In the latest development surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs, a former bodyguard of the music mogul has come forward to refute shocking allegations of sexual assault. Joseph Sherman, also known as "Big Joe," is responding to a lawsuit filed by Thalia Graves, who has accused both Combs and Sherman of brutally raping her at a recording studio in 2001 and distributing a video of the assault. Graves, represented by high-profile attorney Gloria Allred, filed the 26-page complaint detailing the harrowing event and the lasting trauma it has caused her.
The lawsuit claims that Graves, then 25 years old, was lured to the New York studio, drugged, and raped by Combs and Sherman. Graves alleges she lost consciousness during the incident and awoke to find herself being restrained while the two men assaulted her both anally and vaginally. The lawsuit further asserts that the assault was filmed and that the video was later circulated as pornography.
During an emotional press conference, Graves revealed that the trauma from the alleged assault left her contemplating suicide. She only became aware of the existence of the video last year, further devastating her, she said. "I thought about ending my life," Graves shared, recounting how the events of 2001 have haunted her ever since.
Sherman, however, swiftly responded to the accusations, denying any involvement in the alleged crime. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, Sherman called the claims "false and baseless," stating that he had never met Graves and was not employed by Combs at the time of the alleged incident. His legal team is reportedly preparing a defamation lawsuit to address the claims, with Sherman emphasizing that no criminal charges have been filed against him.
"These allegations are not only damaging but completely fabricated," Sherman's post read. "I've never interacted with this woman, and I wasn't employed by Combs during that period. We will be taking legal action against those responsible for this misinformation." His post, accompanied by a biblical quote-incorrectly attributed to Psalm 91-signaled his determination to fight back against what he views as an unjust attack on his reputation.
Sherman's denial comes amid mounting legal troubles for Combs, who was arrested earlier this month on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The arrest came after a federal investigation and is unrelated to Graves' allegations. If convicted, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years in prison. Graves is the 11th person to accuse the music executive of sexual misconduct, raising further questions about his alleged history of abusive behavior.
Graves' lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of an entertainment industry rife with abuse, power dynamics, and intimidation. She claims that following the assault, Combs and Sherman contacted her repeatedly, warning her to stay silent. According to the lawsuit, they threatened her, stating that speaking out would endanger her family, leading her to flee New York in fear.
Graves alleges she moved several times over the years to avoid retribution from Combs, eventually settling in Pennsylvania.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, attorney Gloria Allred, known for representing victims of sexual abuse, expressed her outrage at the alleged actions of Combs and Sherman. "This is one of the most horrific cases of abuse I've ever encountered," Allred said. "The power dynamics at play are deeply disturbing, and the courage of Ms. Graves to come forward after all these years is commendable."
As more details of the case come to light, Combs' legal troubles are expected to intensify. The lawsuit filed by Graves is the latest in a string of accusations that have cast a dark shadow over the once-celebrated music mogul. Combs has yet to publicly comment on these specific allegations, and his legal team has not issued a statement regarding Graves' claims.
Sherman, meanwhile, has made it clear that he intends to clear his name, stating that he will continue to fight against what he calls a "defamation campaign." Videos on his Instagram show him living a lavish lifestyle in the 1990s, partying with celebrities like Jay Z and Mariah Carey. While these videos have resurfaced in light of the recent allegations, they are unrelated to the events in question.
