July 28, 2025 • 34 mins
We unveil the explosive federal case against Sean “Diddy”Combs, exposing decades of alleged abuse, industry silence, and the Black women who refused to stay silent. From Cassie Ventura’s leaked video to secret celebrity parties, discover how power and profit let predators thrive—and why this verdict changes everything.
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Episode Transcript
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No tears for black girls when they disappear.
No tears for black girls like they were never here.
But we remember. We'll speak their names.
Welcome back to No Tears for Black Girls, the podcast that
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investigates the forgotten casesof missing and murdered Black
women systematically overlooked by mainstream media and law
enforcement. I'm your guest host today, NIA
Davis from the YouTube channel That's Hot, sitting in for our
incredible host, Samantha Paul. For those who are new to this
space, No Tears for Black Girls isn't just another true crime
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podcast. This is a movement.
This is where we shine a spotlight on the stories that
deserved headlines but never received them.
From domestic violence survivorsto trafficking victims, we
examine the institutional barriers that silence Black
women's tragedies. Now, you might be wondering why
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I'm here today talking about Sean Diddy Combs when this
podcast typically focuses on missing and murdered Black
women. But here's the thing.
This case is about Black women. It's about Cassie, Ventura,
Dawn, Richard, and the countlessother Black women whose voices
were silenced by power, money and influence.
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Today's episode is different because we're not just talking
about women who've been forgotten by the system.
We're talking about women who were allegedly systematically
abused by one of the most powerful men in our community
and that intersection of power, race and gender based violence.
That's exactly what this podcastwas created to address.
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So buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the
scandal that's got Hollywood shaking, the music industry
trembling, and social media absolutely losing its mind.
This isn't just celebrity gossip.
This is a federal case with moretwists than a soap opera and
more evidence than ACSI episode.We're talking about Sean Diddy
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Combs, the man who built an empire worth nearly a billion
dollars, only to watch it crumble faster than a House of
Cards in a hurricane. But more importantly, we're
talking about the Black women who found the courage to speak
truth to power despite knowing the cost.
And y'all, as a Black woman in media myself, I understand the
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unique challenges these women face.
When you're going up against someone with Ditty's level of
power and influence, you're not just fighting one man, you're
fighting an entire system designed to protect him and
silence you. So today, we're going to center
their voices. We're going to examine how the
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entertainment industry's power structures enabled alleged
decades of abuse, and we're going to connect this case to
the broader patterns of violenceagainst Black women that this
podcast has been documenting since day one.
Because at the end of the day, whether we're talking about a
missing woman in Atlanta whose case got buried or a famous
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singer trapped in an abusive relationship with a mogul, the
common thread is the same. Black women's pain is often
invisible. Their voices are often silenced
and their stories are often forgotten.
But not today. Not on this platform.
Today we remember. Today we listen.
Today we demand accountability. So grab your notebooks, cancel
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your plans, and prepare yourselffor a deep dive into power,
predation, and the price of silence.
This is Empire of Shadows, the Sean Diddy Combs investigation,
and we're about to spill all thetea while keeping our focus
where it belongs, on the survival.
Let's start from the beginning because every empire has an
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origin story, and understanding how Sean Combs built his power
is crucial to understanding how he allegedly used it to harm
black women. Sean John, Combs, Puff Daddy P
Diddy Just Diddy. Whatever he was calling himself
that week started as an intern at Uptown Records and Honey,
this man had vision. He wasn't just trying to make
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music, he was trying to build a multimedia empire that would
make him untouchable. And in many ways, he succeeded.
Bad Boy Entertainment launched the careers of Biggie, Faith
Evans 112 and so many others. The Sean John clothing line
brought hip hop fashion to the mainstream.
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That Ciroc partnership had him making more money than some
small countries. Now, I want to be clear, as
Black people, we celebrated Diddy's success.
We were proud to see a black manbuild an empire, create
opportunities and change the culture.
But what we're learning now is that behind that success, behind
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those white parties in the Hamptons and those inspirational
speeches about black excellence,there was allegedly something
much darker happening. Because while Diddy was building
this public empire of success and glamour, federal prosecutors
now say he was running somethingelse entirely behind the scenes.
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According to the feds. And we're talking about the
federal government here, not some gossip blog.
Diddy allegedly used his legitimate businesses as a front
for what they're calling a criminal enterprise.
A criminal enterprise, y'all? They're saying Bad Boy
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Entertainment wasn't just a record label.
It was allegedly the headquarters for decades of
abuse, trafficking and intimidation.
And the primary victims? Black women who trusted him with
their dreams, their careers and their lives.
This is where the story gets really dark.
Because we're not just talking about a rich man's weird habits.
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We're talking about alleged systematic abuse that
prosecutors say went on for decades, with Black women
bearing the brunt of the violence and exploitation.
And this is exactly why No Tearsfor Black Girls exists.
Because when Black women are harmed, even by powerful black
men, their stories often get buried under narratives about
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bringing down successful Black men or airing dirty laundry.
But we're not here for that. We're here for the truth.
And the truth is that Black women deserve protection, even
from, especially from the most powerful people in our
community. Now, before we dive into the
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salacious details that have everyone talking, we need to do
what mainstream media often fails to do.
Center the voices that matter most.
The Black women who found the courage to speak truth to power,
knowing full well the cost they would pay.
Let's start with Cassandra. Cassie Ventura.
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Y'all remember Cassie? Me and you, That ethereal voice,
that stunning beauty. She was just 19 when Diddy
discovered her 19 years old withdreams of stardom.
And according to her lawsuit, what she got instead was a
decade long nightmare that readslike a horror movie script.
November 2023, Cassie filed a federal lawsuit that changed
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everything. She alleged that Diddy
physically abused her, forced her into sexual encounters with
male prostitutes while he watched and recorded and
controlled every aspect of her life for 10 years. 10 years of
her life, y'all her 20's. The time when she should have
been building her career, finding herself living her
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dreams. The lawsuit described something
called freak offs, and I'm goingto keep this as appropriate as
possible while still honoring Cassie's truth.
