net worth of between $1 million and $8 million. She accrued her money from her works as a singer, songwriter, model, actress, dancer, and endorsements.
Though the flashbulbs often capture the glitz, they sometimes miss the heart. Cassie’s philanthropic endeavors might not make as many headlines as her hits, but they’re equally noteworthy. From supporting children’s educational programs to advocating for mental health awareness, Cassie’s contributions to society reverberate beyond her music.
Additionally, she’s lent her voice and platform to uplift marginalized communities, often echoing the diverse tapestry of her own heritage. While specifics of business ventures remain shrouded in some mystery, there’s no doubt that Cassie’s future includes further intertwining her artistry with causes close to her heart.