Cassie speaks out in emotional statement following final testimony at Diddy trial
Warning: This article contains allegations of sex trafficking, abuse, assault and drug use which some readers may find distressing.
Cassie Ventura has released a statement addressing her 'extremely challenging' week giving testimony in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex-trafficking trial.
On May 12, the sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs began in Manhattan federal court - the rapper having been indicted by a grand jury and arrested in September last year.
The 55-year-old has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution - he has denied all charges.
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The first week of the trial saw R&B singer and dancer Cassie - real name Casandra Ventura - also a former partner of Combs, called to the stand to give testimony.
The 38-year-old took to the stand while eight months pregnant, speaking about the alleged abuse she faced while in a relationship with Combs.
Cassie Ventura's statement after finishing giving testimony in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex-trafficking trial
In a statement read on her behalf by her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, outside the Manhattan federal courthouse, the singer reflected on the week as 'extremely challenging'.
"But also remarkably empowering and healing for me," she added.
Ventura noted 'the more I heal, the more I can remember'.
"And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget," she said.
Ventura continued: "I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and I’m grateful for all the kindness and encouragement that I have received."
She also said: "I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from the abuse and fear."
The statement resolved: "I’m glad to put this chapter of my life to rest. As I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and for my growing family."
History of Combs and Ventura's relationship and allegations
Combs and Ventura dated for around a decade - Ventura was 19 when they first met and Combs was 37.
Ventura first spoke out against Combs in November 2023, filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Federal District Court in Manhattan alleging Combs 'frequently beat' and also raped her in 2018 - which Combs 'vehemently denied' at the time.
Around 24 hours later, it was revealed Ventura and Combs had reached a settlement - Combs paying a hefty settlement fee.
The lawsuit alleged Combs as being a 'serial domestic abuser, who would regularly beat and kick Ms Ventura, leaving black eyes, bruises, and blood', 'pl[ying] the vulnerable Ms Ventura with drugs and alcohol, causing her to fall into dangerous addictions that controlled her life' - allegedly beginning when he signed her to his record label.
While the lawsuit was settled, details of Ventura's allegations against Combs ultimately came out during his sex-trafficking trial.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org.
Topics: Cassie Ventura, Diddy, US News
Poppy Bilderbeck