Essentially, she alleged that Diddy Wood forest her to have
sex with male escorts while he directed and recorded everything
for days at a time with drugs and alcohol to keep everyone
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compliant. But here's what really gets to
me and what connects this to every story we tell.
On No Tears For Black Girls, Cassie said she stayed silent
for years because she was financially dependent on him,
her career was in his hands, andshe was genuinely afraid.
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Can you imagine being trapped like that?
Having your dreams, your livelihood, your very safety
held hostage by your abuser. And then in May 2024, CNN leaked
surveillance footage from 2016 that validated everything Cassie
had been saying. Y'all?
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I watched that video of Diddy chasing Cassie down a hotel
hallway in just a towel, throwing her to the ground,
kicking her repeatedly and dragging her by her hair.
It was absolutely sickening. This is the pattern we see over
and over again on this podcast. Black women telling their truth,
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being called liars, and then evidence emerging that proves
they were right all along. How many times do we have to
watch this play out before we start believing Black women the
first time they speak? But Cassie wasn't alone, and
that's important to understand. Dawn Richard from Danny D Kane
came forward with her own allegations.
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This woman had the courage to say she witnessed Diddy's
alleged abuse of Cassie first hand, seeing her with bruises
and black eyes, watching the psychological manipulation in
real time, and then the floodgates open.
Attorney Tony Busby announced hewas representing over 120
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accusers, 120 people, including 25 who were minors at the time
of the alleged incidents. One accuser was allegedly just
nine years old, Nine years old. This is why this podcast exists.
This is why we can't let these stories get buried under
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celebrity gossip and industry politics.
We're talking about alleged crimes against children, against
young women who trusted a powerful man with their dreams
and their bodies. Every single one of these
accusers, from Cassie to the anonymous Jane Doe's, made a
choice to speak up, knowing theywould face character
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assassination, legal battles, and threats to their safety.
That takes incredible courage, and their voices deserve to be
heard, believed and centered in this conversation.
July 2025 will go down in history as the month that
changed everything. After months of anticipation,
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Sean Combs finally faced a jury of his peers in federal court in
Manhattan. Seven weeks of testimony, 34
witnesses. Evidence that had the courtroom
gasping and the Internet spiraling.
The prosecution came with everything.
Y'all. They had Cassie on the stand.
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And let me tell you, watching a black woman have to relive her
trauma in front of the world, knowing she would be picked
apart and questioned and blamed,that took strength that most of
us can't even imagine. They had Jane, another alleged
victim, describing years of abuse.
They had Kid Cootie, yes, the rapper testifying that Diddy
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allegedly had his car blown up with a Molotov cocktail because
he was dating Cassie. A Molotov cocktail.
Y'all like we're in some kind ofmafia movie.
But here's where it gets really powerful.
The prosecution played that hotel surveillance video in
court. The entire courtroom watched
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Diddy chase Cassie down that hallway, throw her to the ground
and kick her repeatedly. Jurors were visibly disturbed.
Some couldn't even watch. And this is important because
for years, people questioned Cassie's story.
They said she was lying, that she was trying to get money,
that she was bitter about their relationship ending.
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But that video didn't lie. That video showed the world
exactly what black women have been trying to tell y'all for
decades. That abuse doesn't discriminate
based on wealth or fame. For seven weeks we heard
testimony about freak offs that could last for days, about
intravenous fluids being used tohelp victims recover, about
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recordings being made without consent and used as blackmail,
about a culture of fear and intimidation that allegedly
permeated every aspect of Ditty's empire.
And then came the verdict. July 2nd, 2025.
The courtroom was packed, the world was watching, and after
just over 2 days of deliberation, the jury delivered
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a split decision that nobody sawcoming.
Not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the big Rico charge
that could have put him away forlife.
Not guilty of sex trafficking byforce, fraud or coercion, but
guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution on 2
counts. Y'all.
The courtroom erupted. Diddy literally fell to his
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knees in prayer. His family was cheering and
applauding. He mouthed I'm coming home to
his loved ones. But the celebration was short.
Loved judge RN Subramanian denied bail, citing Diddy's
propensity for violence and keeping him locked up until
sentencing. He's facing up to 20 years in
prison and his sentencing is setfor October 3rd, 2025.
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Now I know some people are disappointed that he wasn't
convicted on all charges, but let me tell you something.
The fact that Cassie and these other black women were believed
enough to get any convictions issignificant.
The fact that their testimonies were taken seriously by a
federal jury is progress. Now, here's what really gets me
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about this whole situation and what connects it directly to the
mission of No Tears for Black Girls, the culture of silence
that allegedly allowed this to go on for decades.
We're not talking about a few isolated incidents.
Prosecutors say this pattern of behavior went back to at least
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2008, but some allegations go back even further.
So where was everybody? Where were the industry
executives who allegedly knew what was happening?
Where were the celebrities who attended these parties and saw
the transition from family friendly to something else?
Where were the employees who allegedly helped facilitate
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these crimes? The answer is simple.
They were protecting their access, their careers, their
relationships with power. And this is the same dynamic we
see in every case we cover on this podcast.
When Black women are being harmed, the system closes ranks
to protect the perpetrator, not the victim.
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According to party photographer Selma Fonseca, who attended 20
to 30 ditty parties, there was aclear pattern.
She said the parties would startinnocent families, children,
celebrities taking cute photos. But then there would be a
transition. Parents would be warned to take
their children and leave. The atmosphere would shift from
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family friendly to something else entirely.
So you're telling me that all these A list celebrities were at
these parties, saw this transition happening, and nobody
said anything? Nobody thought it was weird?
Nobody questioned what was happening after they left,
Nobody thought to check on the young women who stayed behind?
