Thalia Graves, who claims to be a victim of Sean “Diddy” Combs, has publicly addressed her allegations for the first time following the filing of a lawsuit against the music executive. The lawsuit was submitted on Tuesday in a New York federal court, alleging that Combs and his former security guard, Joseph Sherman, raped her at the Bad Boy Records studio in Manhattan back in 2001.
At the time, Graves was 25 years old and asserts that she was given a drink that was likely drugged, which caused her to lose consciousness. She alleges that upon regaining consciousness, she found herself bound and restrained while Combs and Sherman allegedly proceeded to sexually assault her.
The lawsuit further claims that Graves was violently assaulted, beaten, and forced to perform sexual acts, with both men ignoring her cries for help. During a press conference in Los Angeles alongside her attorney, Gloria Allred, Graves described the emotional pain resulting from the assault as profound and difficult to articulate, stating it goes beyond physical harm and leaves enduring emotional scars.
In 2023, Graves discovered that a video of the alleged assault was being circulated, possibly being distributed as pornography. The lawsuit calls for a court injunction to have the video destroyed and to prevent any further distribution, in addition to seeking unspecified damages.
Graves expressed feelings of worthlessness and isolation stemming from how she has been treated since the incident, noting, “I am emotionally scarred.” She also commented on her relief at Combs’ current detention, stating it is only a temporary feeling.
Combs faces federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, with an indictment outlining a history of exploitation and coercion of women. He was arrested on September 16 and has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after pleading not guilty to the charges. His defense lawyers’ request to allow him to await trial under house arrest at his $48 million Miami Beach mansion was denied by a judge.
The indictment alleges that Combs operated a criminal enterprise through his various businesses, employing violence and coercion to fulfill his sexual desires. During raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami, authorities reportedly seized evidence associated with his alleged activities, including firearms and a large quantity of personal lubricants and baby oil, which were allegedly intended for use in gatherings termed “freak offs.”
Combs, who was known for his luxurious parties, has recently come under scrutiny for comments made in a 1999 interview where he predicted challenges in hosting future events. Despite being a high-profile figure with many celebrities attending his past gatherings, none of the attendees have been implicated in the current legal matters surrounding him.
If you or someone you know is impacted by human trafficking, resources are available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733.