Cassie shares emotional statement following the conclusion of her testimony against Diddy
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing
Cassie Ventura has spoken out after completing her testimony and spending time being questioned by both the prosecution and defence on the witness stand at Diddy's trial.
She has spoken about many things, including the 'freak offs' that her former partner Sean 'Diddy' Combs held and the abuse she alleges Combs targeted her with.
The courtroom has been shown text messages between the pair and heard Ventura speak on several incidents, while the defence had their chance to speak to her as well.
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Diddy's trial is expected to continue for several more weeks and there will be many other witnesses called before the jury deliberates and a verdict is passed.
If found guilty Combs could end up spending the rest of his life in prison.
After the end of her testimony, Cassie Ventura released an emotional statement reflecting on her time in the courtroom and the incidents she was called upon to speak about.
She said: "This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me.
"I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear.
"For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget."
Also present in the courtroom was Alex Fine, Ventura's husband, who released a statement of his own showing support for his wife and paying tribute to her 'strength and bravery'.
"Over the past five days, the world has gotten to witness the strength and bravery of my wife, freeing herself of her past," Fine said in his statement.
"There has been speculation online surrounding how it must feel for me to sit there and listen to my wife’s testimony. I have felt so many things sitting there. I have felt tremendous pride and overwhelming love for Cass.
"I have felt profound anger that she has been subjected to sitting in front of a person who tried to break her. So, to him and all of those who helped him along the way, please know this: You did not."
Ventura has had to give detailed testimony about several events that would be very difficult to speak about, including an incident in a hotel in 2016 where video footage showed her being assaulted by Combs.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, if you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Topics: Cassie Ventura, Diddy, Crime, Celebrity, US News
Joe Harker