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This is exactly the kind of willful blindness that allows
Black women to be harmed with impunity.
It's the same energy that lets missing Black women cases go
cold, that allows domestic violence to escalate unchecked,
that enables trafficking to flourish in our communities.
And let's talk about the industry's response now that
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everything has come to light. All these celebrities who used
to post about Diddy constantly, who called him a mentor, who
attended his parties religiously, are now acting like
they never knew the man. Funny how people develop amnesia
when the feds come knocking, isn't it?
But this silence isn't just about protecting careers.
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It's about protecting a system that has always prioritized
powerful men over vulnerable women, especially Black women.
And that's the real tragedy here.
How many other castings were there?
How many other Dawn Richards? How many Black women suffered in
silence because they knew nobodywould believe them over Sean
Combs? The industry knew, the
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executives knew, the celebritiesknew, and they chose their
comfort, their access, their business relationships over the
safety of Black women. That's not just complicity.
That's active participation in asystem of abuse.
Now let's talk about the elephant in the room, the
celebrity connections that have everyone talking because Diddy
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didn't operate in a vacuum and the guest list at his parties
read like a who's who of Hollywood and the music
industry. We're talking about Leonardo
DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Sarah
Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, all photographed at these
infamous white parties. But here's what has me and
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everyone else asking questions. What did these celebrities know
and when did they know it? And then came the bombshell that
nobody saw coming. December 2024, Jay-Z Shawn
Carter himself gets named in a civil lawsuit alongside Diddy.
An anonymous woman alleged that both men sexually assaulted her
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when she was 13 years old at a 2000 VMA's after party. 13 years
old at a VMAs after party with two of the most powerful men in
hip hop. Jay-Z came out swinging, calling
it a blackmail attempt and demanding the accuser reveal her
identity. But the damage was done.
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The conspiracy theories exploded.
And this is where it gets reallyproblematic for our community,
because now we have to grapple with the possibility that
multiple powerful Black men, menwe celebrated, men we held up as
examples of success, may have been harming black women and
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children. Social media went absolutely
wild. People started connecting dots
that may or may not exist. Jay-Z and Beyoncé's silence
about the ditty situation suddenly seemed suspicious.
Why haven't they said anything? What do they know?
Are they next? And don't even get me started on
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the Usher situation. This man was Diddy's protege,
lived with him as a teenager, and has been suspiciously quiet
about this whole scandal. Usher even deleted all his
tweets, all of them right aroundthe time the Diddy news broke.
Coincidence. I think not.
Then there's Justin Bieber who was discovered by Usher and
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spent time with Diddy as a teenager.
There are old videos of teenage Justin hanging out with Diddy
that hit different. Now.
People are re watching these clips with new eyes and let me
tell you, the comments section is not having it.
But here's what's really telling.
The silence. All these celebrities who used
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to post about Diddy constantly, who called him a mentor, who
attended his parties religiouslyare now acting like they never
knew the man. Funny how people develop amnesia
when the feds come knocking, isn't it?
OK, let's talk about the evidence that had the entire
Internet making memes while simultaneously being horrified.
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Y'all? When the feds announced they
found over 1000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant at Diddy's
properties, social media lost its collective mind. 1000
bottles? Like, who needs that much baby
oil? Was he planning to open a spa?
Was he preparing for the apocalypse?
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The memes were endless and 50 Cent, bless his petty heart, had
a field day trolling Diddy aboutit.
But prosecutors say this wasn't funny.
They say these supplies were used during those alleged freak
offs that could last for days. Days y'all.
With participants needing IV fluids to recover.
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What kind of activities require medical intervention to recover
from? But the baby oil wasn't even the
worst of it. The feds also found multiple
AR15 rifles with Deface serial numbers, large quantities of
drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine, and recording
equipment. This wasn't just a rich man's
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party supplies. This was allegedly the
infrastructure for a criminal enterprise.
And Speaking of recording equipment, let's talk about what
prosecutors say was really happening at these parties.
According to the indictment, Diddy allegedly recorded these
freak offs without consent and use the footage as blackmail.
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Blackmail to keep people quiet, to maintain control, to ensure
loyalty. Can you imagine being in that
position, having your most vulnerable moments recorded
without your knowledge, then having that footage held over
your head for years? The psychological torture of
that is unimaginable, and it's exactly the kind of manipulation
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that keeps black women trapped in abusive situations.
But wait, there's more. Even while locked up in
Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, prosecutors
say Diddy couldn't stop himself from allegedly trying to
obstruct justice. This man was allegedly using
other inmates phone access codesto make unauthorized calls,
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paying inmates to use their phone privileges, and
orchestrating social media campaigns through his family to
influence potential jurors. The audacity.
You're in federal prison, facingdecades behind bars, and you're
still trying to manipulate the system.
Sir, this is not the time for your usual control tactics.
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They found notes in his jail cell detailing these schemes.
Notes. This man wrote down his alleged
witness tampering plans like he was making a grocery list.
The level of arrogance is absolutely stunning.
Now let's talk about the impact this case has had beyond just
Sean Combs, because when a figure this powerful falls, the
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shock waves are felt throughout the entire industry and our
community. First, let's talk about the
business consequences. Diddy's empire is crumbling in
real time. The C Rock partnership is
reportedly under review. Revolt TV is facing advertiser
boycotts. His real estate values are
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plummeting. The Bad Boy Records catalog is
potentially devalued. Decades of wealth building gone.
But more importantly, this case has forced the entertainment
industry to confront some uncomfortable truths about how
it operates. The power dynamics, the
exploitation of young artists, the culture of silence around
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abuse. All of it is being examined
under a microphone microscope, and that's good.
That's necessary because for toolong the industry has operated
like the Wild West, with powerful men doing whatever they
wanted to vulnerable people, especially Black women, with no
consequences. This case has also sparked
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important conversations within hip hop culture about the
glorification of certain behaviors, the intersection of
wealth, power, and accountability, how successful
artists have a responsibility toyounger generations, how the
culture can evolve to better protect vulnerable individuals.
