Sean (Diddy) Combs accused of rape, abuse by singer

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

Sean (Diddy)Combs, was accused in a lawsuit Thursday of subjecting R&B singer Cassie to a yearslong relationship that included beatings and rape.

Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, alleged in the lawsuit filed against the producer and music mogul in New York federal court that Combs brought her into his "ostentatious, fast-pacedand drug-fuelled lifestyle" not long after she met him and signed to his label when she was 19 and he was 37 in 2005.

Lawyer Ben Brafman said Combs "vehemently denies" the allegations.

Ventura, now 37 herself, said Combs, now 54, began the pattern of abuse soon after they met. The suit alleges he subjected her to beatings, gave her drugs, and forced her to have sex with other men while he masturbated and filmed them.

The suit allegesthat as she was trying to end the relationship in 2018,Combs forced his way into her home and raped her.

"After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships," Ventura said in a statement.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Ventura has.

Combs denies allegations via lawyer

Brafman called the allegations "lies."

"For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura's persistent demand of $30 million US, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail," he said in a statement.

"Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs's reputation and seeking a payday."

Ventura's lawyer Douglas Wigdor responded in a statement that Combs offered her "eight figures to silence her and prevent her fromfiling of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all woman who suffer in silence."

Combs is a three-time Grammy winner who is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades.

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through thisGovernment of Canada websiteor theEnding Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.