One of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ latest accusers is being accused of bribery.
Thalia Graves filed a lawsuit against Diddy, 54, and former body guard Joseph Sherman, alleging that they raped her in 2001 and that the music mogul recorded the incident. In her complaint, Graves says she met Diddy through her then-boyfriend who worked as an executive at Bad Boy Records.
TMZ claims to have reviewed a 2023 text exchange between Graves and her ex-boyfriend where she mentions suing Diddy “because he’s the one that has the money,” and allegedly appears to offer him money for support after asking him if he’s seen the alleged video of her assault.
“What do you n$3 mil?” Graves allegedly wrote in the text message.
The ex-boyfriend reportedly confirmed the texts to TMZ, telling the outlet that he viewed them as a bribe attempt, and subsequently blocked Graves’ phone number and her social media accounts.
Lawyers for Diddy are said to also have copies of the alleged text conversation.
“It is very common that rich powerful men and their supporters attempt to discredit, shame, and humiliate accusers who have the courage to come forward,” Graves’ attorney Gloria Allred tells Complex. “The complaint speaks for itself. Our client is looking forward to her day in court.”
Last week, former bodyguard Joseph Sherman, a.k.a “Big Joe,” denied knowing Graves or working for Diddy at the time of the alleged sexual assault.
“I’m not questioning her integrity. I’m questioning her claims against me,” Sherman told Sarah Wallace for WNBC. “I wasn’t the head of his security. You got the wrong man. I’ve never seen you. I’ve never did anything negative with you. I’ve never been in the same room with you.”
On Monday, it was reported by Page Six that Diddy has filed an appeal for pretrial release after being denied twice. Diddy’s appeal aims to challenge the ruling of the Southern District of New York, which has denied his request twice, keeping him in jail based on allegations of obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
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