Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Cassie Ventura agree to settle lawsuit that accused him of rape

Friday saw the resolution of a settlement between singer Cassie Ventura and music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, just a day after Ventura filed a federal lawsuit accusing him of rape and enduring years of abuse, as per statements from both parties.

In a statement obtained by CNN on Friday, Combs stated, ‘We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.’

Ventura, who had a previous romantic involvement with Combs, lodged a lawsuit on Thursday alleging that Combs raped her and subjected her to prolonged instances of physical and other forms of abuse.

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support,” Ventura said in a statement obtained by CNN.

Details of the settlement were not immediately released.

“A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, told CNN in a statement on Saturday. “Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

Cassie Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, a singer, model, and actress, filed a federal lawsuit in New York City against Sean “Diddy” Combs. She alleged that Combs was physically violent, exerted control over all aspects of her personal life, and introduced her to a lifestyle involving excessive alcohol and substance abuse. In the complaint, she claimed that, through threats of violence, Combs coerced her into engaging in various sex acts with male sex workers.

Combs’ attorney refuted the allegations in a statement to CNN on Thursday, describing them as “outrageous” and accusing Ventura of making persistent threats to write a damaging book unless she received $30 million, characterizing it as “blackmail.”

Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, responded to Combs’ attorney on Thursday, alleging that Combs attempted to pay her off to keep quiet.

“Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit,” Wigdor told CNN. “She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.”

In the lawsuit, Ventura alleged Combs lured her “into an ostentatious, fast-paced, and drug-fueled lifestyle, and into a romantic relationship with him” within a few years of their meeting in 2005 or 2006. Combs signed her to his Bad Boy Records record label shortly after, according to the suit.

The complaint, which contained a trigger warning due to the graphic nature of some of the claims, also stated she was 19 and Combs was 37 when they met, and alleged during their business relationship, which lasted until 2019, he “exerted his power and influence” over her, initially using drugs and alcohol to coerce her into a sexual relationship.

In the lawsuit, Ventura also alleged that after she tried to end their relationship in 2018, Combs forced his way into her home and raped her.

Now a mother to two children, Ventura claimed in the suit she struggled with addictions to drugs and alcohol “that were established and fueled by Mr. Combs” throughout the course of their relationship.

Ventura filed her suit under the New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which allows adult survivors of sexual abuse to sue their abusers in New York – even after the statute of limitations on their claims. The act is set to expire next week.

It was unclear whether Ventura reported any of the allegations to police.

Combs, 54, founded the music label Bad Boy in 1993, and has gone by stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy. Credited with work that is regarded as instrumental in the growth of the hip-hop genre, Combs has won three Grammys in his career, along with 14 nominations. While he achieved initial success with his music, Combs also became a notable producer as well as entrepreneur.

Ventura, 37, is an R&B singer most known for her song “Me & U” off of her 2006 self-titled debut album “Cassie,” which was released while she was signed to Combs’ Bad Boy label. She has also made music with artists such as Lil Wayne and Akon, and in 2009 released the single “Must Be Love” featuring Combs.