Sean Combs faces new allegations of assault from 2001

Music mogul embroiled in deepening legal troubles

Sean “Diddy” Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry, is currently facing severe legal challenges. While awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Combs has been hit with a new lawsuit alleging that he drugged and raped a woman in 2001.

The allegations

Thalia Graves has filed a lawsuit in New York federal court, claiming that she was sexually assaulted by Combs and his bodyguard at Bad Boy Records’ New York studio. According to the complaint, Graves was given a drink that caused her to lose consciousness. When she awoke, she found herself “bound and restrained” and was subsequently subjected to brutal sexual abuse.

A pattern of abuse

This lawsuit adds to Combs’ mounting legal issues, which include a three-count indictment accusing him of running a criminal enterprise that involved assaulting and trafficking women. Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced women into participating in orchestrated sexual encounters with male sex workers, who were flown in from various locations. His bail was denied due to concerns that he posed a safety risk and might flee the country.

The incident at Bad Boy Records

Graves alleges that she was lured to the studio under the pretense of discussing her boyfriend’s performance issues at the company. She was picked up by Joseph Sherman, Combs’ bodyguard at the time. At the studio, Graves was handed a drink that made her feel “lightheaded, dizzy, and physically weak.” When she regained consciousness, she found herself naked with her hands tied behind her back. Sherman allegedly lifted her and slammed her face down on a pool table, after which Combs entered the room naked and proceeded to assault her.

Recording and distribution of the assault

The lawsuit claims that the incident was recorded and made available for sale. Graves’ lawyer, Gloria Allred, stated that Combs had a “pattern and practice of non-consensually recording women engaging in sexual acts and making those videos available to the public, including by selling tapes as pornography.” A text message from a Bad Boy artist corroborated that Sherman used to sell pornographic videos of such incidents.

Previous allegations and ongoing investigations

This lawsuit is one of many brought against Combs. Singer Cassie Ventura, who was once signed to his label, previously sued him, sparking a federal investigation into sex trafficking and racketeering. Several accusers have claimed that employees and directors at Combs’ businesses, including Bad Boy president Harve Pierre, were aware of and facilitated these alleged sex crimes.

Fear and silence

For years, Graves remained silent, fearing that Combs and his associates would use their power to ruin her life. The sexual assault claim, which is over a decade old, was brought under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Act. This statute allows accusers to file civil complaints involving such claims even after the statute of limitations has expired.

Current status

With his bail denied, Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, known for its squalid and dangerous conditions. “I’m glad he’s locked up, but that’s a temporary feeling of relief,” Graves said at a press conference announcing the lawsuit.

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