Entertainment

Shocking Lawsuit: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Bodyguard Accused of Drugging and Assaulting Woman in 2001

2024-09-24

Shocking Lawsuit Filed Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

In a deeply disturbing revelation, a woman has accused music industry titan Sean “Diddy” Combs and his bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, of drugging, assaulting, and filming her in a harrowing incident that allegedly occurred in 2001. The accusations emerged in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday in federal court in New York, shedding light on the haunting trauma the plaintiff has endured for over two decades.

The Background of the Allegations

Thalia Graves, now in her forties, claimed she met Combs at 25 through her boyfriend, an employee at his record label, Bad Boy. The situation escalated during the summer of 2001 when she, while in a car with Combs and Sherman, accepted a glass of wine from the mogul. She reportedly began to feel lightheaded and dizzy shortly afterward, ultimately losing consciousness.

Details of the Incident

Graves alleges that she awoke in a Manhattan studio in a terrifying state: naked and with her hands bound. In her lawsuit, she recounts how Combs entered the room and raped her, brutally smashing her head into a pool table when she resisted. Sherman is also accused of sexually assaulting her as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

Impact on the Victim

At a tearful press conference alongside high-profile attorney Gloria Allred, Graves spoke about the profound impact the alleged assault has had on her life. "The combination of physical and emotional pain has created a cycle of suffering from which it is so hard to break free," she stated, revealing a courageous commitment to her healing journey despite the lingering trauma.

Ongoing Legal Issues for Combs

This lawsuit is part of a growing list of serious accusations against Combs. Just a week prior, he was indicted on various charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Currently 54 years old, Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in federal detention after being denied bail by a federal judge.

Allegations of Criminal Activity

The indictment's implications are severe—it alleges Combs was running a “criminal enterprise” involving drug-fueled parties, referred to as "Freak Offs," where incidents of sexual and physical abuse reportedly occurred. Disturbingly, law enforcement revealed a stash of weapons and a collection of lubricants and baby oil during the raids on his properties in March.

Victim's Struggle for Help

Graves further disclosed that, following the attack, she attempted to seek help but was paralyzed by fear, remaining in a taxi and ultimately escaping to safety without reporting the incident. The psychological toll of the experience has left her with severe depression and PTSD, leading to multiple suicide attempts over the years.

Revelations About the Assault Tape

In a shocking twist, Graves reportedly learned from a former boyfriend just last November that Combs and Sherman had recorded the assault and shared the video with others, intensifying her anguish and sense of betrayal.

Legal Framework of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit aims to hold Combs and Sherman accountable under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, alongside other state and city laws related to civil rights violations.

Current Status of Combs

Following his indictment, Combs has been relocated to a high-security dormitory at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he shares space with other high-profile inmates, including disgraced former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.

Discussion on Sexual Violence in Entertainment

This ongoing case highlights critical issues of sexual violence and abuse in the entertainment industry, serving as a stark reminder of the struggles many survivors face. As the case unfolds, it promises to expose deeper truths and possibly catalyze new discussions around consent and accountability within powerful circles.

Updates on the Story

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information comes to light.