US musician and producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been accused of rape and years of physical abuse as part of a lawsuit filed by his former partner, R&B singer Cassie.
Combs, who was sued in a New York federal court on Thursday, has "vehemently" denied the allegations.
Cassie, 37, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, who rose to fame for her song "Me & U", which was released while she was signed to Combs’ record label.
She said in a statement: "After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.
"With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life."
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