And you know what gives me hope?The survivor support movement
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that has emerged from this case.New organizations focus
specifically on entertainment industry abuse.
Specialized attorneys in legal aid for survivors.
Trauma informed therapy for industry professionals.
Advocacy efforts. Lobbying for stronger
protections. This is exactly what No Tears
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for Black Girls has been advocating for.
Comprehensive support systems for survivors, accountability
for perpetrators, and systemic changes to prevent future harm.
So where do we go from here? Because while Diddy's conviction
on 2 counts is significant, the fight for justice is far from
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over. We have over 100 civil lawsuits
still pending. We have other powerful figures
who may be implicated. We have an entire industry that
needs to be reformed. But most importantly, we have
survivors who need our continuedsupport.
Cassie, Dawn, Richard, and all the anonymous accusers who found
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the courage to speak up. They need to know that their
voices mattered, that their courage created change, that
their pain was not in vain. And that's where we come in.
As consumers, as fans, as members of the community, we
have power. We can choose which artists to
support. We can demand accountability
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from record labels. We can create safer spaces for
young artists. We can believe Black women when
they tell us they've been harmed, because at the end of
the day, that's what No Tears for Black Girls is all about.
Making sure that Black women's stories are heard, their pain is
acknowledged, and their lives are valued.
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Whether we're talking about a missing woman whose case went
cold or a famous singer trapped in an abusive relationship, the
message is the same. Black women matter.
The Sean Combs case isn't just about one man's alleged crimes.
It's about a system that enabledthose crimes.
It's about a culture that silenced the victims.
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It's about power structures thatprotected the perpetrator over
the survivors. But it's also about the courage
of black women who refuse to stay silent.
It's about the power of truth toeventually surface.
It's about the possibility of justice, even when it's delayed.
It's about the hope that we can build a better, safer world for
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the next generation of Black women.
As we wrap up today's episode, Iwant to take a moment to center
the survivors once more. Cassie Ventura, who found the
courage to break her silence after a decade of alleged abuse.
Dawn Richard, who risked her career to corroborate Cassie's
story. The 120 plus accusers
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represented by Tony Busby, including those who were
children when they were allegedly harmed.
These women and survivors didn'thave to speak up.
They could have stayed silent, protected their privacy, avoided
the character assassination and legal battles that come with
accusing powerful men. But they chose to speak their
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truth, knowing it might help others, knowing it might prevent
future harm. And that's the spirit of No
Tears for Black Girls, the belief that every Black woman's
story matters, that every survivor deserves to be heard,
That justice delayed is not justice denied.
The Sean Combs case will continue to unfold.
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There will be appeals, more civil lawsuits, probably more
revelations. But what won't change is our
commitment to centering Black women's voices, to demanding
accountability, and to fighting for a world where Black women
are safe, valued and believed. So to Cassie, to Dawn, to all
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the survivors who may be listening, thank you.
Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your truth.
Thank you for showing other Black women that their voices
matter, that their stories deserve to be told, that they
are not alone. And Speaking of survivors
finding their voice and reclaiming their power, we have
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something special for you as we close out today's episode.
Coming up next, we're going to play Phoenix Rising, Cassie's
song, Cassie Ventura's powerful anthem about her journey, her
trials and tribulations dealing with Sean Diddy Combs and her
rise from the ashes of that experience.
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This song represents everything we've been talking about today,
the courage to speak truth to power, the strength to survive
trauma, and the determination toreclaim your narrative because
that's what survivors do. They rise.
They transform their pain into power, their trauma into
testimony, their silence into song.
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And Cassie's voice, her truth, her music, that's her phoenix
rising. So as we transition into this
beautiful tribute to survival and strength, I want to leave
you with the words that SamanthaPaul always uses to close our
episodes because they capture the spirit of what we're trying
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to build here, a community of love, protection and support for
Black women everywhere. Stay loved, stay blessed, stay
safe. This has been no tears for Black
girls. I'm NIA Davis from Datsot, and
now here's Cassie Ventura with Phoenix Rising, Cassie's song.
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Young girl from Connecticut withstars in her eyes, modeling at
15. Runway dreams taking flight.
Then music called my name mean you hit the charts. 19 years
old, didn't know it would tear me apart.
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Bad Boy deal said An album go. How could I know something would
go so wrong? Rising from the ashes of what
used. To be.
Breaking through the chains thatonce controlled me.
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Years in the shadows, now stepping into light.
This phoenix is her eyes and taking back her light.
Taking back her light. #3 on billboard, the world at my feet.
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But behind closed doors my reality wasn't sweet power and
control, Masters, industry love.Years passing by when my career
held above songs recorded the never saw the day My voice
silenced in so many ways. 11 years trapped in a cycle of
pain, Praying every night I findstrength to break away.
Now I stand in my truth, no longer afraid.
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Found love that's real. Found myself again.
My daughter saved me. Show me what matters most.
This isn't just survival. This is my Reaper 2023.
I finally told my truth. The world finally heard what I
went through. Settlement sign, but freedom
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with more than gold. My story isn't finished, just
beginning to unfold. A husband who loves me, two
daughters to raise. Finding peace and healing after
all these days. The music inside me, still
waiting to flow, this time on myterms, my voice, my show.
Phoenix Rising. Watch me soar, no longer defined
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by what came before. Phoenix Rising, This is my song.
The journey was brutal, but my spirit's still strong.
No tears for black girls when they disappear.
No tears for black girls like they were never here.
But we remember. We'll speak their names.
Welcome back to No Tears for Black Girls, the podcast that
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investigates the forgotten casesof missing and murdered Black
women systematically overlooked by mainstream media and law
enforcement. I'm your guest host today, NIA
Davis from the YouTube channel That's Hot, sitting in for our
incredible host, Samantha Paul. For those who are new to this
space, No Tears for Black Girls isn't just another true crime
(00:47):
podcast. This is a movement.
