Century City, California — Newly released images reveal the extent of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s injuries after an alleged assault by Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2016. The evidence surfaced during Combs’ ongoing trial regarding charges of sex trafficking.
The images show Ventura with a swollen lip, which she documented in a selfie taken shortly after the incident at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel. During her testimony, Ventura, now 38, recounted the moments leading up to the violence. She had attempted to leave what she described as a “Freak-Off” event with Combs, fearing for her safety.
Ventura testified that after the altercation, she sent a text to Combs stating, “You are sick for thinking it’s OK to do what you’ve done. Please stay away from me,” while preparing for a significant event in her career. She characterized the assault as a culmination of escalating violence that ultimately compelled her to leave.
Her then-best friend, Kerry Morgan, contacted law enforcement, but Ventura opted not to file a report, prioritizing Combs’ interests over her own safety. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she felt a strong urge to protect him, reflecting a complex dynamic between them.
Recalling the moment she tried to escape, Ventura described being confronted by Combs in the hallway while he was only dressed in a towel. She testified about the severity of the attack, stating he physically assaulted her in an attempt to pull her back to their hotel room.
Their relationship, which lasted from 2007 to 2018, is marked by tumultuous episodes of alleged abuse. Ventura shared that the number of violent encounters she experienced at Combs’ hands is “too many to count.” This statement highlights the severity of the accusations and the profound impact on her life.
Last week, the courtroom was shown an unedited video of the incident, further shedding light on the abusive nature of their relationship. This follows the earlier release of a shorter clip, which had drawn significant public attention.
In November 2023, Ventura took legal action against Combs, filing a lawsuit that accused him of multiple instances of abuse and rape. According to her testimony, they reached a settlement of $20 million shortly thereafter.
Despite these allegations, Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and using coercion in connection with prostitution. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, drawing considerable media and public interest.