Former Escort Showing a Lot of Love for Cassie Ventura

A former male escort whom Sean “Diddy” Combs hired shared a message with Cassie Ventura in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

According to the outlet, “Shawn Dearing was one of more than 10 men Combs allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend to have sex with during their nearly 11-year relationship, according to prosecutors.”

“She was so uplifting — the kindest and most respectful person,” Dearing said about Ventura. “She was genuine throughout the whole experience.”

“You got me tearing up! I want what’s best for her, honestly, because she … she’s a badass lady, man,” he added. “She’s awesome. So I want her respect first and foremost.”

He also explained how he decided to speak out to give “some credence” to Ventura’s story.

“I never wanted to open my mouth,” Dearing said. “I don’t seek attention. I don’t want to go out there and make it seem like I’m trying to get my name known off of this experience.”

Cassie Ventura Released a Statement After Her Testimony

Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images

Ventura is the ex-girlfriend of Combs and recently testified in the rapper’s trial, detailing allegations of violence and sexual assault. Following her testimony, she released a statement, which was read by her attorney, Douglas Wigdor, outside the courthouse.

“This week has been extremely challenging but also remarkably empowering and healing for me,” she said in the statement (via Page Six). “I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear,” the statement continued. “For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget.”⁠

“I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support and am grateful for all the kindness and encouragement that I have received,” she continued. “I am glad to put this chapter of my life to rest as I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy. I ask for privacy for me and for my growing family.”

Cassie Ventura Gave Birth 2 Weeks After Testifying

Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Shortly after testifying, Ventura and her husband, Alex Fine, welcomed their third child.

The couple’s first child, Frankie Stone Fine, was born in December 2019, followed by their second daughter, Sunny Cinco Fine, in March 2021. The couple then welcomed a song in 2025.