Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s lawyer has responded to the bombshell verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, where he was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution but dodged the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
In a statement shared with Variety, Ventura’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, commended his client for showing strength in her testimony and coming forward with accusations that inevitably led to the federal case.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” says Wigdor. “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Ventura initially set off a wave of legal issues for Combs when she filed a suit alleging rape in Nov. 2023. Though a settlement came the next day, she later became a key witness in his federal trial, giving an intense four-day testimony where she alleged that he routinely assaulted and psychologically abused her. Photos were shown of injuries she sustained during her 11-year relationship with Combs, and videos of their “freak-offs” were played for the jury.
One of the key pieces of evidence in Combs’ trial was a 2016 surveillance video that depicted Combs brutally assaulting her in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles. Combs’ attorneys called his behavior in the video “inexcusable” and said, “We own the domestic violence.”
Combs is awaiting sentencing on the two transportation charges, each of which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.
From Variety US
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