Joseph Sherman Accuses Thalia Graves of Blackmail in Defamation Suit

Joseph Sherman has filed a lawsuit claiming defamation and emotional distress against Thalia Graves and her attorney, Gloria Allred, while also alleging that Graves attempted to coerce him into testifying against Sean Combs.

Former Sean 'Diddy' Combs' bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, filed a civil suit on Friday in the Southern District of New York against Thalia Graves and her attorney, Gloria Allred, among others, alleging defamation and emotional distress. This lawsuit springs from an earlier legal action initiated by Graves and Allred on September 24, 2024, where Sherman was named as a defendant alongside Combs. According to the suit, Sherman claims Graves sought to blackmail him, citing pages of text messages as evidence of this alleged attempt.

The crux of Sherman's lawsuit involves claims that he ceased to work for Combs in 1999 and was not present during the time of the alleged assault in 2001. Furthermore, Sherman asserts that he has never met Graves. The documents detail a purported attempt by Graves to coerce him into providing false testimony against Combs in exchange for legal leniency, stating, “if you will be my witness against Diddy, then my attorneys will leave you out of any proceedings.”

Sherman’s allegations have sparked criticism towards Allred, with some stating that this situation reflects a pattern of misconduct indicative of larger efforts by her and others to undermine victims’ credibility surrounding Combs. At the same time, Sherman’s rapid public denial of the charges has drawn attention to the allegedly extortionate nature of Graves’ text messages to him.

Further complicating the narrative are allegations connecting Allred and another controversial attorney, Mark Geragos, with potential organized criminal interests. Both have faced scrutiny in past high-profile cases concerning jury misconduct and witness tampering. Notably, they share a connection through Anthony Pellicano, a former private investigator with a criminal history, who has been linked to various scandals involving allegations of blackmail and witness intimidation.

These developments have raised eyebrows among legal analysts, especially regarding Allred, who has been implicated in several investigations by the State Bar of California over ethical violations. The lawsuit against Sherman is not the first time allegations of racketeering have been associated with Allred. Former clients and legal adversaries have accused her of engaging in dubious legal practices.

In light of these events, Sherman’s attorney has emphasized the far-reaching consequences of false allegations in the Me Too movement, cautioning against the damage inflicted on both innocent individuals and genuine victims of sexual assault. As the legal battle unfolds, observers are closely monitoring the implications for all parties involved and the broader effects on the credibility of the Me Too movement.