Cassie's Diddy trial testimony shows sexual assault survivors how to take power back | Opinion
Unlike other victims of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Cassie isn't anonymous. She's eight months pregnant and confronting her long-time abuser. She's facing defense attorneys – and speaking out for survivors.
In this first week of the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial the tabloids have, not surprisingly, fixated on the hip-hop mogul’s “freak off” parties and other salacious details of forced drug use, physical abuse and coerced sexual intercourse with male escorts directed and filmed by Combs for financial gain with the assistance of his security guards, driver, music manager and other business associates.
But as an attorney representing sexual assault victims in civil cases, I see a deeper and equally important story behind this shockingly raw testimony. I see a victim who bravely took the stand at eight months pregnant to recount her decade-long real-life nightmare in front of the entire world.
Imagine just for a moment standing in the shoes of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine, who dated Combs from 2007 until 2018. Other victims were able to proceed in his Manhattan federal criminal case without their identity revealed. But because of the surveillance video of her 2016 physical abuse by Combs in a Los Angeles hotel was made public last year, Ventura’s account of events was easily recognizable. So, in her words, she could no longer carry the “shame, the guilt” and wanted to “do the right thing.”
Ventura explained during day three of the criminal trial that the $20 million settlement Combs agreed to a day after she filed the civil suit was recourse she sought as compensation for the pain and gruesome time she spent attempting to rebuild her life following years of obscene abuse.
However, her testimony suggests that beyond the civil suit’s compensation, she felt a desire to address the abuse and its larger implications head on. This comes after concealing the horrors from her own mother for a significant amount of time out of concern for her mother’s safety and the effect her suffering would have on her family.
It is my suspicion that the ability to potentially assist in a criminal conviction is a form of relief that no dollar figure could bring her.
Cassie testimony shows what domestic violence, sexual abuse looks like
Naturally, every victim responds to sexual, physical and emotional abuse in their own way.
While some victims may choose to identify themselves for the purpose of sending a message to the perpetrator that they are not scared to hold them accountable, others may want to keep their abuse private so that they are not viewed or treated differently by family, friends, employers or other acquaintances. One victim may fear retaliation and another victim may fear having to face revictimization after their history becomes known to third parties. There is of course no right or wrong response other than whatever provides a victim the greatest solace.
After closely reviewing news coverage by reporters attending this week’s proceedings, it is my opinion that Ventura’s courtroom demeanor has only bolstered her credibility.
When she first entered the courtroom, Combs turned to look at her, but Ventura did not acknowledge him, keeping her focus and smiling at U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson. This first impression sent the message to Combs and the jury that she would not allow him to hold her back from conveying her truth. She showed she is committed to serving as a key witness to the prosecution’s sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution case.
Throughout her first day of harrowing testimony, Ventura maintained her composure using a tissue to blot her eyes and breathing heavily while sometimes taking pauses between questions. During her second day of direct examination, she was also composed with news outlets labeling her testimony “somber” at times.
She did wipe away tears in the afternoon after recounting her time alone with Combs after the freak offs and her early desire not to disappoint him. The cycle of emotion she exhibited is one that I often see as my clients come to terms with psychological abuse. There are moments of calm in many relationships that can make it particularly difficult to disclose sexual violence.
Cassie showed strength during difficult cross-examination
During cross examination, she was matter-of-fact, even as one of Combs’ seven defense team attorneys labeled her “very beautiful and charming.” She powered through questions regarding affectionate emails and texts, a step likely taken by the defense to argue the relationship was consensual.
She took her time to read and familiarize herself with the text messages before being questioned about them. When particularly explicit text messages were displayed, she asked for a break, potentially to prepare herself for the most difficult part of the cross examination. I believe this was her way of not fully exposing the breadth of her trauma so that she’s not seen as overly emotional in a world where gender stereotyping is common. At the same time, the touches of emotion she exhibited through an otherwise stalwart demeanor humanizes her to the jury and reminds them that there is a roller coaster of emotions survivors experience.
After her time on the stand in the same room as Diddy for the first time in six years, I hope Cassie Ventura knows that I, like countless others, see her.
She is a hero for facing what could easily have become her kryptonite. She is a role model to her two young daughters and her baby on the way. Some are trying to paint her as motivated by financial gain. Yet, she is vulnerable enough to share that there were times when memories of the pains she endured were so great she contemplated taking her own life.
No amount of money can give her back the decade she spent in an abusive relationship founded on fear, control and manipulation. But the power imbalance she struggled through is evening out. And now, thanks to her, I am sure others will come forward in the face of victim-shaming to do what they also feel is right.
Marni Berger is a partner at the Anapol Weiss law firm in Philadelphia. She specializes in the representation of victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.