Thalia Graves, a woman who has accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of r*ping her in 2001, recently held a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 24. Graves was joined by her attorney, Gloria Allred, a well-known advocate for s*xual assault victims.
Thalia Graves is an entrepreneur and public figure, known for her ventures in the fashion and beauty industries. She has established herself as a successful businesswoman and influencer, independent of her association with any legal cases.
The press conference marked the latest development in a series of legal issues for Combs who is currently facing multiple charges of abuse, including s*x trafficking and racketeering.
Thalia Graves shares her story of alleged r*pe and trauma
During the press conference, Thalia Graves explained how the alleged assault at a Bad Boy Records studio in New York City has deeply affected her life.
"It’s a pain that reaches into your very core of who you are," she said tearfully, detailing the ongoing emotional and physical toll.
Gloria Allred added to Thalia Graves' account, stating that the defendants allegedly recorded the assault without her consent and later sold the footage as po*nography. Allred emphasized that her client "would never have consented to the videotaping."
Thalia Graves further elaborated on the lasting impact of the incident, stating that it has led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
"I go through spells of being distant and withdrawn," she said. "The trauma of the assault has taken a toll on my mental health."
Thalia also shared how the assault has influenced her relationships, noting that many of them became toxic, adding to her feelings of isolation.
The alleged video footage of the incident was later shown to others, including Thalia Graves’ ex-boyfriend, as detailed in her complaint. Graves’ decision to come forward now, over two decades later, appears to be tied to recent legal actions against Combs.
Notably, on September 16, Diddy was indicted on multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy and s*x trafficking. The indictment follows a November 2023 lawsuit filed by Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who accused him of years of abuse. Graves’ lawsuit, though separate, bears similarities to Ventura’s claims, particularly regarding non-consensual recordings of se*ual acts.
The alleged assault has left lasting physical and emotional scars on Graves, including chronic pain and s*xual discomfort. She admitted to still experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. Graves described her lawsuit as a step toward healing, stating,
"It has created a cycle of suffering, but I am glad that he is locked up, even though that is a temporary feeling of relief."
In her closing remarks, Graves acknowledged the emotional toll the assault has taken on her, stating that her healing journey is ongoing but expressed a desire for justice and accountability.
"I am emotionally scarred," she said. "It has been hard for me to trust others or even feel safe in my own skin."
Combs remains in custody following his indictment, and Thalia Graves’ case adds to the growing list of legal challenges he faces. As of now, neither Combs nor his legal team has responded to Graves’ press conference or the details of her lawsuit.