LOS ANGELES, Oct 4 — Cassie Ventura’s lawyers have spoken publicly after Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison, following a federal trial that ended with his conviction on prostitution-related charges.
The former music mogul was sentenced yesterday to 50 months behind bars after being found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Judge Arun Subramanian credited Combs for time already served, reducing his time in prison to 36 months, and ordered five years of supervised release along with a US$500,000 fine (RM2.1 million) — the maximum allowable.
In a statement to People magazine, shared by attorneys Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, Cassie’s legal team said, “While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognises the impact of the serious offenses he committed.”
They added that Cassie, who has long spoken about her experience of abuse, continues to find strength through the support of her loved ones.
“We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms Ventura will continue healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many,” the statement continued.
The Me & U singer first filed a lawsuit in November 2023 accusing Combs — her on-and-off partner from 2007 to 2018 — of sexual assault and physical abuse.
The pair settled just one day after the lawsuit was filed, but soon after, a 2016 video surfaced allegedly showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie at a hotel.
The case spurred multiple other allegations against Combs, leading to Homeland Security Investigations raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes in March, followed by his arrest that September.
While eight months pregnant with her third child, Cassie testified during Combs’ trial, offering emotional insight into their past relationship and the alleged “Freak Off” sex parties.
She later gave birth to a baby boy with her husband, trainer Alex Fine, just days after completing her testimony.
Before Combs’ sentencing, Cassie wrote a letter to the judge describing her fear of “swift retribution” from her former partner and urging him to consider “the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control.”
In his own letter to the court, Combs admitted fault, writing he was “dead wrong for putting my hands on the woman that I loved” and that he was “sorry for that and always will be.” He repeated the apology in court, saying he did not take “the harm” he caused lightly.
Fine also appeared to respond to the ruling, resharing a message from May addressed to domestic abusers and survivors on his Instagram Stories, a quiet but pointed gesture following the verdict.
*If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women’s Action Society at 016-2374221 / 016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)
