Diddy Accuser Breaks Silence After Disturbing Rape Allegations: 'A Pain That Reaches Into Your Very Core'
Thalia Graves, in a deeply emotional press conference held on Tuesday, September 24, alongside her attorney Gloria Allred, shared her harrowing story of an alleged rape that took place over two decades ago. Graves accuses Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his then-bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, of drugging, assaulting, and videotaping the violent attack, which occurred at Bad Boy Records’ studio in New York City. This is the first time Graves has spoken publicly about the alleged assault, and her words resonated with pain and trauma as she recounted the incident.
According to Graves, the assault occurred in 2001 when she was 25 and dating a Bad Boy Records executive. In her civil complaint, filed in federal court in New York, she alleges that Combs lured her to the studio, offering her a glass of wine that she believes was drugged. After consuming the drink, she briefly lost consciousness. When she awoke, she found herself naked, her hands tied behind her back. She recalls screaming, but Sherman allegedly slammed her face down onto a pool table, restraining her while Combs proceeded to rape her.
During the press conference, Graves spoke through tears, describing the lasting effects of the assault. “The internal pain after being sexually assaulted has been incredibly deep and hard to put into words,” she said. “It goes beyond just physical harm caused by and during the assault. It’s a pain that reaches into the very core of who you are and leaves emotional scars that may never fully heal.”
Graves’ lawsuit, a 26-page civil complaint, is the latest legal action brought against Combs, who was arrested just over a week earlier on charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The allegations against Combs are wide-ranging, with the 14-page federal indictment describing how he orchestrated and recorded elaborate sex performances. Graves is the first alleged victim to come forward detailing how Combs and Sherman videotaped the rape.
She recounted additional distressing details in her complaint, including how she vomited on the pool table during the attack, but Combs was “undeterred” and continued the assault. Graves said that the trauma has severely impacted her mental health, leaving her with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a deep mistrust of others. “Some of the hardest parts of this pain are the shame and guilt I have experienced that plays a negative part in my day-to-day ability to function properly,” Graves said. She expressed how isolating the aftermath has been, sharing that she often feels “alone” in her struggles.
“The trauma of the assault has taken a toll on my mental health,” Graves said. “I am emotionally scarred. It has been hard for me to trust others, form healthy relationships, or even feel safe in my own skin.”
Graves concluded her remarks by acknowledging the temporary sense of relief she feels with Combs behind bars. However, she made it clear that the legal fight is far from over. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, which will be determined in court.
Neither Combs’ attorney nor Sherman’s legal representative have responded to requests for comment, leaving questions about the defendants’ next steps in the legal process.
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