Sean Combsa hip-hop icon and founder of Bad Boy Records, is accused of rape and abuse in a landmark lawsuit filed by singer Cassiewho claims he used his influence to keep her “trapped” in an abusive relationship with him.

Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, she dated Combs for more than a decade. She alleges that during their relationship, Combs assaulted her multiple times — brutally beating and raping her — and controlled every aspect of her life, according to a New York Times article. Their relationship ended in 2018, according to the lawsuit.

In a statement to The Times, she said that after “years of silence and darkness”, she was “finally ready to tell her story and speak out to wake up other women who are facing violence and abuse in their relationships”.

A representative for Combs denied the claims, saying the claims are “offensive and outrageous” and came as the singer demanded $30 million from the mogul.

A lawyer for Ventura told The New York Times that she was “offered an eight-figure sum to silence her and prevent this lawsuit from being filed,” which she turned down.