Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial: Cassie Ventura releases statement after days of testimony
After four days on the stand, singer Cassie Ventura has released a final statement against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
Combs is charged with five counts of sex trafficking, racketeering, and sexual abuse. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. He dated Ventura for 11 years, and allegedly forced her to partake in hundreds of drug-fuelled sex ‘freak-offs‘ with escorts, as well as physically abusing her.
After four days of often graphic explanation, during which Ventura described lasting physical injuries and faced an intense cross-examination, she finished her testimony. Outside the New York courthouse, her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, read out a statement in which she thanked her family for their support and anyone who has shown her “kindness and encouragement”.
The 38-year-old singer continued in her statement: “This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me. I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear.”
On a darker note, Ventura’s statement then read: “For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember,” she said. “And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.”
Ventura, who is currently eight and a half months pregnant, stated: “I am glad to put this chapter of my life to rest as I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and for my growing family.”
Ventura’s husband Alex Fine was present during the four days of uncomfortable testimony. In his own statement, he praised his wife for her bravery: “I did not save Cassie, as some have said. To say that is an insult to the years of painful work my wife has done to save herself. Cassie saved Cassie. She alone broke free from abuse, coercion, violence and threats.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. The trial remains ongoing.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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