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Cassie Ventura

Who Is Cassie Ventura and Why She Represents a Key Figure in the Diddy Trial

Her statements about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Diddy have made her one of the most crucial voices in the case

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Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, widely known by her stage name Cassie, is a singer, model, and actress who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her breakout single ‘Me & U.’ Born in New London, Connecticut, in 1986, Cassie became known not only for her smooth R&B vocals and striking beauty but also for her long-standing relationship with music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Cassie’s music career took off under Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, and for years, the two shared both a personal and professional relationship. Their on-and-off romance lasted for more than a decade and was often under public scrutiny, though they rarely spoke openly about it.

But in late 2023, Cassie made headlines again—this time not for her music or fashion campaigns, but for filing a bombshell lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of years of physical abuse, sexual assault, and manipulation during their relationship. The lawsuit outlined disturbing allegations, including claims of coercive control and violence behind closed doors.

Cassie Ventura
Cassie Ventura and Sean Combs are pictured at the New York Public Library for the 2006 CFDA Fashion Awards on June 5, 2006. (Richard Corkery/Getty Images)

Why Is Cassie Making Headlines Again?

As widely reported, Diddy is facing serious accusations of organizing coercive sex parties, known as ‘Freak Offs’. At these events, both women and men were allegedly drugged, manipulated, and forced into degrading sexual acts—many of which were secretly recorded without consent. These recordings were then used to blackmail victims and keep them from speaking out. Because of this, prosecutors have identified Sean Combs as the leader of a criminal network that allegedly operated for over 20 years.

Cassie Ventura plays a key role in this case. According to prosecutor Emily Johnson, she’s a central witness because Combs reportedly used his power to control, abuse, and blackmail her, including with non-consensual sex tapes. One of the most alarming pieces of evidence presented in court is a 2016 video that shows Combs physically assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel.

What has shocked many even more is the testimony of Daniel Phillip, a male escort, who described disturbing scenes of violence and humiliation involving Combs. In one incident, Combs allegedly forced a man to urinate in Cassie’s mouth.

According to CNN, Cassie Ventura also told the jury that there were times when Combs would urinate on her, or ask an escort to do it. She made it clear that she never consented to it and described the experience as deeply humiliating. “It was disgusting, it was too much. It was overwhelming,” she said.

As Diddy’s trial continues, Cassie is being recognized by many as a courageous voice who helped pave the way for others to speak out.

Her role remains central—not only because of what she endured, but because her decision to come forward helped spark a broader cultural conversation.