Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura has once again found herself in the spotlight as Sean “Diddy” Combs faces sentencing in his federal trial on October 3, 2025. Just a day before the hearing, Diddy released a heartfelt apology letter addressed to Cassie, admitting his past wrongs and expressing remorse for the pain he caused during their long and turbulent relationship. The apology, which is now part of official court records, has reignited public conversation about Cassie’s past with the music mogul and her journey since stepping away from him.
Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura, 38, is a singer, dancer, model, and actress from New London, Connecticut. She rose to fame in the mid-2000s after being discovered by producer Ryan Leslie, who helped her release her breakout single “Me & U” in 2006. The track became a global hit, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and propelling her self-titled debut album to number four on the Billboard 200. Beyond her music, Cassie has established a thriving career in fashion and film. She has modelled for major brands such as Calvin Klein, Adidas, and ASOS, and appeared in films like Step Up 2: The Streets and The Perfect Match. In 2019, she married personal trainer Alex Fine, with whom she now shares three children. Today, Cassie lives a private life focused on her family and business ventures, far from the spotlight that once surrounded her high-profile relationship with Diddy.
Cassie met Diddy in 2005, shortly after launching her music career. Their relationship became public around 2007 and spanned more than a decade, ending in 2018. What appeared to be a glamorous partnership on the surface gradually revealed deeper issues behind closed doors. Cassie later opened up about enduring emotional and physical mistreatment, describing years marked by manipulation and fear. She said that breaking free from the relationship allowed her to reclaim her sense of self after what she described as long-term emotional trauma.
Cassie’s name re-entered headlines in 2024 when a resurfaced surveillance video from 2016 showed Diddy physically assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. The shocking footage sparked public outrage and became a key element in discussions surrounding Diddy’s trial. In her victim impact statement, submitted ahead of Diddy’s sentencing, Cassie expressed ongoing fear for her safety and the safety of others who had come forward. As reported by CNN, she wrote, “I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up.” Her testimony underscored the emotional toll of their relationship and the courage it took to speak publicly after years of silence.
Ahead of his sentencing, Diddy issued a written apology to the court and specifically addressed Cassie, admitting that his behaviour towards her was inexcusable. He confessed to being “dead wrong” for hurting someone he loved and said he carries the shame of his actions every day. In a particularly striking line from the letter, Diddy reflected on his role as a father, writing, “If anyone ever treated my daughters the way I treated Cassie, I would never forgive them.” According to NBC, the letter was both a plea for forgiveness and an acknowledgment of accountability as the rapper faces the possibility of spending over a decade in prison.
With the trial’s conclusion approaching, the world now waits to see whether Cassie will respond publicly to Diddy’s apology or continue to protect her peace and privacy as she has since stepping away from the relationship.