This is where we shine a spotlight on the stories that
deserved headlines but never received them.
From domestic violence survivorsto trafficking victims, we
examine the institutional barriers that silence Black
women's tragedies. Now, you might be wondering why
(01:08):
I'm here today talking about Sean Diddy Combs when this
podcast typically focuses on missing and murdered Black
women. But here's the thing.
This case is about Black women. It's about Cassie, Ventura,
Dawn, Richard, and the countlessother Black women whose voices
were silenced by power, money and influence.
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Today's episode is different because we're not just talking
about women who've been forgotten by the system.
We're talking about women who were allegedly systematically
abused by one of the most powerful men in our community
and that intersection of power, race and gender based violence.
That's exactly what this podcastwas created to address.
(01:56):
So buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the
scandal that's got Hollywood shaking, the music industry
trembling, and social media absolutely losing its mind.
This isn't just celebrity gossip.
This is a federal case with moretwists than a soap opera and
more evidence than ACSI episode.We're talking about Sean Diddy
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Combs, the man who built an empire worth nearly a billion
dollars, only to watch it crumble faster than a House of
Cards in a hurricane. But more importantly, we're
talking about the Black women who found the courage to speak
truth to power despite knowing the cost.
And y'all, as a Black woman in media myself, I understand the
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unique challenges these women face.
When you're going up against someone with Ditty's level of
power and influence, you're not just fighting one man, you're
fighting an entire system designed to protect him and
silence you. So today, we're going to center
their voices. We're going to examine how the
(03:03):
entertainment industry's power structures enabled alleged
decades of abuse, and we're going to connect this case to
the broader patterns of violenceagainst Black women that this
podcast has been documenting since day one.
Because at the end of the day, whether we're talking about a
missing woman in Atlanta whose case got buried or a famous
(03:26):
singer trapped in an abusive relationship with a mogul, the
common thread is the same. Black women's pain is often
invisible. Their voices are often silenced
and their stories are often forgotten.
But not today. Not on this platform.
Today we remember. Today we listen.
Today we demand accountability. So grab your notebooks, cancel
(03:51):
your plans, and prepare yourselffor a deep dive into power,
predation, and the price of silence.
This is Empire of Shadows, the Sean Diddy Combs investigation,
and we're about to spill all thetea while keeping our focus
where it belongs, on the survival.
Let's start from the beginning because every empire has an
(04:14):
origin story, and understanding how Sean Combs built his power
is crucial to understanding how he allegedly used it to harm
black women. Sean John, Combs, Puff Daddy P
Diddy Just Diddy. Whatever he was calling himself
that week started as an intern at Uptown Records and Honey,
this man had vision. He wasn't just trying to make
(04:37):
music, he was trying to build a multimedia empire that would
make him untouchable. And in many ways, he succeeded.
Bad Boy Entertainment launched the careers of Biggie, Faith
Evans 112 and so many others. The Sean John clothing line
brought hip hop fashion to the mainstream.
(04:58):
That Ciroc partnership had him making more money than some
small countries. Now, I want to be clear, as
Black people, we celebrated Diddy's success.
We were proud to see a black manbuild an empire, create
opportunities and change the culture.
But what we're learning now is that behind that success, behind
(05:19):
those white parties in the Hamptons and those inspirational
speeches about black excellence,there was allegedly something
much darker happening. Because while Diddy was building
this public empire of success and glamour, federal prosecutors
now say he was running somethingelse entirely behind the scenes.
(05:40):
According to the feds. And we're talking about the
federal government here, not some gossip blog.
Diddy allegedly used his legitimate businesses as a front
for what they're calling a criminal enterprise.
A criminal enterprise, y'all? They're saying Bad Boy
(06:02):
Entertainment wasn't just a record label.
It was allegedly the headquarters for decades of
abuse, trafficking and intimidation.
And the primary victims? Black women who trusted him with
their dreams, their careers and their lives.
This is where the story gets really dark.
Because we're not just talking about a rich man's weird habits.
(06:24):
We're talking about alleged systematic abuse that
prosecutors say went on for decades, with Black women
bearing the brunt of the violence and exploitation.
And this is exactly why No Tearsfor Black Girls exists.
Because when Black women are harmed, even by powerful black
men, their stories often get buried under narratives about
(06:47):
bringing down successful Black men or airing dirty laundry.
But we're not here for that. We're here for the truth.
And the truth is that Black women deserve protection, even
from, especially from the most powerful people in our
community. Now, before we dive into the
(07:08):
salacious details that have everyone talking, we need to do
what mainstream media often fails to do.
Center the voices that matter most.
The Black women who found the courage to speak truth to power,
knowing full well the cost they would pay.
Let's start with Cassandra. Cassie Ventura.
(07:28):
Y'all remember Cassie? Me and you, That ethereal voice,
that stunning beauty. She was just 19 when Diddy
discovered her 19 years old withdreams of stardom.
And according to her lawsuit, what she got instead was a
decade long nightmare that readslike a horror movie script.
November 2023, Cassie filed a federal lawsuit that changed
(07:54):
everything. She alleged that Diddy
physically abused her, forced her into sexual encounters with
male prostitutes while he watched and recorded and
controlled every aspect of her life for 10 years. 10 years of
her life, y'all her 20's. The time when she should have
been building her career, finding herself living her
(08:16):
dreams. The lawsuit described something
called freak offs, and I'm goingto keep this as appropriate as
possible while still honoring Cassie's truth.
Essentially, she alleged that Diddy Wood forest her to have
sex with male escorts while he directed and recorded everything
for days at a time with drugs and alcohol to keep everyone
(08:40):
compliant. But here's what really gets to
me and what connects this to every story we tell.
