Cassie Ventura revealed Friday that she is expecting a $10 million payout from InterContinental Hotels over the 2016 assault involving Sean “Diddy” Combs that was captured on surveillance footage.
During the fifth day of Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial, and Cassie’s fourth day on the stand, the singer was asked by the defense if she had any pending lawsuits. She responded that she did not, but later clarified she had filed a demand against InterContinental and had reached the final stages of a settlement that has not yet been paid.
Cassie, who previously reached a $20 million settlement with Combs in 2023, made it clear she has “no financial stake” in the outcome of the criminal trial. “I’m here to do the right thing,” she said Thursday. “I can’t carry this anymore.”
The revelation caught many by surprise. Several people in the courtroom’s overflow room audibly gasped when Cassie disclosed the hotel settlement, which prosecutors did not mention during direct questioning.
The 2016 footage, first published by CNN last year and now a centerpiece in the federal case, shows Combs wearing only a towel as he chases Cassie down a hallway, hits her repeatedly, and drags her by the hair. Prosecutors say the moment reflects the larger pattern of violence and control at the center of their case.
Cassie testified that the incident occurred during one of Combs’ alleged “freak offs”—drug-fueled sex parties she says she was forced to participate in. After trying to leave the hotel room with her belongings, she says Combs followed and assaulted her.
On Monday, former hotel security guard Israel Florez testified about the incident. He said he saw part of the assault, walked Combs back to his room, and asked Cassie if she wanted to involve police. She declined, saying, “I just want to leave.” Florez later recorded the security footage on his phone and shared it with hotel staff, none of whom reported it.
Defense attorneys have attempted to use Cassie’s past lawsuits to suggest she’s financially motivated. They also questioned whether she canceled her 2024 international tour due to receiving settlement money. Cassie dismissed the theory, saying she ended the tour to focus on her children and because the legal process was emotionally overwhelming.
When asked by the prosecution if she would return the $20 million to erase the trauma of participating in “freak offs,” Cassie broke down in tears.
“If I never had to have ‘freak offs,’ I would have agency and autonomy,” she said. “I wouldn’t have had to work so hard to get it back.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is ongoing.
