Diddy’s legal battles over the past year, stemming from allegations of sexual crimes, have not only affected the renowned music mogul himself but have also embroiled individuals connected to him in legal proceedings. One such case involves his former bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, who is now suing one of Diddy’s rape accusers, Thalia Graves, for defamation following her lawsuit that names him.
Thalia Graves’ lawsuit against Diddy and Sherman dates back to an alleged incident in 2001, in which she claims she was drugged, bound, and raped at the infamous Bad Boy Studios, known as Daddy’s House. This lawsuit came to light less than a year after Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie, filed her own explosive lawsuit in November 2023, accusing the music mogul of rape, sex trafficking, and other heinous acts. Graves’ case, however, took a particularly disturbing turn when she alleged that her rape was recorded and then circulated among several men. According to Graves, her ex-boyfriend had seen the video and informed her that it was being sold as though it were nothing more than casual pornography.
Joseph Sherman, who once worked as Diddy’s bodyguard, categorically denies any involvement in the crime and has pushed back against the allegations. He claims he ceased working for Diddy in 1999, two years before Graves alleges the rape took place, and furthermore states that he never met her. In a bold counteraction, Sherman filed a defamation lawsuit against Graves, citing significant damage to his reputation and finances. He argues that the accusations against him are entirely false and have caused him considerable emotional distress, as well as reputational harm. Sherman is seeking damages for defamation, abuse of process, negligence, and emotional distress.
Interestingly, the defamation lawsuit was further fueled by a series of messages Graves allegedly sent to Sherman. Screenshots submitted as part of the lawsuit show Graves asking Sherman if he ever worked for Diddy and requesting that he call her. Some of the messages reportedly show Graves trying to convince Sherman to testify against Diddy in court. One of the messages reads,
“If you will be my witness against Diddy, then my attorneys will leave you out of any proceedings. I will make sure that the state does not pick up charges or rape charges against you.”
These interactions have only deepened the legal complexities of the case, raising questions about the motivations behind the allegations and the nature of the communications between Graves and Sherman.Sherman’s countersuit against Graves is a unique development in the ongoing legal drama surrounding Diddy, marking him as the first person named in any of Diddy’s lawsuits to take legal action against one of his accusers. This countersuit adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate series of legal battles for the mogul.
Diddy’s own legal troubles are far from resolved. In September he was arrested in New York City and faces a host of serious charges in a federal indictment. Among the charges outlined in the indictment are racketeering conspiracy sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. One of the most widely discussed aspects of the charges is the discovery of over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, along with three assault rifles with their serial numbers scratched off, and footage documenting what has been described as “freak offs.” These revelations have only heightened public interest and scrutiny of the ongoing legal proceedings.
As Diddy’s case unfolds, his former associates and accusers are also grappling with their own legal entanglements, and it remains to be seen how the complex web of lawsuits will ultimately play out in the courtroom.
