Sean "Diddy" Combs, already facing federal charges for sex trafficking and racketeering, is now the subject of new, serious allegations. A lawsuit filed on September 24 in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York accuses the music mogul and his former bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, of drugging and raping a woman in the summer of 2001. The complaint comes as Combs remains in jail, awaiting trial for earlier federal charges.
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The lawsuit, filed by Thalia Graves, alleges that the assault took place at Bad Boy Records' Manhattan studio. Graves claims that Combs and Sherman gave her a drink "likely laced with a drug," which caused her to lose consciousness. When she awoke, she found herself bound and restrained, with both men allegedly raping her while ignoring her pleas for help. Graves, who was 25 at the time and dating one of Combs' employees, says the trauma from the incident has haunted her for more than two decades, leading to PTSD, flashbacks, and thoughts of suicide.
At a press conference on the day the lawsuit was filed, Graves tearfully recounted the toll the alleged assault has taken on her. "It's a pain that reaches into your very core," she said, adding that she has felt "worthless and isolated" ever since. According to Graves, the pain has extended beyond physical harm and has profoundly impacted her mental health. "I'm glad Diddy is locked up, but that's a temporary feeling of relief," she stated, acknowledging that her trauma remains despite Combs' current legal troubles.
Graves' attorney, Gloria Allred, a well-known advocate for victims of sexual assault, announced that Graves is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial. Allred also emphasized that the lawsuit serves as an important step toward holding powerful figures accountable for their actions.
The complaint provides graphic details of the alleged assault. According to the document, when Graves regained consciousness and began screaming, Sherman "slammed her face down on what was apparently a pool table." Despite her visible distress, Combs allegedly continued the attack, undeterred even after she vomited on the table. Graves says that she did not report the incident to authorities at the time due to fear of retaliation, given Combs' significant influence in the music industry.
The trauma resurfaced for Graves in 2023 when she learned that the alleged assault had been recorded and that Combs and Sherman had allegedly shown the video to others over the years. This discovery, according to the lawsuit, exacerbated her already fragile mental state, amplifying her anxiety and contributing to suicidal thoughts.
Combs' legal troubles have escalated over the past few weeks. He was arrested on September 16 on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges but has been denied bail twice. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, maintains Combs' innocence and vows to fight the charges in court. "He's going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might and the full confidence of his lawyers," Agnifilo told reporters outside the courthouse. "I expect a long battle with a good result for Mr. Combs."
Combs' arrest and the subsequent lawsuit have raised questions about his past behavior and the environment within Bad Boy Records during its heyday. This lawsuit adds to the growing list of allegations against Combs, many of which involve claims of abuse, manipulation, and exploitation of women over the course of his career.
Joseph Sherman, Combs' former head of security, has not yet commented on the lawsuit, and it remains unclear whether he has retained legal representation. The lawsuit does not specify the amount of damages Graves is seeking, but it is expected that both compensatory and punitive claims will be pursued vigorously by her legal team.
As Combs' legal challenges continue to mount, attention will focus on the trial set for October 9, when Combs is due back in court. His legal team has expressed confidence in a favorable outcome, but the weight of these new allegations could significantly impact the proceedings.
