A woman named Thalia Graves has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in New York, accusing music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and his bodyguard of drugging and assaulting her in 2001. Graves alleged that she met Combs through her boyfriend, who worked at Combs' record label Bad Boy when she was 25 years old. According to the lawsuit filed on Tuesday, Graves accepted a glass of wine from Combs while in a vehicle with him and his bodyguard. She began to feel lightheaded, dizzy, and physically weak before losing consciousness. Graves later awoke naked in a Manhattan studio with her hands tied behind her back. The lawsuit states that Combs raped her and physically assaulted her while his bodyguard sexually assaulted her as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

At a news conference with attorney Gloria Allred, Graves emotionally recounted the physical and emotional damage caused by the alleged assault. She expressed her struggle to break free from the cycle of suffering and emphasized her determination to continue towards recovery and healing. The lawsuit against Combs and his bodyguard is the latest allegation of sexual violence against Combs, following his recent indictment on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Combs, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, remains in federal detention after being denied bail by a federal judge.

Following the assault, Graves found herself in pain and distress and sought medical attention with a livery driver to a hospital, as described in the lawsuit. However, overcome by fear of retribution from Combs, she remained in the car, shaking and crying hysterically. Graves alleges that the rape inflicted severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder upon her, leading to suicide attempts. She learned in November 2023 from her former boyfriend that Combs and his bodyguard had recorded and shared a video of the assault with others. The lawsuit accuses Combs, his bodyguard, and associated businesses of violating New York's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, as well as violating state civil rights law and city administrative code.