Sean “Diddy” Combs “vehemently denies” Cassie’s rape and abuse allegations | Diddy

Rap star and label founder Sean “Diddy” Combs is vehemently opposing allegations by his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, that he subjected her to serial physical abuse, sexual slavery and rape.

Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of using his powerful network to keep her trapped in an abusive relationship with him.

She alleges that during their 10-year relationship, Combs repeatedly assaulted her — violently beating and raping her — and controlled every aspect of her life, The New York Times first reported THURSDAY. She faced “a cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking” until their relationship ended in 2018, according to the lawsuit.

Famous New York lawyer Benjamin Brafman, who represents Combs, 54, in turn accused Cassie of trying to blackmail his client.

In a statement released Thursday evening, Brafman said his client “vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.” Brafman said Ventura resorted to a lawsuit “riddled with baseless and outrageous lies” after a failed attempt to blackmail Combs into paying him $30 million by threatening to write a damaging book about their relationship.

Combs, better known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P Diddy or Diddy, is the founder of the historic Bad Boy Records label and one of hip-hop’s leading producers and executives in addition to being a successful recording artist. He is also the creator of his own Sean John clothing line.

Meanwhile, a lawyer for Ventura told The New York Times that she was offered “eight figures to silence her and prevent this lawsuit from being filed,” which she rejected.

This shocking trial paints a dark picture of their relationship in which Combs took control of her personal and professional life and subjected her to years of savage beatings, forced sex and constant threats of violence.

Combs began aggressively pursuing Ventura, who signed with Bad Boy at age 19 and quickly rose to fame, the lawsuit says, inviting himself to a gathering for her 21st birthday where he forcibly kissed her and immediately exercised his power and its influence.

Because of Combs’ status as the founder of Bad Boy Records, according to the lawsuit, Ventura felt she could not refuse his advances — or his drug offers — without endangering her career. He lured her into an “ostentatious, fast-paced, drug-fueled lifestyle,” according to the lawsuit.

Combs was allegedly prone to “uncontrollable rage” and forced Ventura to “regularly engage in sexual acts with sex workers” whom he photographed and filmed. She was given medication before and during, allowing her to “dissociate during these horrific encounters,” according to the suit. Ventura was a victim of sex trafficking because she was required to engage in forced sex acts in several cities, the lawsuit states, adding that Combs also beat her severely.

Forbes magazine ranked him as the highest-paid musician in the world in 2017, earning around $130 million a year.

Reuters contributed to this report.

• Information and support for anyone affected by issues of rape or sexual abuse is available from the following organisations. In the United States, Rainn offers support at 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available on 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines are available at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html