Diddy and Cassie: Sean Combs rape allegations lawsuit settled after Cassie Ventura sues rapper

Sean "Diddy" Combs has resolved a lawsuit brought by US singer Cassie alleging rape and violent conduct during their ten-year relationship just a day after it was filed in a New York federal court.

The settlement, confirmed by Cassie's lawyer Douglas Wigdor, was reached "to their mutual satisfaction." The initial lawsuit detailed allegations that Cassie, real name Casandra Ventura, was raped “in her own home after she tried to leave him” and “endured over a decade of his violent behaviour and disturbed demands”.

It was also alleged that Combs was “prone to uncontrollable rage”, with claims including that he “blew up a man’s car after he learned that he was romantically interested in Ms Ventura”.

On Friday (17 November), Ventura said: “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

US rapper Combs, 54, has vehemently denied the allegations made against him, and said: “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”

The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. In a statement, Wigdor said: “I am very proud of Ms Ventura for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit. She ought to be commended for doing so.”

Combs is a three-time Grammy winner whose hit songs include I’ll Be Missing You, Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down and Give Me Love. He founded the label Bad Boy Records in the early 90s, for which Ventura signed a 10-album deal in 2006 at the age of 19.

“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,” Ventura said in a statement given to the PA news agency ahead of the settlement.

“With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”