Cassandra Ventura, the R&B singer known as Cassie, took the stand in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial on Tuesday and is set to testify again on Wednesday.
Combs faces serious accusations of exploiting his power to coerce women, including Cassie, into abusive sexual situations and resorting to violence if they resisted. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. In 2023, Cassie filed a civil lawsuit against him, alleging a pattern of rape and abuse. Although this lawsuit was settled quickly, numerous similar claims have emerged, feeding into an ongoing criminal investigation.
Here’s a brief overview of Cassie, who is 38 years old:
Career Overview
Starting her journey as a singer, dancer, and model, Cassie’s ambitions took off in her teenage years when she signed with the prestigious Wilhelmina modeling agency. Shortly after moving to New York, she partnered with manager Tony Mottola and eventually with Combs.
Her most notable track, “Me&U,” released in 2006, hit number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and ranked third on the all-genre chart. This song was part of her self-titled debut album under Combs’ Bad Boy Records, from which she departed in 2019.
As an actress, Cassie has appeared in numerous TV shows and films like “Empire,” “The Perfect Match,” and “Spenser Confidential.” She made her acting debut in 2008’s “Step Up 2: The Streets,” contributing a song to the movie’s soundtrack.
Cassie has also featured in music videos alongside various artists, including Wiz Khalifa and Mario. Although she never released a sophomore album, her collaborative works include tracks with artists like Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj.
On a personal note, Cassie married personal trainer Alex Fine in September 2019. They welcomed their first daughter, Frankie, that same year, and their son, Sunny, arrived in 2021. Cassie is currently expecting her third child.
Relationship with Combs
Cassie met Combs when she was just 19, and he was 37. He signed her to Bad Boy Records, and after a few years, they began dating.
In the 2023 lawsuit, Cassie described a “cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking” that lasted over a decade, including severe allegations of coercion into sexual acts, including with male sex workers. The day after filing, Combs settled the lawsuit.
In May 2024, a video was aired showing an incident from 2016 where Combs appeared to assault Cassie in a hotel hallway, consistent with her allegations. The footage allegedly depicts Combs attacking Cassie, striking her and dragging her by her hair. It’s reported he paid $50,000 to suppress the video.
In the wake of these events, Combs apologized to Cassie, marking a notable shift in his response amid growing accusations.
Cassie claims Combs raped her whenever she attempted to break away from him, often leaving her with visible injuries. Additionally, she asserts that he sabotaged rival Kid Cudi’s car out of jealousy and threatened others with violence.
On the first day of the trial, a witness named Daniel Phillip testified about being a professional stripper who was allegedly paid between $700 and $6,000 to have sex with Cassie, under Combs’ supervision. Phillip claimed he distanced himself from the couple after witnessing Combs violently confront Cassie.
