Cassie Ventura, the RnB singer and actress known simply as Cassie, took the witness stand in the sex trafficking trial of her former partner, Sean "Diddy" Combs. Cassie alleges that Combs exploited his influence to force women, including herself, into abusive sexual situations, employing violence for those who resisted. Combs, however, has pleaded not guilty to these charges. In 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against him, detailing years of alleged rape and abuse, which was quickly settled but sparked numerous other legal claims and a criminal investigation.
Born in 1986, Cassie is a multifaceted performer who caught the attention of the modelling and music industry as a teenager. After signing with the prestigious Wilhelmina modelling agency and moving to New York, she established her music career with the release of her hit single, "Me & U," in 2006, which achieved significant chart success and was certified platinum. She later acted in projects like Empire and Step Up 2: The Streets, while also featuring in various music videos.
Cassie married personal trainer Alex Fine in 2019 and is now a mother of two daughters, with another child on the way. Her relationship with Combs began in 2005 when she was just 19 and he was 37. In her civil lawsuit, Cassie describes a decade-long ordeal filled with violence and coercion, including allegations of Combs forcing her into sexual acts with male sex workers. The lawsuit was settled the following day after its filing.
Further media scrutiny arose when a 2016 hotel security video was aired, allegedly depicting Combs physically assaulting Cassie. In the footage, he strikes her and drags her while she tries to escape. It is claimed Combs paid $50,000 to conceal this evidence at the time.
Cassie’s testimony included startling accusations of Combs’s violent behaviour, claiming he regularly assaulted her, resulting in severe injuries, and threatened or harmed others who showed interest in her. A witness also testified about being hired to engage in sexual acts with Cassie while Combs was present, which highlighted the abusive dynamics described by Cassie.
As the trial continues, Cassie’s courageous stand sheds light on broader issues of abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry. Support for victims of domestic and sexual violence is available through services like 1800RESPECT.