Another woman has filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing him and his head of security of raping her and recording the assault on video at his New York recording studio in 2001. This is the latest in a series of similar lawsuits against Combs, following his recent arrest and federal indictment for sex trafficking.
Thalia Graves, the plaintiff, claims that when she was 25 years old and dating an executive who worked for Combs in the summer of 2001, she was lured to a meeting at Bad Boy Recording Studios. She alleges that she was given a drink laced with drugs, lost consciousness, and woke up bound in Combs’ office and lounge at the studio. The lawsuit states that both Combs and Joseph Sherman raped her, physically assaulted her, and ignored her pleas for help.
During a news conference in Los Angeles, Graves, accompanied by her attorney Gloria Allred, shared the emotional impact of the incident. She mentioned experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and struggles with forming healthy relationships and feeling safe in her own skin. Graves described the deep emotional scars that have affected her core identity and may never fully heal.
Combs is currently in jail in New York, facing charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty, with his lawyer asserting his innocence and commitment to proving his innocence. Representatives for Combs have not responded to requests for comment on the latest lawsuit.
The lawsuit also reveals that after Combs’ former protege and girlfriend Cassie filed a lawsuit against him, Graves discovered that he had recorded her assault, shared it with others, and even sold it as pornography. The lawsuit further alleges that both Combs and Sherman threatened Graves multiple times in the years following the assault, warning of consequences if she spoke out.
Graves, who was going through a divorce and custody battle at the time, felt immense guilt and shame that made her feel worthless and isolated. The lawsuit seeks damages to be determined at trial and requests the destruction of all copies of the video recording.
In addition to Combs, the lawsuit names several companies owned by the music mogul as defendants. Combs, a three-time Grammy winner and influential figure in the hip-hop industry, has been a prominent producer and executive for over three decades.
