Singer Cassie Files Lawsuit Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Alleging Rape and Sex Trafficking

Hip hop tycoon Sean "Diddy" Combs faces a civil lawsuit filed on Thursday, accusing him of raping and sex trafficking singer Cassie, his former romantic partner, spanning a decade. The suit includes Bad Boy Records, Bad Boy Entertainment, Epic Records, and Combs Enterprises as defendants. Combs, a prominent music executive, established Bad Boy in the early '90s, alongside his ventures like the Sean John clothing label and the Ciroc vodka brand, contributing to his estimated $1 billion net worth according to Forbes last year.

Cassie, also known as Casandra Ventura, expressed her decision to break the silence with a statement, citing the nearing expiration of New York's Adult Survivors Act as an opportunity to reveal her traumatic experiences. The act, enacted in November, allows accusers a one-year window to file civil claims otherwise barred by the statute of limitations.

Combs vehemently denies the allegations, and his lawyer, Ben Brafman, claims Cassie's demand for $30 million and the threat of a damaging book led to rejected extortion attempts. Cassie's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, counters, revealing Combs' eight-figure offer to silence her and emphasizing her courage in speaking out.

Cassie's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, recounts events from 2005 when, at 19, she joined Bad Boy Records. The suit alleges Combs coerced her into a sexual relationship, exposed her to substance abuse, and mandated illicit prescriptions. Incidents of rape, property damage, and physical abuse are detailed, claiming Combs forced her into explicit acts with sex workers.

The lawsuit portrays a volatile relationship witnessed by Combs' staff and associates, who allegedly remained silent due to fear. This legal battle follows Combs' earlier discrimination lawsuit against Ciroc owner Diageo, concluding their 16-year relationship in June.