Cassie Ventura’s Lawyers React to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Sentencing

Cassie Ventura is moving forward.

Following Sean “Diddy” Combs‘s sentencing to 50 months in prison on October 3rd for two charges related to transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, his former partner responded to the decision made by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. The response was delivered through a statement released by her legal team.

According to a statement from her lawyers, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog, to NBC News, “Although the harm caused by Combs cannot be undone, the sentence he received today acknowledges the severity of his crimes.”

According to her legal team, Ventura-who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018-is still working through what happened.

They also expressed confidence that, with the help of her loved ones, Ms. Ventura will keep getting better, understanding that her courage and strength have motivated countless people.

On top of serving more than four years in prison, Combs was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $500,000 fine.

Before learning his punishment, Combs-who was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering during his federal trial-apologized for “all of the hurt and pain” he caused through his “conduct” in a letter to Judge Subramanian.

“I lost my direction,” he wrote in the Oct. 2 document obtained by NBC News. “I became lost while pursuing my goals, overwhelmed by substance use and indulgence. My problems stemmed from putting myself first. I’ve been deeply humbled and feel completely broken.”

The 55-year-old-after his request to be found not guilty on both counts and to have a new trial was rejected-also spoke about the 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway.

He wrote that the memory of him hurting Cassie keeps replaying in his mind every day. “I completely lost control,” he explained. “It was absolutely wrong of me to hurt the woman I loved. I am, and always will be, sorry for what I did.”

He went on to say that the abuse he committed would always be a difficult weight for him to bear. He spoke of the deep remorse, sorrow, regret, disappointment, and shame he felt. He admitted he truly pitied himself for something he wouldn’t have forgiven in another person – harming one of his daughters. He explained that this is the core reason why he struggles to forgive himself. It’s a constant struggle.

Oh my gosh, you guys, listening to Combs speak to the judge just wrecked me! He was begging for just one more chance-a chance to finally be the dad his kids deserve, a chance to make his family proud as a son, a chance to actually step up and be a real leader where he’s from, and honestly? A chance to just, like, live his best life. It was so raw and emotional, I seriously almost cried. He just wants to be better, you know?

Ventura-who played a crucial role as a witness for the side bringing the charges against the Bad Boy Records founder-has repeatedly stated her desire to see her former partner remain imprisoned.

The lawyer for the singer of “Me & U” actually sent a letter to Judge Subramanian before Combs’ bail hearing-which was ultimately not granted-arguing against him being released on bail.

According to an email obtained by MSNBC, Ms. Ventura fears Mr. Combs could be a threat to those who gave testimony in the case-including herself-and to the wider community.

For a closer look at Combs’ legal battle, keep reading.

At the hearing on Oct. 3, 2025, the judge gave him a sentence of 50 months in prison-which is more than four years-along with five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.

The musician addressed the court for the first time during his sentencing on October 3rd, offering an apology to the victims, Cassie Ventura and “Jane.”

Combs stated that the experience of domestic violence would be something he would live with forever. He described his behavior as disgusting, shameful, and sick, admitting he was unwell due to drug use, out of control, and in need of assistance that he didn’t receive. He emphasized that he offered no excuse for his actions.

He went on to share how the case has impacted him.

“I’m just a person who made mistakes and did the best I could, but I got caught up in things and let my pride take over,” he explained. “As a result of my choices, I lost my liberty and the chance to be a parent to my kids and support my mother. I lost everything I had built – my companies, my job – and ruined what people thought of me. But more than anything, I lost my own self-worth. This has completely broken me and made me realize how much I messed up. I truly dislike who I am at this moment. I feel like I’ve been reduced to absolutely nothing.”

In July, Judge Arun Subramanian set Combs’ sentencing date for October 3, 2025. The judge rejected Combs’ request for release on bail before the sentencing, explaining that the rapper had a “years-long pattern of violence” and should remain in jail.

