Cassie Ventura reveals how much ex Diddy paid her to settle bombshell 2023 lawsuit during testimony
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Cassie Ventura took the witness stand on May 14 in Manhattan federal court, revealing for the first time the details of her civil settlement with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Under direct questioning by federal prosecutor Emily Johnson, Ventura disclosed that she received $20 million from Combs and his affiliated companies to settle her 2023 lawsuit quietly, reports People.
Cassie Ventura reveals settlement amount and payout source in court testimony
Cassie Ventura testified that her mother helped her create a “book with chapters” in hopes Diddy would read it in 2023. She said she sent it to him through her lawyer, but he didn’t take it seriously or acknowledge the depth of what she had written.
When Johnson asked how much she wanted for the book, Cassie said she had asked for $30 million. He then asked if she had taken legal action against Diddy, and she confirmed filing a lawsuit in November 2023. The case was swiftly settled within 24 hours for $20 million.
The revelation came amid the ongoing, high-profile federal trial where Diddy faces serious charges. Ventura’s testimony marks a pivotal moment in the case, offering a rare glimpse into the financial resolution of her civil claims against the music mogul.
When asked directly, “Who paid you $20 million?” Ventura responded, “Sean and his companies,” confirming that the settlement was part of an effort to resolve the civil lawsuit filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act last November.
Though the settlement was reached swiftly within 24 hours, the broader federal investigation into Combs’ alleged criminal activities has continued, culminating in his arrest last September.
Cassie Ventura's testimony details alleged decade-long abuse and manipulation
Cassie Ventura, a key prosecution witness, recounted a harrowing decade of alleged control and abuse. She described being trapped in a relationship where Diddy exerted power through isolation, constant surveillance, and threats to release compromising, drug-fueled videos featuring her and male escorts. These videos, she testified, were allegedly used as blackmail to keep her compliant.
The singer and model detailed the psychological toll of the relationship, highlighting the atmosphere of fear and manipulation that persisted over the years.
Diddy, who entered not guilty pleas on all criminal charges, maintains that all encounters with Ventura and other accusers were consensual. His defense team argues that the so-called “Freak-Offs” were mutual events, with participants willingly engaging in the activities.
The trial, which began on May 5, is expected to last several weeks as witnesses like Ventura continue to testify.
