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Sean Combs and Cassie have reached a settlement in the singer’s lawsuit against Combs, in which she accused him of rape, sex trafficking and physical abuse.
In statements obtained by Rolling Stone, both parties said they had reached a settlement in the case; The settlement amount was not disclosed. “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on the condition that I have some degree of control,” explained Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura. “I would like to thank my family, fans and advocates for their unwavering support.”
In a separate statement, Combs wrote: “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
On Saturday, Combs’ attorney Ben Brafman released a statement. “Just so we are clear: the decision to settle litigation, particularly in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit in no way undermines his categorical denial of the claims. “He is pleased that they have reached an amicable agreement and wishes Ms. Ventura well,” Brafman said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Widor, “praised” his client “for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit.”
The singer filed the lawsuit Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Combs’ label Bad Boy Entertainment as well as Epic Records, Combs Enterprises LLC and others were listed as co-defendants. Ventura was an employee of these companies from 2006 to 2019.
In the lawsuit, Ventura alleged that the abuse began in 2005 when Combs allegedly began supplying a then-19-year-old Ventura with alcohol and drugs. She also accused Combs of beating her and forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes, which he allegedly filmed. Ventura also claimed Combs raped her after forcing his way into her home in 2018.
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Following news of the lawsuit, Aubrey O’Day – the former lead singer of girl group Danity Kane, who was signed to Bad Boy Records by Combs – showed her support for the singer. “I’ve been trying for years. Prayers for this queen 🙌🏼 @cassie,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
This article was updated on November 18 at 4:23 p.m. to include a statement from Sean Combs’ attorney, Ben Brafman.