On No Tears For Black Girls, Cassie said she stayed silent
for years because she was financially dependent on him,
her career was in his hands, andshe was genuinely afraid.
(09:01):
Can you imagine being trapped like that?
Having your dreams, your livelihood, your very safety
held hostage by your abuser. And then in May 2024, CNN leaked
surveillance footage from 2016 that validated everything Cassie
had been saying. Y'all?
(09:22):
I watched that video of Diddy chasing Cassie down a hotel
hallway in just a towel, throwing her to the ground,
kicking her repeatedly and dragging her by her hair.
It was absolutely sickening. This is the pattern we see over
and over again on this podcast. Black women telling their truth,
(09:42):
being called liars, and then evidence emerging that proves
they were right all along. How many times do we have to
watch this play out before we start believing Black women the
first time they speak? But Cassie wasn't alone, and
that's important to understand. Dawn Richard from Danny D Kane
came forward with her own allegations.
(10:04):
This woman had the courage to say she witnessed Diddy's
alleged abuse of Cassie first hand, seeing her with bruises
and black eyes, watching the psychological manipulation in
real time, and then the floodgates open.
Attorney Tony Busby announced hewas representing over 120
(10:25):
accusers, 120 people, including 25 who were minors at the time
of the alleged incidents. One accuser was allegedly just
nine years old, Nine years old. This is why this podcast exists.
This is why we can't let these stories get buried under
(10:45):
celebrity gossip and industry politics.
We're talking about alleged crimes against children, against
young women who trusted a powerful man with their dreams
and their bodies. Every single one of these
accusers, from Cassie to the anonymous Jane Doe's, made a
choice to speak up, knowing theywould face character
(11:07):
assassination, legal battles, and threats to their safety.
That takes incredible courage, and their voices deserve to be
heard, believed and centered in this conversation.
July 2025 will go down in history as the month that
changed everything. After months of anticipation,
(11:29):
Sean Combs finally faced a jury of his peers in federal court in
Manhattan. Seven weeks of testimony, 34
witnesses. Evidence that had the courtroom
gasping and the Internet spiraling.
The prosecution came with everything.
Y'all. They had Cassie on the stand.
(11:50):
And let me tell you, watching a black woman have to relive her
trauma in front of the world, knowing she would be picked
apart and questioned and blamed,that took strength that most of
us can't even imagine. They had Jane, another alleged
victim, describing years of abuse.
They had Kid Cootie, yes, the rapper testifying that Diddy
(12:14):
allegedly had his car blown up with a Molotov cocktail because
he was dating Cassie. A Molotov cocktail.
Y'all like we're in some kind ofmafia movie.
But here's where it gets really powerful.
The prosecution played that hotel surveillance video in
court. The entire courtroom watched
(12:35):
Diddy chase Cassie down that hallway, throw her to the ground
and kick her repeatedly. Jurors were visibly disturbed.
Some couldn't even watch. And this is important because
for years, people questioned Cassie's story.
They said she was lying, that she was trying to get money,
that she was bitter about their relationship ending.
(12:58):
But that video didn't lie. That video showed the world
exactly what black women have been trying to tell y'all for
decades. That abuse doesn't discriminate
based on wealth or fame. For seven weeks we heard
testimony about freak offs that could last for days, about
intravenous fluids being used tohelp victims recover, about
(13:21):
recordings being made without consent and used as blackmail,
about a culture of fear and intimidation that allegedly
permeated every aspect of Ditty's empire.
And then came the verdict. July 2nd, 2025.
The courtroom was packed, the world was watching, and after
just over 2 days of deliberation, the jury delivered
(13:43):
a split decision that nobody sawcoming.
Not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the big Rico charge
that could have put him away forlife.
Not guilty of sex trafficking byforce, fraud or coercion, but
guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution on 2
counts. Y'all.
The courtroom erupted. Diddy literally fell to his
(14:07):
knees in prayer. His family was cheering and
applauding. He mouthed I'm coming home to
his loved ones. But the celebration was short.
Loved judge RN Subramanian denied bail, citing Diddy's
propensity for violence and keeping him locked up until
sentencing. He's facing up to 20 years in
prison and his sentencing is setfor October 3rd, 2025.
(14:31):
Now I know some people are disappointed that he wasn't
convicted on all charges, but let me tell you something.
The fact that Cassie and these other black women were believed
enough to get any convictions issignificant.
The fact that their testimonies were taken seriously by a
federal jury is progress. Now, here's what really gets me
(14:56):
about this whole situation and what connects it directly to the
mission of No Tears for Black Girls, the culture of silence
that allegedly allowed this to go on for decades.
We're not talking about a few isolated incidents.
Prosecutors say this pattern of behavior went back to at least
(15:18):
2008, but some allegations go back even further.
So where was everybody? Where were the industry
executives who allegedly knew what was happening?
Where were the celebrities who attended these parties and saw
the transition from family friendly to something else?
Where were the employees who allegedly helped facilitate
(15:40):
these crimes? The answer is simple.
They were protecting their access, their careers, their
relationships with power. And this is the same dynamic we
see in every case we cover on this podcast.
When Black women are being harmed, the system closes ranks
to protect the perpetrator, not the victim.
(16:02):
According to party photographer Selma Fonseca, who attended 20
to 30 ditty parties, there was aclear pattern.
She said the parties would startinnocent families, children,
celebrities taking cute photos. But then there would be a
transition. Parents would be warned to take
their children and leave. The atmosphere would shift from
(16:24):
family friendly to something else entirely.
So you're telling me that all these A list celebrities were at
these parties, saw this transition happening, and nobody
said anything? Nobody thought it was weird?
Nobody questioned what was happening after they left,
Nobody thought to check on the young women who stayed behind?
(16:47):
This is exactly the kind of willful blindness that allows
Black women to be harmed with impunity.
It's the same energy that lets missing Black women cases go
cold, that allows domestic violence to escalate unchecked,
that enables trafficking to flourish in our communities.
