Following the federal trial that found Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, Cassie Ventura’s lawyer has issued a powerful statement, crediting the singer and model for her bravery in speaking out.
Ventura, who first filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023 alleging rape and abuse, was praised by her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, for igniting the legal proceedings that eventually led to the historic guilty verdict.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” Wigdor said in a statement. “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Ventura’s initial lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed, but she later became a key witness in the federal case against Combs. During a harrowing four-day testimony, she alleged years of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. The court was presented with images of injuries she suffered over their 11-year relationship, as well as graphic videos referred to as “freak-offs.”
A central piece of evidence was a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs violently assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Even Combs’ legal team admitted the footage was “inexcusable,” acknowledging the domestic violence captured in the video.
Combs, while cleared of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, faces sentencing on the two transportation charges — each carrying a potential maximum of 10 years in prison.