Cassie Ventura’s lawyer is acknowledging his client’s impact following the verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex crimes case.
Though Combs was acquitted of the most serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges, attorney Douglas H. Wigdor recognized Ventura for bravely opening the door for other victims to come forward in a statement given to the press on Wednesday.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” he wrote in a statement published by Newsweek. “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.”
Diddy was found guilty of two lesser prostitution charges and still faces up to 20 years in prison for those crimes.
Wigdor said Ventura’s decision to confront her abuser in court still helped provide justice for victims previously intimidated to call out powerful men in the entertainment world.
The statement continued, “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat — with no reservation — that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.”
“She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion,” Wigdor went on. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
The singer first went public with her allegations in November 2023, accusing her ex-boyfriend of rape, coercion and years of physical abuse in a civil suit.