And let's talk about the industry's response now that
(17:09):
everything has come to light. All these celebrities who used
to post about Diddy constantly, who called him a mentor, who
attended his parties religiously, are now acting like
they never knew the man. Funny how people develop amnesia
when the feds come knocking, isn't it?
But this silence isn't just about protecting careers.
(17:30):
It's about protecting a system that has always prioritized
powerful men over vulnerable women, especially Black women.
And that's the real tragedy here.
How many other castings were there?
How many other Dawn Richards? How many Black women suffered in
silence because they knew nobodywould believe them over Sean
Combs? The industry knew, the
(17:53):
executives knew, the celebritiesknew, and they chose their
comfort, their access, their business relationships over the
safety of Black women. That's not just complicity.
That's active participation in asystem of abuse.
Now let's talk about the elephant in the room, the
celebrity connections that have everyone talking because Diddy
(18:16):
didn't operate in a vacuum and the guest list at his parties
read like a who's who of Hollywood and the music
industry. We're talking about Leonardo
DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Sarah
Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, all photographed at these
infamous white parties. But here's what has me and
(18:38):
everyone else asking questions. What did these celebrities know
and when did they know it? And then came the bombshell that
nobody saw coming. December 2024, Jay-Z Shawn
Carter himself gets named in a civil lawsuit alongside Diddy.
An anonymous woman alleged that both men sexually assaulted her
(19:00):
when she was 13 years old at a 2000 VMA's after party. 13 years
old at a VMAs after party with two of the most powerful men in
hip hop. Jay-Z came out swinging, calling
it a blackmail attempt and demanding the accuser reveal her
identity. But the damage was done.
(19:21):
The conspiracy theories exploded.
And this is where it gets reallyproblematic for our community,
because now we have to grapple with the possibility that
multiple powerful Black men, menwe celebrated, men we held up as
examples of success, may have been harming black women and
(19:42):
children. Social media went absolutely
wild. People started connecting dots
that may or may not exist. Jay-Z and Beyoncé's silence
about the ditty situation suddenly seemed suspicious.
Why haven't they said anything? What do they know?
Are they next? And don't even get me started on
(20:03):
the Usher situation. This man was Diddy's protege,
lived with him as a teenager, and has been suspiciously quiet
about this whole scandal. Usher even deleted all his
tweets, all of them right aroundthe time the Diddy news broke.
Coincidence. I think not.
Then there's Justin Bieber who was discovered by Usher and
(20:26):
spent time with Diddy as a teenager.
There are old videos of teenage Justin hanging out with Diddy
that hit different. Now.
People are re watching these clips with new eyes and let me
tell you, the comments section is not having it.
But here's what's really telling.
The silence. All these celebrities who used
(20:47):
to post about Diddy constantly, who called him a mentor, who
attended his parties religiouslyare now acting like they never
knew the man. Funny how people develop amnesia
when the feds come knocking, isn't it?
OK, let's talk about the evidence that had the entire
Internet making memes while simultaneously being horrified.
(21:09):
Y'all? When the feds announced they
found over 1000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant at Diddy's
properties, social media lost its collective mind. 1000
bottles? Like, who needs that much baby
oil? Was he planning to open a spa?
Was he preparing for the apocalypse?
(21:30):
The memes were endless and 50 Cent, bless his petty heart, had
a field day trolling Diddy aboutit.
But prosecutors say this wasn't funny.
They say these supplies were used during those alleged freak
offs that could last for days. Days y'all.
With participants needing IV fluids to recover.
(21:52):
What kind of activities require medical intervention to recover
from? But the baby oil wasn't even the
worst of it. The feds also found multiple
AR15 rifles with Deface serial numbers, large quantities of
drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine, and recording
equipment. This wasn't just a rich man's
(22:14):
party supplies. This was allegedly the
infrastructure for a criminal enterprise.
And Speaking of recording equipment, let's talk about what
prosecutors say was really happening at these parties.
According to the indictment, Diddy allegedly recorded these
freak offs without consent and use the footage as blackmail.
(22:35):
Blackmail to keep people quiet, to maintain control, to ensure
loyalty. Can you imagine being in that
position, having your most vulnerable moments recorded
without your knowledge, then having that footage held over
your head for years? The psychological torture of
that is unimaginable, and it's exactly the kind of manipulation
(22:59):
that keeps black women trapped in abusive situations.
But wait, there's more. Even while locked up in
Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, prosecutors
say Diddy couldn't stop himself from allegedly trying to
obstruct justice. This man was allegedly using
other inmates phone access codesto make unauthorized calls,
(23:21):
paying inmates to use their phone privileges, and
orchestrating social media campaigns through his family to
influence potential jurors. The audacity.
You're in federal prison, facingdecades behind bars, and you're
still trying to manipulate the system.
Sir, this is not the time for your usual control tactics.
(23:44):
They found notes in his jail cell detailing these schemes.
Notes. This man wrote down his alleged
witness tampering plans like he was making a grocery list.
The level of arrogance is absolutely stunning.
Now let's talk about the impact this case has had beyond just
Sean Combs, because when a figure this powerful falls, the
(24:07):
shock waves are felt throughout the entire industry and our
community. First, let's talk about the
business consequences. Diddy's empire is crumbling in
real time. The C Rock partnership is
reportedly under review. Revolt TV is facing advertiser
boycotts. His real estate values are
(24:27):
plummeting. The Bad Boy Records catalog is
potentially devalued. Decades of wealth building gone.
But more importantly, this case has forced the entertainment
industry to confront some uncomfortable truths about how
it operates. The power dynamics, the
exploitation of young artists, the culture of silence around
(24:49):
abuse. All of it is being examined
under a microphone microscope, and that's good.