Following the trial, where Combs was acquitted of charges of racketeering and sex trafficking involving both Cassie and another woman known as “Jane,” but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, the singer’s attorney responded to the verdicts.

The legal proceedings began when our client, Cassie Ventura, bravely filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023,” Douglas Wigdor stated in a July 2nd announcement to TopMob News. “Even though the jury didn’t find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie with enough evidence, her actions allowed them to convict him of transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution. By sharing her story, Cassie has made a lasting impact on the entertainment world and the pursuit of justice.

Acknowledging the charges – to which Combs entered a plea of not guilty – Wigdor stated, “We need to emphasize, without any doubt, that we stand with and believe our client, who demonstrated remarkable bravery during the entire legal process.”

Wigdor also commended Ventura, who testified as one of 34 witnesses during Combs’ 29-day trial, for her contributions.

He went on to say that she demonstrated incredible strength and highlighted the problematic behavior of influential men, as well as the decades of misconduct that have gone unpunished. He stated this case clearly showed that significant change is needed, and they will keep advocating for those who have survived.

Oh my gosh, when they announced he was acquitted on three of the five charges… I was in the courtroom with NBC News and I *saw* it! He just… he went right down to his knees. He put his head down in the chair, like he was praying. It was so emotional! If he’d been convicted on everything, he could have gotten life in prison, you guys! It was such a relief to witness, honestly. I’ve been a fan forever, and seeing him get some good news like that… I almost cried! It was a truly powerful moment.

According to reports, members of Combs’ family were in the courtroom, applauding and celebrating the outcome for the music executive. The lawyers representing Combs embraced one another, and Combs himself hugged attorney Brian Steel.

On July 2nd, the 12 jurors reached a decision in the sex trafficking trial of Combs, delivering verdicts on the five federal charges he was facing. After three days of discussion, the jury found him guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, involving both a former girlfriend, Ventura, and another woman known only as “Jane.”

Sean Combs-who maintained his innocence regarding all accusations-was acquitted of one charge of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking.

The jury informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge – they had differing opinions that couldn’t be resolved – the day before they were set to deliver their final decisions. Judge Subramanian spoke to the jurors, urging them to keep discussing the case. They ultimately reached a verdict just hours after resuming deliberations the following day.

The prosecutor, Christy Slavik, addressed the jury for four hours and fifty minutes, claiming that Sean “Diddy” Combs consistently relied on intimidation, force, and control to achieve his goals.

“He refuses to accept ‘no’ as a response,” she explained. “He considered it his domain, and everyone present was there to cater to his needs.”

Slavik highlighted two instances of alleged violence by Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016, and a separate alleged assault in 2024 involving his then-girlfriend, who is being referred to as “Jane” throughout the trial.

She explained, “Although these two events happened eight years apart, they are connected.” She continued, “Think of them as parts of a larger narrative – the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he oversaw, comprised of people close to him.”

She went on to say that the criminal group consistently fulfilled the defendant’s wishes by using a deliberate cycle of violence, intimidation, and control. The defendant believed that keeping people quiet and feeling ashamed would conceal his offenses. He felt his celebrity, money, and influence meant he was exempt from the law.

Slavik contended that during the trial, Combs benefited from a dedicated team of employees. She characterized them as a “small army of personal staff” whose primary focus was fulfilling Combs’ every need, bolstering his influence, and safeguarding his image no matter the expense.”

The prosecutors filed a document with the court asking for permission to change some details of their arguments regarding the attempted arson and kidnapping charges. They wanted to revise their original theories about how these crimes were committed. This filing was a formal request to update their case.

Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking-including accusations of kidnapping and arson-prosecutors stated in a letter dated June 24th that they had removed portions of the charges. Specifically, they dropped instructions related to attempted kidnapping under the laws of both California and New York, attempted arson under California law, and assisting in sex trafficking.

The government also stated it hopes that making the language simpler will not only make the instructions easier to follow, but also avoid any potential misunderstanding.

Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.

The judge made it clear that no matter what the rap mogul chose to do, “no one – not even the jury – could assume he was guilty just because he didn’t take the stand.”

Combs stated he had discussed with his team the possibility of not testifying, but stressed that the ultimate decision to do so was entirely his own.

“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “It’s entirely my call; I’m the one making it.”

According to Teny Garagos, Combs’ lawyer, both the defense and the prosecution anticipate needing “at least four hours” apiece to deliver their closing statements to the judge.

As a dedicated follower of this case, it was impactful to see Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello finish his testimony on June 24th. Now, the defense gets their turn to present their side. I understand from Combs’ team that they won’t be calling any witnesses to the stand. Instead, they’re planning to build their argument based on the evidence that’s already been presented in court.

During Ceriello’s testimony on June 23rd, the jury saw explicit videos. NBC News reporters present in the courtroom stated these videos seemed to be from Combs’ private parties-referred to as “freak offs”-and were formally presented as evidence.

The special agent reported finding 50 explicit videos dating from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of them-using headphones and screens to do so.

In voicemails to his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram that were played on June 23, Combs outlined a number of requests he had while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These requests included replenishing his supply of baby oil, which he said he often used when he became upset-referring to these times as “freak offs.”

He told Khorram, “Have them call me before they start driving.” Then, seemingly surprised to be out, he added, “I can’t believe I’m out. I put 20 bottles in this motherfker.”

In addition to extending her hotel stay by one day, Khorram responded, “OK. The baby oil is right outside the door.”

According to text messages, his previous employee messaged him saying she was getting an IV drip ready for him and Jane. He had used this as part of at least one recovery after a competitive event-referred to as a “freak off”-according to the messages.

She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.

The jury saw a collection of text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura. In these messages, the singer of “Long Way 2 Go” openly described how the alleged abuse was affecting her.

In March 2017, after Combs inquired if Ventura-with whom he had an on-again, off-again relationship from 2007 to 2018-wanted to pause things, she responded, “No. I simply don’t want to be criticized or diminished for standing up for myself, ever. Your actions make me feel insignificant and unimportant.”

In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her.

I offered you my love, but the moment I looked away, and you messed up, you physically pulled me around by my hair. I was 30 years old at the time,” Ventura wrote to him that May. “This isn’t a game anymore. Last night, I felt completely lifeless, and it was as if I was watching it happen to someone else because the memory of my happiness was so strong.”

Sean Combs’s former assistant, Brendan Paul-who worked for him from 2022 to 2024-testified that he bought drugs for Combs several times. These drugs included “Marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy.”

Paul explained that they would contact the drug dealer by text, and the dealer would then come to one of their homes. He also remembered being fired on several occasions for different reasons, including once for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack. He said he initially met the dealer through texts or phone calls.

However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.

Judge Subramanian ended the court session for the day on June 18 because one of the jurors was unable to return due to sickness. (The court will also be closed on June 19 for Juneteenth.)

The judge stated, “We have a juror who is ill and unable to attend today. They experienced dizziness and had to return home. Their partner informed us of the situation. Because this juror is a member of the main jury, it seems we will be unable to continue with the trial today.”

The judge pointed out that it’s not yet known if the juror’s sudden vertigo-causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches, among other effects-will be short-lived or a continuing problem, but stated they would “monitor the situation.”

Since the court is closed on June 19 for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian stated that the trial will continue on June 20 with a shorter day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Just after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistent statements about where he lives, another juror is potentially facing removal. This is because of an alleged inappropriate discussion about the case with a previous coworker. The juror was questioned by the judge and, according to NBC News, turned over his phone for review.

By the close of the court session on June 16, a decision regarding the member’s dismissal hadn’t been reached.

Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. The “Stronger” rapper was at the courthouse for about half an hour, quickly stopping by the waiting area but didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom is mainly for Combs’ family and lawyers, and also for members of the press and people who have been waiting in line for hours to get a seat.

