Diddy's former bodyguard sues rapist for defamation

Diddies legal trials of the past year related to his alleged sexual crimes didn’t just influence him. His former bodyguard is suing one of his rape accusers for defamation in response to her lawsuit involving him, according to a report from Rolling stone.

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

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

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

Joseph Sherman included several screenshots in his lawsuit in which Thalia asked Graves if he ever worked for Diddy and wanted to call her number. She also appeared to convince him to testify against Diddy in court. “If you want to be my witness against Diddy, my lawyers will keep you out of any proceedings,” one message read. “I will make sure the state doesn’t file charges against you or charge you with rape.”

Sherman’s defamation lawsuit concerns the reputational and financial losses he suffered as a result of her accusations. He is also suing for emotional distress, negligence, abuse of process and more. He has carved out an important position as the first person named in one of Diddy’s lawsuits to contradict one of his accusers.

Diddy does currently behind bars after being arrested in New York City in September. His federal indictment outlined charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. One of the most talked about aspects of his indictment was the fact that he was done 1,000 bottles full of baby oil and lube, three assault rifles with their serial numbers scratched off, and footage of all his freak-offs.

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