Sean Combs recently discovered himself facing a lawsuit in federal court filed in Federal District Court in Manhattan by R&B singer Cassie (Casandra Ventura), who was formerly signed to his label. In her allegations, Cassie accused Combs also known as Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, and Love of rape and enduring a pattern of physical abuse spanning approximately ten years, according to the New York Times.

According to the suite, shortly after the former couple met in 2005 when she was merely 19 years old, he initiated a habit of abuse and control towards her. This disturbing cycle involved drugging her, subjecting her to physical violence, and coercing her into engaging in sexual activities with male prostitutes, all while recording these encounters. The lawsuit states that in 2018, toward the end of their relationship, Mr. Combs forcefully entered her home and forced himself on her.

The singer said in a statement,

“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.”

Combs‘ attorney, Ben Brafman, responded to the suit, saying,

“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations.”

He continued,

“For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”

Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, revealed that they had been in contact with Combs and his lawyer before the lawsuit was filed.

“Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit…. She rejected his efforts,”

said Wigdor.