Cassie is making it clear that her next chapter is not based in the United States. In a new Cassie court declaration obtained by TMZ, the singer says she now lives abroad and does not plan to return, adding another sharp twist to the legal fallout connected to Diddy and male escort Clayton Howard.
According to TMZ, the declaration is dated May 1, 2026, and was filed in Cassie’s ongoing lawsuit involving Howard, who sued both Cassie and Diddy in California. In the filing, Cassie states, “I reside outside of the United States. I do not intend to move back to the United States.”
That one sentence shifts the whole conversation. Cassie, who was pregnant and living in New York last summer when she testified in Diddy’s federal criminal trial, also pushed back on any California residency angle. Her declaration says, “I am a citizen of the United States. I am not a resident of the State of California.”
TMZ reports Cassie did not disclose where she is currently living. However, she reportedly argued that New York would be an easier location for court appearances and legal proceedings because her attorneys are based there, rather than California.
Meanwhile, the lawsuit itself remains messy. Howard previously claimed Diddy and Cassie hired him for “freak-offs” and alleged the encounters left him with an STD. He also claimed he got Cassie pregnant and that she had an abortion. Howard was reportedly one of seven escorts who worked with prosecutors during Diddy’s criminal case, according to TMZ.
However, Cassie’s latest response adds another layer. TMZ reports that Cassie included an alleged 2023 message Howard sent to her husband, Alex Fine, after she publicly came forward with her allegations against Diddy.
The alleged message read, “I know your wife’s truth is 100% valid as I’m sure you did as well, I would have come forward and I’m glad she got some form of Justice.!”
The alleged text continues, “A lot of what I saw really bothered me and because homie was f**ked up. But I knew she was in love and wouldn’t leave despite being beaten up and punch in the chest in hotel rooms, choked and forced into s**t I don’t wanna embarrass anyone with, I’m dam happy you saved her. … I’m glad she got something probably not near what she deserves.”
That alleged message is now sitting right in the middle of a case where Howard is accusing Cassie and Diddy of abuse, while Cassie is pointing to his own words as part of her defense.
TMZ previously reported that Cassie received a $20 million settlement from Diddy after suing him over alleged abuse. The outlet also reported she received roughly $10 million from the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, where Diddy was caught on camera attacking her in a hotel hallway.
So now, the focus is not just what happened in the past. It is where the legal battle goes next, especially with Cassie saying she is no longer living in the U.S. and has no plans to move back.
