Who is Casandra Ventura, R&B singer at center of ‘Diddy’ trial?

Casandra Ventura, the R&B singer known professionally as Cassie, is currently a central figure in the ongoing trial involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. A one-time promising talent in the New York hip-hop scene, Ventura is anticipated to testify, alleging that her former boyfriend, Combs, subjected her to abuse and negatively impacted her career trajectory.

Ventura previously reached a settlement in a civil lawsuit filed against Combs in 2023. Within that lawsuit, she had made accusations of rape spanning their relationship, which lasted approximately a decade. Last year, CNN aired a 2016 surveillance video reportedly depicting Combs striking and dragging Ventura at a hotel in Los Angeles. Following the video's broadcast, Combs issued an apology.

As Cassie, Ventura established herself as an American singer, dancer, actress, and model, launching her singing career in 2004. Born in Connecticut in 1986, her early teenage years included pursuing modeling alongside dance and singing lessons.

Her move to New York City in 2004 paved the way for her debut single "Me & U" two years later, which became her breakthrough hit. Her self-titled album, released in 2006, came out through Combs' Bad Boy Records via a collaboration with NextSelection record label. Combs himself was a highly sought-after producer during the 1990s and 2000s, credited with helping artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G., and Usher achieve stardom.

Cassie's musical style incorporated elements of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, while also paying tribute to her Filipino heritage. Her acting career began with the 2008 dance film "Step Up 2: The Streets," for which she also performed the lead single, "Is It You," on the soundtrack.

Starting in 2007, Ventura primarily worked with Bad Boy Records, leading to musical partnerships with various artists and producers including Akon, Danja, Eric Hudson, The Surf Club, and The Neptunes. Media reports indicate that Combs and Ventura started a private relationship in 2007, making it public in 2012.

In her lawsuit against Combs, Ventura claimed he exerted control over many aspects of her life, including her attire and whereabouts. Their relationship concluded in 2018. Her lawsuit, filed in 2023, detailed allegations of abuse that occurred over more than ten years. The release of the 2016 surveillance video depicting the alleged assault garnered widespread support for Ventura and reportedly encouraged others to come forward with new claims against Combs. Ventura expressed her gratitude to supporters on Instagram last year, writing, "Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet."

Combs was known for hosting parties reportedly referred to as "Freak Offs," which allegedly involved sexual acts performed, recorded, or viewed by guests. Currently, Combs has entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. He also faces numerous civil lawsuits filed by both women and men making accusations of sexual abuse.

Outside of these legal matters, Ventura married personal trainer Alex Fine in September 2019. They share two daughters and are currently expecting their third child.