Jane remembered a disagreement that happened after she took a trip to Las Vegas with another rapper and his wife.

She stated that this resulted in secretly watching sexual activity after she contacted Anton, a sex worker she and Combs frequently employed. During the trip, a group of individuals observed him engaging in sexual acts with a woman in a hotel room.

Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry because he believed she had gone to a sexually suggestive gathering with another man. He used the phrase “freak off” to describe the event.

During the 21st day of the Combs trial, Maurene Comey, a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told the court that her team wants to dismiss one of the twelve jurors.

“We really didn’t want to submit this letter,” she explained to Judge Subramanian just before the jury came into the New York City courtroom. “It seemed dishonest to the court, and that’s a major concern for us.”

Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro-noting that Juror No. 6 is one of the Black jurors-requested a day or two to submit a written response and review relevant legal precedents.

In reply, Judge Subramanian stated he would “put off deciding how to deal with practical matters” regarding the juror until a ruling is reached.

On June 10th, Jane and Garagos had a difficult conversation where Garagos implied the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts.

Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 exchanged between Jane and Combs. The messages revealed the witness was distressed to learn that Combs was having sexual relations with other women. According to the texts, she questioned Combs about whether he had given one of these women “a Chanel bag” after they had sex.

Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”

When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”

And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”

Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.

Jane stated that in approximately 2022, after researching her relationship with Combs, she came to believe he fit the definition of a “cuckhold”-someone who derives enjoyment from witnessing their partner’s sexual encounters with another person.

“It helped me understand things better,” she explained, describing her motivation for the research. “I was really trying to thoroughly investigate all the reasons why they enjoyed watching their partner with other men.”

The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in “hotel nights”-experiences very similar to Ventura’s “freak offs”-might stem from him exploring his own sexuality.

She testified that some individuals might have genuine curiosities they feel too embarrassed to explore personally, and therefore use a woman as a proxy to investigate those curiosities without participating directly. They essentially live vicariously through her experiences, avoiding direct involvement themselves. This allows them to satisfy their curiosity without facing any perceived shame or risk.

Jane stated that she gave Paul-an escort she and Combs hired several times-the nickname “Trifecta.” She explained that she compared their intimate relationship to the winning performance of famous basketball players.

“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”

She said Paul was “really nice,” and mentioned that if she “had to” engage with escorts, she appreciated that “at least it was with someone with a warm energy.”

Jane stated that Combs’ relationship with Khorram caused problems in her romantic involvement with the music executive. She described it as a “point of contention” during their time together.

As a relationship expert, I’ve seen this dynamic play out many times. Jane shared with me that Khorram was always with her partner, Sean. She explained it created a real strain on their connection. Honestly, she felt Khorram had strong feelings towards her, and that definitely impacted how Sean behaved towards Jane. It’s a tricky situation when outside feelings complicate a relationship, and it sounds like that’s exactly what happened here.

On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request for a mistrial from Combs’ lawyers. They had claimed that Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan weren’t truthful about Bongolan being threatened with being dropped from the 17th-floor balcony by the rapper.

His legal team, who had previously asked the judge to declare a mistrial-a request that was also turned down-claimed in their latest filing that the prosecution acted with “misconduct” by presenting what they called “perjured testimony.”

The letter states, “In this case, the government presented evidence they knew, or should have known, was false. This evidence concerned their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016.” The letter argues that to prevent an unjust conviction, the court should declare a mistrial.

Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.

Oh my god, you won’t *believe* what I heard in court! Apparently, Jane said things got *so* heated with Combs because he was seen with someone, like, 25 years younger than him. She claims it all blew up and she ended up calling him a “pedophile” – can you even *imagine*?! – and then, get this, she actually pushed his head into a marble kitchen counter! It’s just… shocking. I’ve followed this case so closely, and this detail is insane!

