Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, widely known as Cassie, is an American singer, actress, model, and dancer born on August 26, 1986, in New London, Connecticut[1][4]. She first gained attention in the modeling world, working for brands such as Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Delia’s, and appearing in magazines like GQ, Seventeen, and Bust[1][4]. Her modeling career paved the way for her entry into the music industry after she met producer Ryan Leslie in late 2004, who signed her to his label, NextSelection Lifestyle Group[1][4]. Cassie’s musical breakthrough came in 2006 with her debut single, “Me & U,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart[2][3]. The song’s success propelled her self-titled debut album to No. 4 on the Billboard 200, earning critical acclaim for its minimalist R&B style[2][3]. She followed this with singles like “Long Way 2 Go,” “Official Girl” (featuring Lil Wayne), “Let’s Get Crazy” (with Akon), and “Must Be Love” (with Diddy)[1][4]. Cassie’s music is noted for its hypnotic grooves and club-friendly appeal, making her a standout figure in mid-2000s pop and R&B[2]. In addition to music, Cassie has acted in films such as Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), where she played Sophie Donovan and contributed the lead song “Is It You,” and The Perfect Match (2016)[1][4][5]. She has continued to model and has been the face of campaigns for ASOS and other major brands[4]. Cassie’s personal life and career have remained intertwined with Sean “Diddy” Combs, whom she met in 2006 and who signed her to Bad Boy Records[2][4]. Their relationship, both professional and personal, has been the subject of public interest. In November 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Combs, alleging a decade-long pattern of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking, including a claim of rape in 2018[1][2]. Combs’ attorney denied the allegations, and the lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed sum shortly after it was filed[1]. Cassie has since become a key witness in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial against Combs, which began in May 2024[2]. This legal case has brought renewed attention to her story and underscored her current relevance beyond her earlier musical and modeling achievements. Despite stepping back from the spotlight in recent years, Cassie remains a notable figure in entertainment and an advocate in high-profile legal proceedings related to abuse in the industry[2].