Warning: This article contains allegations of sex trafficking, abuse, assault and drug use which some readers may find distressing.
Cassie Ventura has released a statement addressing her 'extremely challenging' week giving testimony in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex-trafficking trial.
On May 12, the sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs began in Manhattan federal court - the rapper having been indicted by a grand jury and arrested in September last year.
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The 55-year-old has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution - he has denied all charges.
The first week of the trial saw R&B singer and dancer Cassie - real name Casandra Ventura - also a former partner of Combs, called to the stand to give testimony.
The 38-year-old took to the stand while eight months pregnant, speaking about the alleged abuse she faced while in a relationship with Combs.
Cassie Ventura's statement after finishing giving testimony in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex-trafficking trial
In a statement read on her behalf by her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, outside the Manhattan federal courthouse, the singer reflected on the week as 'extremely challenging'.
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"But also remarkably empowering and healing for me," she added.
Ventura noted 'the more I heal, the more I can remember'.
"And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget," she said.
Ventura continued: "I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and I’m grateful for all the kindness and encouragement that I have received."
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She also said: "I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from the abuse and fear."
The statement resolved: "I’m glad to put this chapter of my life to rest. As I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and for my growing family."
History of Combs and Ventura's relationship and allegations
Combs and Ventura dated for around a decade - Ventura was 19 when they first met and Combs was 37.
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Ventura first spoke out against Combs in November 2023, filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Federal District Court in Manhattan alleging Combs 'frequently beat' and also raped her in 2018 - which Combs 'vehemently denied' at the time.
Around 24 hours later, it was revealed Ventura and Combs had reached a settlement - Combs paying a hefty settlement fee.
The lawsuit alleged Combs as being a 'serial domestic abuser, who would regularly beat and kick Ms Ventura, leaving black eyes, bruises, and blood', 'pl[ying] the vulnerable Ms Ventura with drugs and alcohol, causing her to fall into dangerous addictions that controlled her life' - allegedly beginning when he signed her to his record label.
While the lawsuit was settled, details of Ventura's allegations against Combs ultimately came out during his sex-trafficking trial.
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If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org.
Topics: Cassie Ventura, Diddy, US News
Poppy Bilderbeck