Cassie Ventura Resides Abroad After $20 Million Settlement with Sean “Diddy” Combs

Singer-songwriter Cassie Ventura filed a sworn declaration on May 1 2026 stating that she now lives outside the United States and has no intention of returning. The declaration was submitted in connection with a California lawsuit filed by male escort Clayton Howard, which also names Diddy (Sean Combs) as a defendant.

Complex

In 2025 Cassie reached a $20 million settlement with Sean Combs following her public accusations of abuse. The settlement concluded the civil component of her claims, but related criminal proceedings continued. During the summer preceding the May 2026 filing, Cassie testified in a federal criminal trial against Diddy, while residing in New York and pregnant. Concurrently, Howard, one of seven escorts who cooperated with prosecutors in Diddy’s case, filed a separate civil suit alleging that he was hired for “freak-offs,” contracted an STD, and was forced into an abortion after a pregnancy with Cassie.

TMZ

• Cassie Ventura – U.S. citizen, plaintiff in the Howard lawsuit, former settlement recipient.

Complex

• Sean “Diddy” Combs – Defendant in both the settlement and Howard’s suit.

Complex

• Clayton Howard – Male escort, plaintiff in the California suit, former cooperating witness.

Complex

• Alex Fine – Cassie’s husband, recipient of an alleged supportive text from Howard.

TMZ

• Federal prosecutors – Oversaw the criminal case against Diddy, employed seven escorts as witnesses.

TMZ

• 2025 (summer) – Cassie testifies in Diddy’s federal criminal trial while living in New York.

TMZ

• 2025 – Settlement reached: Diddy pays Cassie $20 million.

TMZ

• May 1 2026 – Cassie files a declaration stating she resides outside the United States and prefers New York for future court appearances.

TMZ

• May 2026 – Howard’s civil suit against Cassie and Diddy proceeds in California.

TMZ

• Settlement amount: $20 million paid by Diddy to Cassie.

TMZ

• Number of escorts cooperating with prosecutors in Diddy’s criminal case: seven.

Complex

Cassie’s May 2026 declaration emphasizes her U.S. citizenship while clarifying that she is not a resident of California and does not plan to relocate back to the United States. She notes that New York is a more convenient venue for attending legal proceedings, given the location of her counsel.

Complex

Howard alleges that Cassie and Diddy hired him for “freak-offs,” that he contracted an STD during the engagements, and that a pregnancy resulting from those encounters ended in an abortion. He further claims physical and psychological injury from what he describes as sexual abuse. These allegations form the substantive basis of his civil complaint.

TMZ

The precise country or city where Cassie currently resides has not been disclosed. Media reports confirm she lives abroad but provide no further geographic detail, leaving her exact location unverified.

TMZ

• “I reside outside of the United States. I do not intend to move back to the United States.” — Cassie Ventura, court declaration

TMZ

• “I am a citizen of the United States. I am not a resident of the State of California.” — Cassie Ventura, court declaration

TMZ

• “I know your wife's truth is 100% valid as I'm sure you did as well, I would have come forward and I'm glad she got some form of Justice.!” — Clayton Howard, alleged text to Alex Fine

TMZ

• “A lot of what I saw really bothered me and because homie was f***ed up. But I knew she was in love and wouldn't leave despite being beaten up and punch in the chest in hotel rooms, choked and forced into shit I don't wanna embarrass anyone with, I'm dam happy you saved her. ... I'm glad she got something probably not near what she deserves.” — Clayton Howard, alleged text to Alex Fine

TMZ

Cassie’s legal team is expected to file motions in New York courts to address Howard’s claims. Howard’s suit will proceed in California, where jurisdictional arguments may arise given Cassie’s foreign residence. Parallel criminal proceedings against Diddy continue under federal jurisdiction, potentially influencing the civil disputes.

TMZ