On Wednesday, a touching clip of Cassie Ventura, aged 38, alongside her husband Alex Fantastic, made waves on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The timing is significant as Ventura bravely recounts the harrowing experiences she has faced during her tumultuous decade-long relationship with Combs, highlighting the vital role of support during such trials.

The video, filmed in 2019, showcases Ventura embracing her husband, Fantastic, after he completed an inspiring 50-mile marathon aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence victims. The emotional moment captured Ventura, dressed in a black sweatshirt with her hood up, visibly moved as she held her husband, who was shirtless post-race, reflecting on the significance of their connection.

Accompanying the now-viral video, a social media user poignantly remarked, “In 2019, Alex Fantastic, Cassie’s husband, ran that 50-mile marathon for domestic violence and they hugged one another. Now we know what that hug was REALLY about. Look at the pain in her eyes. That was an emotional layered hug.” This comment resonates with many who have followed their journey.

Fans have taken to the comments section of the video, expressing their unwavering support for Ventura as she navigates the shadows of her past abuse during her on-again, off-again relationship with Combs. Many have also extended their admiration for Fantastic, acknowledging his role as a supportive partner.

“To have a person like this who understands your trauma and past yet loves you for who you are and supports you,” a user wrote. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of unconditional love amidst adversity.

“I am so pleased that she finally has a partner who is genuinely capable of that kind of love after her traumatic experiences,” a second fan added. Another commented, “The way that hug conveyed the weight of survival, pain, and unconditional love brought me to tears.” This outpouring of support highlights the importance of empathetic relationships.

Another follower defended Ventura against her critics, emphasizing her strength and resilience.

“Men are so disappointing… they can’t even comprehend the concept of unconditional love that this man demonstrates towards his wife,” they wrote. “They vilify her while victimizing her husband. It breaks my heart to see that this is the mindset of men in this world. I’m so glad Cassie found a real one.”

Fantastic, aged 32, previously shared a post on his Almost Home website back in 2020, where he opened up about the motivations behind his participation in the 50-mile marathon dedicated to raising awareness.

“When I received the news that my mother had been a victim of domestic abuse and violence, I truly didn’t know how to cope with it. I was angry—part of me wanted to harm the one who did this to her, while another part felt paralyzed,” he wrote. “Watching the trial drag on for three years, and seeing my mother have to relive the memories of that violence time and again over those three years was one of the most helpless feelings I’ve ever experienced. I didn’t want to succumb to those paralyzing emotions. So, I decided to channel my anger and sense of helplessness by running fifty miles to raise awareness and hopefully gather some funds for other victims of domestic violence.”

Although Fantastic is a personal trainer, he shared that he isn’t particularly fond of running, and ultimately decided to undertake a double marathon to “raise more awareness and hopefully more funds for victims of domestic violence.” His commitment to this cause showcases his dedication to making a difference.

“Personally, I knew the fifty miles would nearly kill me, but I wanted to put myself through that pain to heal,” he said of the marathon route, which spanned from Compton to Malibu. This statement reflects his understanding of the emotional and physical challenges faced by victims.

Fantastic—who revealed that he wore Converse shoes and did not train for the marathon—detailed the struggles he faced during the 50 miles, before sharing the cathartic experience he underwent upon completing the race. His journey exemplifies the strength and resilience required to confront difficult challenges.

“I hugged my family, and we all just broke down and cried. It was emotional, but for all of us, it felt like a moment of closure,” he wrote. “I felt like I made peace with my anger and feelings of helplessness. At mile twelve, my body had quit, but for the last thirty-eight miles, my mind fought through. And if by running these fifty miles and amplifying my mother’s story we helped one woman or one child, then all the pain and suffering was worth it.” His reflections highlight the importance of family support in overcoming trauma.

“As a son, husband, and father to three incredible daughters, I will always fight to protect them and amplify their voices,” he added. “As men, we need to hold other men accountable so that this doesn’t keep repeating. And as parents and leaders, we must teach our children that domestic violence and abuse are unacceptable. I brought my daughter into this world, and I want her to feel safe, loved, and encouraged to be the best she can be.” His commitment to advocating against domestic violence is commendable and necessary.

Ventura and Fantastic celebrated their marriage in 2019 and are the proud parents of two daughters, Frankie, aged 5, and Sunny, aged 4. Currently, Ventura is eight-and-a-half months pregnant with their third child, a baby boy, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

Combs’ trial commenced on Monday, with the music mogul maintaining his innocence against serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution. If convicted on all charges—which also include arson and bribery—Combs could face a mandatory 15-year prison sentence, with the possibility of life behind bars, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.

After two full days of direct testimony, the defense team for the beleaguered hip-hop mogul had their chance to cross-examine Ventura, showcasing the intensity of the trial.

Throughout her testimony, Ventura, who was in a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018 after he signed her to his Bad Boy Records label in 2005, managed to maintain her composure even as the content became extremely graphic at times, demonstrating her strength.

Photographs and video were shown to the jury, with some deemed too sensitive to share publicly. The infamous hotel hallway assault video was shown in its entirety, subsequently covered by TMZ, emphasizing the severity of the allegations against Combs.

The star witness detailed her initial meeting with Combs and described when their relationship transitioned to become both physical and romantic. She elaborated on the alleged “freak off” sessions that she claims were organized and directed by Combs, noting that the entire arrangement, setup, booking, and all other aspects eventually became her “job,” revealing the complexities of their relationship.

Ventura provided context about events leading up to, during, and after the hotel video, alongside various texts, emails, photographs, and public appearances where she was seen with visible injuries, including black eyes and bruises. She shared her mental state throughout the decade she spent with Combs, showcasing the emotional toll of their tumultuous relationship.

She has made shocking allegations regarding drug use, violence, blackmail, and even rape, while the cross-examination probes her feelings for Combs and how complicit—perhaps even enthusiastic—she might have been in their more shocking sexual activities. This highlights the complexities of consent and power dynamics in abusive relationships.

You can find what other witnesses have testified and everything else happening throughout the trial here. For all of Ventura’s statements on the stand, click here. This ongoing trial sheds light on the intricate issues surrounding domestic violence and sexual abuse.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. The hotline is available 24/7 in over 170 languages; calls are confidential and toll-free.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline — 800.656.HOPE (4673) — provides free, 24/7 support for those in need.