This post contains discussion of physical abuse and sexual assault.
In case you missed it, Diddy’s federal sex trafficking trial began in New York earlier this week. If you want a full catch-up of what took place in the first week of the trial, you can go right here.
One person who testified in the trial this week was Diddy’s ex-partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, whose 2023 lawsuit against the disgraced music mogul brought forth a wave of allegations — and, eventually, criminal charges — against him.
According to The New York Times, Cassie — who testified for two days straight while eight and a half months pregnant — choked back tears as she described several traumatic instances during her time dating Combs. You can read the details of her testimony here.
Cassie has also been married to personal trainer Alex Fine since 2019. Following the conclusion of her testimony, Cassie and Alex both issued statements through her lawyer Douglas Wigdor (via USA Today).
“This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me,” Cassie’s statement read. “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 the abuse and fear.”
“For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget. I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and I’m grateful for all the kindness and encouragement that I have received. I’m 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.”
“Over the past five days, the world has gotten to witness the strength and bravery of my wife, freeing herself of her past,” Alex’s statement read. “There has been speculation online surrounding how it must feel for me to sit there and listen to my wife’s testimony. I have felt so many things sitting there. I have felt tremendous pride and overwhelming love for Cass. I have felt profound anger that she has been subjected to sitting in front of a person who tried to break her.”
“So, to him and all of those who helped him along the way, please know this: You did not. You did not break her spirit nor her smile that lights up every room. You did not break the souls of a mother who gives the best hugs and plays the silliest games with our little girls. You did not break the woman who has made me a better man.”
“I did not save Cassie, as some have said,” Alex added. “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. She did the work of fighting the demons that only a demon himself could have done to her. All I have done is love her as she has loved me.”
“Her life is now surrounded by love, laughter, and our family. This horrific chapter is forever put behind us, and we will not be making additional statements,” he concluded. “We appreciate all of the love and support we have received, and we ask that you respect our privacy as we welcome our son into a world that is now safer because of his mom.”
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.