In a developing legal saga, Joseph Sherman, formerly associated with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, has launched a civil lawsuit against Thalia Graves and her attorney Gloria Allred. Sherman alleges defamation and emotional distress, asserting that Graves attempted to blackmail him regarding unproven claims of sexual assault against Combs. This lawsuit raises broader questions about the legal tactics employed by Allred and concerns around potential misconduct.
Joseph Sherman Files Suit Against Thalia Graves and Gloria Allred Over Alleged Blackmail
Joseph Sherman Files Suit Against Thalia Graves and Gloria Allred Over Alleged Blackmail
The former bodyguard of Sean Combs claims he faced defamation and emotional distress from Graves and her attorney in response to prior allegations of rape against Combs.
Joseph Sherman, a former bodyguard for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, has initiated a civil lawsuit against Thalia Graves and her attorney, Gloria Allred, alleging defamation and emotional distress. Filed in the Southern District of New York, this suit emerges as a response to a lawsuit from Graves and Allred submitted on September 24, 2024, which named Sherman alongside Combs as defendants. Sherman contends that Graves sought to extort him, presenting pages of text messages in his complaint.
The crux of the matter revolves around allegations made by Graves, claiming Sherman was part of a rape incident with Combs in 2001. However, Sherman refutes these allegations, asserting he left Combs’ employment in 1999 and has never met Graves. His lawsuit claims that Graves attempted to manipulate him into providing false testimony by suggesting leniency in pending charges if he complied.
Critics are scrutinizing Allred's past practices as they question the motives behind her and Graves’ lawsuit against Sherman and Combs. Notably, Sherman has publicly denied the accusations, insisting that the communication from Graves demonstrates extortion rather than a legitimate legal claim. Furthermore, there are concerns raised about Allred’s and her associates’ legal histories, including alleged connections to organized crime and previous ethical violations.
The involvement of notable figures like Mark Geragos, another attorney entwined in past controversies linked to Allred, adds to the complexity. Allegations of witness tampering and dubious legal strategies have followed both lawyers throughout their careers. Sherman’s attorney, Darnell D. Crosland, emphasizes the dangers of false allegations, suggesting they not only harm the reputations of the accused but also undermine genuine victims seeking justice within the #MeToo movement.
This unfolding legal battle underscores the tangled web of allegations, counter-allegations, and the quest for accountability in the face of serious accusations, spotlighting the ethical responsibilities entwined in legal representation.
