Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Sues Rape Accuser For Defamation

Diddy‘s legal ordeals over the last year related to his alleged sex crimes haven’t just impacted him. His former bodyguard is suing one of his rape accusers for defamation in response to her lawsuit involving him, per a report from Rolling Stone.

Thalia Graves sued the Bad Boy founder and Joseph Sherman for allegedly drugging, binding, and raping her at the Bad Boy studio Daddy’s House in 2001. She filed this lawsuit less than a year after Puff’s ex-girlfriend Cassie opened the floodgates in November 2023 by suing him for rape, trafficking, and more.

Per the lawsuit, Graves learned that her rape had been recorded and shown to multiple other men. Graves’ ex-boyfriend claimed he had also seen the tape and it was being sold as if it was casual porn. Sherman, however, denies all allegations. He claims that he stopped working for the controversial mogul in 1999 and never even met Graves.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – JULY 25: Entertainer Puff Daddy looks on prior to the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Joseph Sherman included several screenshots in his lawsuit where Thalia Graves was asking if he ever worked for Diddy and to call her number. She also appeared to be trying to persuade him to testify against Diddy in court. “If you will be my witness against Diddy, then my attorneys will leave you out of any proceedings,” one of the messages read. “I will make sure that the state does not pick up charges or rape charges against you.”

Sherman’s defamation lawsuit is for the reputational and financial losses he has taken due to her allegations. He is also suing for emotional distress, negligence, abuse of process, and more. He has taken a significant position as the first person named in any of Diddy’s lawsuits who is countersuing one of his accusers.

Diddy is currently behind bars after being arrested in September in New York City. His federal indictment outlined charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. One of the most discussed aspects of his indictment was the fact he had over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, three assault rifles with the serial numbers scratched off, and footage of all of his “freak offs.”