Joseph Sherman, a former bodyguard for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, has initiated a civil lawsuit against Thalia Graves and her attorney Gloria Allred, asserting claims of defamation and emotional distress. Filed in the Southern District of New York on Friday, the lawsuit is a direct response to a complaint brought forth by Graves and Allred on September 24, 2024, which named Sherman as a defendant alongside Combs. In his suit, Sherman alleges that Graves attempted to blackmail him with threats regarding his testimony against Combs, providing text messages as evidence to back his claims.
The lawsuit reveals that Sherman had not been employed by Combs since 1999 and denies ever meeting Graves, who alleges he and Combs raped her in 2001. Detailed in the complaint, Sherman argues that Graves sought to manipulate him into providing false testimony against Combs, claiming, “if you will be my witness against Diddy, then my attorneys will leave you out of any proceedings… I will make sure the state does not pick up charges or rape charges against you.”
Critics have started to question the validity of the initial suit filed by Allred and Graves, speculating that this pattern of behavior might not be isolated. Both Allred and her daughter, Lisa Bloom, have faced scrutiny in previous cases related to the credibility of their motives. As of the publication of this article, Allred stands out as the only plaintiff's attorney in this instance being sued back. Sherman has been vocal about the allegations, quickly denying any wrongdoing and sharing the incriminating text messages he received from Graves.
Concerns have arisen regarding Allred’s previous legal entanglements. Critics of her practice argue that she may have affiliations that suggest a history of misconduct and questionable legal tactics. Allegations against her and attorney Mark Geragos have included accusations of manipulating witness testimonies across high-profile cases, as both attorneys are reported to have a history of connections with disgraced private investigator Anthony Pellicano, known for his infamous methods of intimidation and manipulation.
Joseph Sherman’s attorney, Darnell D. Crosland, emphasized the importance of addressing false accusations, noting that they not only affect the accused but also undermine genuine victims of sexual assault. He stated, “The defendants in this lawsuit need to be held responsible for their actions… a ‘cash grab’ based on false claims hurts more people than they can imagine.” As this legal controversy unfolds, many observers are calling for accountability and the possibility of a thorough investigation into Allred's practices and affiliations.
