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Pop star Kesha has voiced her support for Cassie Ventura following a partial guilty verdict in the federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. On Wednesday, July 2, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He had previously pleaded not guilty to all five federal charges.
Cassie Ventura, a singer and dancer who was in a relationship with Combs for over a decade, had accused him of subjecting her to a prolonged “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking” before their split in 2018. In response to the verdict, Kesha took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a direct message of solidarity:
Combs was convicted of transporting Cassie and another woman, identified only as “Jane,” for prostitution, but acquitted on charges that included sex trafficking and racketeering. After the verdict, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo petitioned for the hip-hop mogul’s release on a $1 million bond, citing his acquittal on the most severe counts. Prosecutors strongly opposed the move, arguing that Combs “poses a danger” and could violate court conditions if granted release. A final decision on his bond has not yet been announced.
Kesha has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of abuse. She previously removed Diddy’s name from her 2009 hit “Tik Tok” during live performances after Cassie publicly accused him of rape and sexual assault. In 2023, Kesha also settled her own high-profile legal battle with producer Dr. Luke, whom she accused of emotional and sexual abuse, a case that lasted nearly a decade.
Last year, she announced a personal 10-year plan to help dismantle the toxic systems within the music industry, vowing to protect and empower artists facing similar abuse. As reactions continue to pour in across the entertainment industry, Kesha’s public statement stands as one of the most high-profile displays of support for Ventura following the trial’s outcome.
