Cassie accuses ex-lover Diddy of ‘rape, abuse’ in lawsuit

Diddy, the US rapper, has been sued by Cassie, his ex-girlfriend, over alleged rape and abuse.

According to a lawsuit, the R&B vocalist alleged that the rapper used drugs and alcohol to gain control over her and keep her trapped in a cycle of abuse.

She claimed that Diddy signed her to Bad Boy, his record label, but rather than fostering her musical career, he subjected her to a life of fear and degradation.

Born Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, Cassie also alleged that the rapper repeatedly raped and beat her during their 10-year relationship.

The lawsuit labels the musician a “serial domestic abuser, who would regularly beat and kick Ms Ventura, leaving black eyes, bruises, and blood”.

In her statement, Cassie said “after years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story.

“To speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.”

Diddy has, however, denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and outrageous”. He also accused Cassie of extortion.

Benjamin Brafman, his lawyer, claimed that Cassie attempted to blackmail Diddy with a damaging book about their relationship, demanding $30 million (£24 million) to keep her silence.

In response, Doug Wigdor, Cassie’s lawyer, refuted the claims and alleged that Diddy offered the actress an eight-figure sum to silence her and prevent the lawsuit.

He said “Cassie is not seeking financial gain but rather justice and a voice for victims of abuse”.

The lawsuit also includes an allegation that Diddy threatened to blow up a car owned by Kid Cudi, a rapper, with whom Cassie was in a relationship at the time.

According to the complaint, Diddy made the threat during Paris Fashion Week in 2012, and shortly after, Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway.

Diddy and Cassie’s relationship began in 2007. They made their public debut as a couple in 2012.

The pair, however, broke up after a heated argument in 2018.