Cassie’s allegations of sexual assault and violence against ex-boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs started a ripple effect — but her lawsuit allegedly could’ve been squashed before it was filed.
“She came to him before she filed [any] lawsuit and said, ‘I believed I was wronged by you,’” attorney and legal commentator Donte Mills claimed in Law & Crime’s upcoming three-episode podcast series, The Rise and Fall of Diddy, according to a preview obtained by the Guardian on Monday, December 2. “And she gave him an opportunity to settle the case before she brought [a] lawsuit.”
Mills alleges in part 1 of the series, which drops on Wednesday, December 4, that he has intimate knowledge of the case.
“I know that both Sean Combs’ attorneys and Cassie’s attorneys were in conversation, in talks, to see if they can resolve the lawsuit, but they were not able to and those settlement negotiations fell through,” the attorney alleged.
Cassie Settles Lawsuit Accusing Diddy of Sexual Assault, Abuse
In November 2023, Cassie (real name Casandra Venture) filed a lawsuit against Diddy, 55, accusing him of rape, forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes on camera and physically hurting her during their relationship. The exes dated on and off from 2007 to 2018.
“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 at the time.
Cassie’s attorney Douglas Wigdor also claimed that Diddy offered his client “eight figures” in an attempt to “silence her,” which Cassie denied.
Prosecutors Deny Leaking Diddy and Cassie Assault Video in New Court Docs
Diddy refuted Cassie’s allegations in a statement provided to Us Weekly by his legal team. “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,” Ben Brafman told Us in November 2023. “For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail.”
Diddy’s attorney alleged, “Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”
While Diddy denied Cassie’s claims of sexual assault and violence, she confirmed to Us through her attorney that one day after filing her lawsuit she and Diddy settled.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” the November 2023 statement read. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Diddy also addressed the settlement via his attorney, telling Us, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
While Cassie and Diddy resolved their lawsuit quickly, it was just the beginning for Diddy’s legal woes.
“I truly believe the downfall of Sean Combs … began [with] the Cassie Ventura lawsuit,” Mills said in part 1 of the Rise and Fall of Diddy, via The Guardian.
In March, Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raided and he was arrested in connection to a sex trafficking investigation.
In the months since, Diddy has been accused of rape, abuse and drugging his alleged past victims, many of whom claim the musician assaulted them decades prior.
Cassie Accuses Diddy of Sexual Assault and Abuse in Bombshell Lawsuit
As the cases began to stack up against Diddy, his past with Cassie was thrust back into the spotlight. In May, CNN obtained video footage of the rapper allegedly assaulting Cassie in 2016.
“My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted,” Diddy said via Instagram, apologizing for his actions, but not mentioning Cassie by name. “I went and sought out professional help. I’ve been going to therapy, going to rehab. Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
Diddy was indicted on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in September. Ahead of his court date, Diddy has requested a gag order related to the video of him harming Cassie, which Us confirmed in October prosecutors are opposed to. The prosecutors also denied Diddy’s claim that they “manufactured” the video from 2016.
Diddy, who has remained adamant that he’s innocent, has been denied bail four times ahead of his 2025 trial.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Us Weekly has reached out to Diddy for comment.
