A New York federal court has filed a lawsuit accusing music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and his bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, of drugging, assaulting, and filming a woman’s attack in 2001. The plaintiff, Thalia Graves, came forward with the allegations at a news conference, explaining how the events of that summer left her emotionally and physically scarred.
The Alleged Assault
According to the lawsuit, Graves, who was 25 years old at the time, met Combs through her boyfriend, who worked at Combs’ record label, Bad Boy. In the summer of 2001, Graves was in a vehicle with Combs and Sherman when Combs offered her a glass of wine. Shortly after accepting the drink, Graves began to feel lightheaded, dizzy, and weak. She then lost consciousness.
Graves woke up naked, with her hands tied behind her back in a Manhattan studio. She claimed that Combs entered the room and raped her. When she tried to resist, he allegedly smashed her head into a pool table. As she came in and out of consciousness, she reported that Sherman also sexually assaulted her. The Tuesday-filed lawsuit details these claims.
Emotional and Physical Impact
Gloria Allred, Graves’ attorney, held a press conference where Graves sobbed as she described how the assault has followed her for more than 20 years. She spoke about the lasting emotional and physical trauma she has endured. “The combination of physical and emotional pain has created a cycle of suffering from which it is difficult to break free,” she said. Graves also expressed a brief sense of relief knowing that Combs is in custody but acknowledged that her journey toward healing is far from over.
Diddy’s Legal Troubles
This latest lawsuit is part of a growing list of allegations against Combs, 54, who is currently facing multiple charges. A week before this filing, Combs was indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Federal custody has denied Combs, who pleaded not guilty to these charges, bail.
The indictment against Combs accuses him of running a “criminal enterprise” with associates and employees. Among other claims, it alleges that Combs organized drug-fueled events known as “Freak Offs,” which involved victims and male sex workers. During raids in March 2024, authorities reportedly discovered weapons, large amounts of lubricant, and baby oil in his homes. The ongoing investigation has highlighted these findings.
The legal team at Combs has yet to comment on Graves’ allegations or respond to the broader charges. Media requested a statement from Combs but received no response.
Fear and Silence
The lawsuit further details how Graves was too terrified to report the attack initially. After the assault, she managed to get a ride to a hospital but could not bring herself to enter the building. Graves stated that she was “shaking and crying hysterically,” fearing retaliation from Combs if she spoke out. She claimed that this fear kept her silent for years.
In November 2023, Graves learned that Combs and Sherman had allegedly recorded the assault and shared the video with others. This discovery, according to the lawsuit, intensified the emotional toll on Graves, leading to severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and multiple suicide attempts.
Legal Action and Response
Graves is now seeking justice through legal channels. The lawsuit accuses Combs, Sherman, and businesses connected to Combs of violating New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act. Additionally, it accuses both men of violating state civil rights laws and city administrative codes.
At the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Combs shares a dorm-style room with other high-profile inmates, including former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez. A source informed Media that Combs, along with the other notable inmates, remains isolated from the general prison population.
Ongoing Investigations
Graves’ lawsuit is just one of several legal challenges Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing. Besides Graves’ claims, 10 other civil lawsuits have named Combs, accusing him of various forms of sexual misconduct and illegal activity. While Combs has denied all charges, the weight of these accusations continues to mount, further complicating his legal battles.
As the case unfolds, Graves hopes that sharing her story will contribute to her healing process and encourage other victims to come forward. “I want to continue on this journey towards recovery and healing,” she said during her public statement.
