The Painful Denial: Diddy’s Ex-Bodyguard Responds to Rape Allegations
As I reflect on the recent allegations against Diddy and his former bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, I am reminded of the profound trauma and betrayal that survivors of sexual assault endure. The latest lawsuit, filed by Thalia Graves, recounts a horrific incident that allegedly occurred in 2001, and Sherman’s denial of these claims only adds to the complexity and pain of this situation.
The Allegations
Thalia Graves’ lawsuit paints a chilling picture. She claims that while she was dating someone who worked at Bad Boy Records, Diddy called her under the pretext of discussing her partner’s “performance issues” at work. According to her account, Diddy gave her a drugged glass of wine, leading to her passing out. When she woke up, she was naked and tied up, and she alleges that she was subsequently raped by both Diddy and his then-bodyguard, Joseph Sherman.
The lawsuit further details that after the assault, both Diddy and Sherman allegedly contacted her multiple times, threatening her to remain silent and warning her that she could lose custody of her son if she ever disclosed the assault. The most devastating part is the claim that they showed a video of the assault to multiple men, seeking to degrade and humiliate her and her boyfriend.
Sherman’s Denial
In a recent interview with NBC New York, Joseph Sherman vehemently denied the allegations. His words, though emotional, feel like a slap in the face to those who have suffered similar traumas. He claimed, “It’s a lie on me. I don’t know this lady from anywhere. I am not questioning her integrity. I am just questioning her claims against me. You got the wrong man. I wasn’t even in the same room with you. I have never seen you. I wasn’t even in New York that I recall at the time.”
Sherman’s denial is not just a rejection of the allegations; it’s a dismissal of the pain and fear that Thalia Graves has endured for over two decades. He presented text messages and direct messages, authenticated by NBC, showing that Graves had reached out to him in November 2023, asking him to be a witness against Diddy in exchange for being left out of the proceedings. Sherman interpreted this as a “money grab” and accused Graves of orchestrating it.
The Emotional Toll
For those of us who have experienced sexual assault, Sherman’s words are a harsh reminder of the skepticism and disbelief we often face. The emotional interview, while it may seem convincing to some, feels like another layer of victim-blaming and denial. It’s a painful reminder that even when we muster the courage to speak out, our stories can be doubted and our integrity questioned.
The Broader Context
Diddy is currently facing multiple lawsuits and a federal investigation into allegations of sexual assault, rape, sex trafficking, and drugging. The sheer volume of these accusations underscores a pattern of behavior that is both alarming and heartbreaking. Other women, including Dawn Richard and Cassie, have also come forward with their own harrowing experiences involving Diddy.
The Fight for Justice
As survivors, we know that the journey to justice is long and arduous. We face not only the perpetrators but also a system that often seems designed to silence us. Thalia Graves’ lawsuit, and the subsequent denial by Joseph Sherman, is a stark reminder of this struggle.
In the end, it’s not about winning or losing; it’s about being heard and believed. For those of us who have walked this path, we know that the truth, no matter how painful, is the only way to heal and move forward. We stand in solidarity with Thalia Graves and all the other women who have found the courage to speak out against Diddy and his associates. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their stories deserve to be believed.
