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Singer Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, has filed a lawsuit against ex-boyfriend Sean "Diddy" Combs, accusing him of a decade-long cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking.
In the explosive complaint filed in New York, Cassie claims she endured a 2018 rape after attempting to leave Combs, along with multiple instances of domestic violence.
"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 in a statement.
The lawsuit is brought under New York's Adult Survivors Act, allowing sexual abuse victims to file civil suits beyond the statute of limitations.
Combs denies accusations
Combs' lawyer, Ben Brafman, vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "offensive and outrageous."
He stated that Cassie's demand for $30 million, coupled with threats of writing a damaging book, was rejected as blatant blackmail.
Cassie's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, countered, applauding her bravery for rejecting Combs' monetary offer and giving a voice to women facing abuse.
The lawsuit details Cassie's claims of Combs exerting control over her life, including physical violence, drug abuse facilitated and encouraged by Combs, and forced encounters with sex workers.
Cassie also alleges attempts to leave were thwarted by Combs' manipulation and threats to her career.
The complaint also mentions a 2017 incident where Combs allegedly raped Cassie after she expressed a desire to end the relationship.
Cassie has since fully escaped Combs, seeking intensive medical and psychological care to recover from the trauma.
Aubrey O'Day backs up Cassie amidst explosive lawsuit
Pop star Aubrey O'Day has rallied behind Cassie following the bombshell lawsuit, expressing complete for her longtime friend.
O'Day took to her Instagram Story, saying, "Been tryna tell y'all for years. Prayers up for this queen @cassie."
The former Danity Kane bandmate has previously hinted at the challenges she faced under Combs during her time with the group.
In a December 2022 episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, O'Day discussed her tumultuous experience with Combs, citing mind games and a toxic environment.
She revealed that she was fired from Danity Kane for not complying with expectations beyond talent, and emphasized the absence of the #MeToo movement during that era.
O'Day added that Diddy was "the hardest person that you can work for, and it was torture. And not the work part of it, but the other stuff - mind games."
She also claimed there was "a lot of betrayal" and "lies," noting that she was "young and impressionable" at the time.