The witness stated she hid in the main bedroom, and Sean Combs began trying to force the door open. (Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence.) She claimed that while attempting to escape, the Bad Boy Records founder kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.

She told the prosecution that he pinned her to the ground in a chokehold, lifting her up until she struggled to breathe and was forced to stand on her tiptoes. She said she was simply trying to break free from his hold.

Jane stated she quickly left the house and concealed herself behind an outside wall for about two hours, waiting for him to go away, but he remained. She further explained that they then went back to his house, and she huddled in the backyard, trying to shield herself while Combs supposedly assaulted her.

Jane testified that the fight got worse after Combs supposedly hit her in return. “He began punching my head,” she explained to the court. “He then started kicking me, and kept yelling and punching repeatedly.”

She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.”

Oh my god, listening to her testimony just broke my heart. She said, ‘No, I’m not. Just leave me alone. Just leave. Please stop,’ and you could just *feel* her desperation. Then, she said he just… he just grabbed her, by her arm and her hair, and started *dragging* her back to the house… I can’t even imagine… by her hair, by her arm. It’s horrifying.

Following the reported attack, Jane stated she noticed “two welts about the size of golf balls” on her forehead, and she also had a black eye.

Jane stated that investigators with Homeland Security raided her home – which Sean Combs paid for in March 2023 – as well as several other properties owned by the music mogul. She explained that when agents arrived at her house, she immediately contacted Combs’ chief of security to inform him of what was happening.

Jane claimed that the powerful businessman threatened to make their intimate videos public and share them with the father of her child in December 2023.

As Jane and Combs’ relationship worsened, she stated he told her he had nothing to lose by making the videos public. She explained in court, “It was just constant, relentless phone calls.”

She sent a message to Khorram detailing what happened, and this message was submitted as evidence. In the text messages, Jane stated that Combs was threatening to release the video, and she claimed she was “heavily drugged” in it.

She also explained that she required “time away from” Combs as she worked to process the “all the trauma” he had inflicted.

Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.

During her testimony, Jane stated that certain aspects of Ventura’s lawsuit from November 2023-which was eventually resolved-were similar to what she herself went through with Combs.

“I nearly passed out, and I believe I actually did,” she shared with the jury, tears streaming down her face. “There were three particular pages that were deeply upsetting and directly related to what I was going through.”

Jane, who participated in the “hotel nights,” shared that it felt as though she was reading “her life story.” This prompted her to reach out to Combs through text messages.

After seeing the lawsuit filed by Ventura, one message really struck me – it felt incredibly personal. She wrote, and I’m sharing this because it highlights the emotional toll this has taken, “I feel like I am reading my own sexual trauma.” It was deeply upsetting for her, to the point where she said, “I am sick.” She described the details as being exactly the same as her own experiences – those drug-filled days and nights. She felt this was inevitable, and accused him of manipulation, saying, “You knew this was coming. You gaslit me, you made me go crazy.” It’s a powerful statement about the feeling of reliving something incredibly painful, and the sense of betrayal that comes with it. It’s a reminder of how damaging these situations can be.

“I’m deeply upset and felt pressured to engage in activity repeatedly,” the messages read. “You led me to question my own feelings regarding past sexual trauma, and I feel incredibly violated. What happened was sexual exploitation.”

Combs then called Jane and secretly recorded their conversation, which was later presented as evidence. During the call, he told her they “did these things together” and that this was the time he needed her “to be there.”

Jane, unaware she was being recorded, shared with Combs that she felt “sick” to her stomach after reviewing Ventura’s documents.

Jane stated that during her involvement in “Hotel Nights” with Combs and male escorts, she frequently used ecstasy. However, on one particular occasion, she chose to abstain from drugs while engaging in sexual activity with three men.

She testified that she had been with several men that night. She vomited, and then Sean came in and said, ‘You’ll feel better now. Let’s go outside.’

Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”

2025-10-04 00:55

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