Cassie Ventura closed out greater than 20 hours of emotional testimony in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Friday (Might 16) by issuing a press release via her legal professional.
The assertion marks the top of her time on the witness stand within the intercourse trafficking and racketeering case in opposition to Diddy.
The 38-year-old singer and former accomplice of Diddy described years of alleged abuse, manipulation and coercion throughout their relationship, which lasted from 2006 to 2018. Her testimony included graphic accounts of bodily violence, compelled sexual encounters, being urinated on and psychological management.
“This week has been extraordinarily difficult but additionally remarkably empowering and therapeutic for me,” Cassie Ventura stated in a press release learn by her legal professional, Douglas Wigdor.
“I hope that my testimony has given power and a voice to different survivors and may also help others who’ve suffered to talk up and likewise heal from abuse and concern,” Ventura added.
Ventura testified that Diddy managed many points of her life, from her skilled selections to her freedom. She described their relationship as swinging between moments of affection and episodes of intense violence.
On the stand, she recounted being “punched, dragged, kicked and stomped” by the disgraced Unhealthy Boy Data founder.
One of the disturbing elements of her testimony concerned what she known as “freak-offs”—multi-day sexual encounters with escorts organized by Diddy, which she stated had been designed for his voyeuristic pleasure.
Ventura claimed she couldn’t say no, fearing retaliation or the discharge of compromising footage. She stated she typically wanted IV fluids to recuperate and developed an opioid habit to “really feel numb” afterward.
She additionally alleged that Diddy raped her in 2018 after she tried to go away the connection.
Throughout cross-examination, Diddy’s authorized staff offered specific messages between the 2, together with some the place Ventura appeared to precise enthusiasm for the sexual encounters.
They argued the texts indicated her consent. Ventura acknowledged sending affectionate and sexual messages, but additionally pointed to texts the place she expressed frustration and a need for one thing deeper than simply intercourse.
“For me, the extra I heal, the extra I can bear in mind. And the extra I can bear in mind, the extra I’ll always remember,” her assertion continued. “I wish to thank my household and my advocates for his or her unwavering help and I’m grateful for all of the kindness and encouragement that I’ve obtained.”
She concluded the assertion by asking for privateness as she prepares for beginning.
“I’m glad to place this chapter of my life to relaxation. As I flip to deal with the conclusion of my being pregnant, I ask for privateness for me and for my rising…”
Diddy has pleaded not responsible to all expenses, together with intercourse trafficking, transporting people for prostitution and racketeering.
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