“On Thursday, a case was filed against music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking over a decade with a young female artist. Cassandra Ventura, who made the allegations against Combs, said in a statement, “After years of silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story and speak out for the benefit of other women who have faced violence and abuse in their relationships.”
Ventura added, “With the imminent expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, it became clear that it was an opportunity to speak about the trauma I experienced, and I will overcome it for the rest of my life.”
The lawsuit filed in a Manhattan federal court claims that the then 37-year-old Combs trapped Ventura in a professional relationship by having her sign with his label, Bad Boy Records, when she was 19 in 2005. Over several years, he allegedly seduced her into a sexual relationship and introduced her to a lifestyle of excessive alcohol and drug consumption.
The lawsuit alleges that Combs sexually assaulted Ventura in his home when she tried to leave him. “He flew into a rage when he found out she had a romantic interest in someone other than him, often punching her, beating her, kicking her, and stomping on her,” the complaint states.
It is also claimed that Combs, who has seven children, “forced Ms. Ventura to engage in sexual acts with male prostitutes and film orgies during the course of their relationship.”
The lawsuit further alleges, “Throughout their entire relationship, Mr. Combs was uncontrollable in his anger and frequently beat Ms. Ventura mercilessly.”
“The beating was witnessed by Mr. Combs’ employees and the employees of Bad Boy Entertainment and affiliated businesses, but no one dared to speak against their fearful and cruel boss.”
Apart from Combs, the lawsuit names Bad Boy Records, Bad Boy Entertainment, Epic Records, and Combs Enterprises as defendants.
His attorney, Douglas Wigdor, said, “What Sushree Ventura endured is something no human should have to endure.”
“Her desire to speak out against the abuse she suffered, and her efforts to hold accountable those who engage in abuse and enable abuse, are a testament to her strength and resilience. We feel honored to represent this courageous survivor in the pursuit of justice.”
Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman, did not immediately respond to requests for comments on Ventura’s allegations.
One of the most influential and successful figures in the music industry, Combs founded the hip-hop label Bad Boy in the early 1990s. He also launched a clothing label, Sean John, and assisted in developing the Ciroc vodka brand. Forbes estimated his net worth to be $1 billion last year.”