That's necessary because for toolong the industry has operated
like the Wild West, with powerful men doing whatever they
wanted to vulnerable people, especially Black women, with no
consequences. This case has also sparked
(25:11):
important conversations within hip hop culture about the
glorification of certain behaviors, the intersection of
wealth, power, and accountability, how successful
artists have a responsibility toyounger generations, how the
culture can evolve to better protect vulnerable individuals.
And you know what gives me hope?The survivor support movement
(25:35):
that has emerged from this case.New organizations focus
specifically on entertainment industry abuse.
Specialized attorneys in legal aid for survivors.
Trauma informed therapy for industry professionals.
Advocacy efforts. Lobbying for stronger
protections. This is exactly what No Tears
(25:55):
for Black Girls has been advocating for.
Comprehensive support systems for survivors, accountability
for perpetrators, and systemic changes to prevent future harm.
So where do we go from here? Because while Diddy's conviction
on 2 counts is significant, the fight for justice is far from
(26:16):
over. We have over 100 civil lawsuits
still pending. We have other powerful figures
who may be implicated. We have an entire industry that
needs to be reformed. But most importantly, we have
survivors who need our continuedsupport.
Cassie, Dawn, Richard, and all the anonymous accusers who found
(26:38):
the courage to speak up. They need to know that their
voices mattered, that their courage created change, that
their pain was not in vain. And that's where we come in.
As consumers, as fans, as members of the community, we
have power. We can choose which artists to
support. We can demand accountability
(27:01):
from record labels. We can create safer spaces for
young artists. We can believe Black women when
they tell us they've been harmed, because at the end of
the day, that's what No Tears for Black Girls is all about.
Making sure that Black women's stories are heard, their pain is
acknowledged, and their lives are valued.
(27:23):
Whether we're talking about a missing woman whose case went
cold or a famous singer trapped in an abusive relationship, the
message is the same. Black women matter.
The Sean Combs case isn't just about one man's alleged crimes.
It's about a system that enabledthose crimes.
It's about a culture that silenced the victims.
(27:45):
It's about power structures thatprotected the perpetrator over
the survivors. But it's also about the courage
of black women who refuse to stay silent.
It's about the power of truth toeventually surface.
It's about the possibility of justice, even when it's delayed.
It's about the hope that we can build a better, safer world for
(28:07):
the next generation of Black women.
As we wrap up today's episode, Iwant to take a moment to center
the survivors once more. Cassie Ventura, who found the
courage to break her silence after a decade of alleged abuse.
Dawn Richard, who risked her career to corroborate Cassie's
story. The 120 plus accusers
(28:29):
represented by Tony Busby, including those who were
children when they were allegedly harmed.
These women and survivors didn'thave to speak up.
They could have stayed silent, protected their privacy, avoided
the character assassination and legal battles that come with
accusing powerful men. But they chose to speak their
(28:50):
truth, knowing it might help others, knowing it might prevent
future harm. And that's the spirit of No
Tears for Black Girls, the belief that every Black woman's
story matters, that every survivor deserves to be heard,
That justice delayed is not justice denied.
The Sean Combs case will continue to unfold.
(29:11):
There will be appeals, more civil lawsuits, probably more
revelations. But what won't change is our
commitment to centering Black women's voices, to demanding
accountability, and to fighting for a world where Black women
are safe, valued and believed. So to Cassie, to Dawn, to all
(29:34):
the survivors who may be listening, thank you.
Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your truth.
Thank you for showing other Black women that their voices
matter, that their stories deserve to be told, that they
are not alone. And Speaking of survivors
finding their voice and reclaiming their power, we have
(29:56):
something special for you as we close out today's episode.
Coming up next, we're going to play Phoenix Rising, Cassie's
song, Cassie Ventura's powerful anthem about her journey, her
trials and tribulations dealing with Sean Diddy Combs and her
rise from the ashes of that experience.
(30:17):
This song represents everything we've been talking about today,
the courage to speak truth to power, the strength to survive
trauma, and the determination toreclaim your narrative because
that's what survivors do. They rise.
They transform their pain into power, their trauma into
testimony, their silence into song.
(30:38):
And Cassie's voice, her truth, her music, that's her phoenix
rising. So as we transition into this
beautiful tribute to survival and strength, I want to leave
you with the words that SamanthaPaul always uses to close our
episodes because they capture the spirit of what we're trying
(30:59):
to build here, a community of love, protection and support for
Black women everywhere. Stay loved, stay blessed, stay
safe. This has been no tears for Black
girls. I'm NIA Davis from Datsot, and
now here's Cassie Ventura with Phoenix Rising, Cassie's song.
(31:30):
Young girl from Connecticut withstars in her eyes, modeling at
15. Runway dreams taking flight.
Then music called my name mean you hit the charts. 19 years
old, didn't know it would tear me apart.
(31:52):
Bad Boy deal said An album go. How could I know something would
go so wrong? Rising from the ashes of what
used. To be.
Breaking through the chains thatonce controlled me.
(32:13):
Years in the shadows, now stepping into light.
This phoenix is her eyes and taking back her light.
Taking back her light. #3 on billboard, the world at my feet.
(32:36):
But behind closed doors my reality wasn't sweet power and
control, Masters, industry love.Years passing by when my career
held above songs recorded the never saw the day My voice
silenced in so many ways. 11 years trapped in a cycle of
pain, Praying every night I findstrength to break away.
Now I stand in my truth, no longer afraid.
(33:01):
Found love that's real. Found myself again.
My daughter saved me. Show me what matters most.
This isn't just survival. This is my Reaper 2023.
I finally told my truth. The world finally heard what I
went through. Settlement sign, but freedom
(33:23):
with more than gold. My story isn't finished, just
beginning to unfold. A husband who loves me, two
daughters to raise. Finding peace and healing after
all these days. The music inside me, still
waiting to flow, this time on myterms, my voice, my show.
Phoenix Rising. Watch me soar, no longer defined
(33:46):
by what came before. Phoenix Rising, This is my song.
The journey was brutal, but my spirit's still strong.
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