‘Emotionally scarred’ woman who sued Diddy for ‘violent’ rape in 2001 still struggles with PTSD and trauma

Thalia Graves is the latest woman to sue Sean “Diddy” Combs for alleged “brutal” rape in 2001. In an emotional press conference on Tuesday, she described in detail the trauma she still lives with today.

“It is a pain that goes to the core of your personality,” the plaintiff said, crying, during a press conference held by her lawyer Gloria Allred in Los Angeles.

Graves, wearing a white blouse, black skirt and hoop earrings, wiped away tears with a tissue as she continued to explain how the “shame” and “guilt” she still feels is affecting her ability to “function properly.”

She said she often blamed herself and felt responsible for what she alleged happened to her in 2001, when Combs and his then-security chief Joseph Sherman sexually assaulted her at a Bad Boy Records studio in New York City, according to her recently filed complaint.

Allred told the press that Combs and his co-defendant recorded their alleged assault on Graves without her consent and then sold the recordings “as pornography.”

However, the renowned lawyer, who frequently represents alleged victims of sexual abuse, stated that while she could not comment on her current client’s “level of consciousness” during the alleged rape, she “never consented to the video recording and did not consent.”

In the lawsuit, they claim that Combs gave Graves a drink “that was likely laced with a drug that ultimately caused her to briefly lose consciousness.”

Allred added in the press conference: “(She) did not authorize the video recording, and she also claims that she would never have consented to be assaulted in this way.”

Graves described in detail the negative impact the alleged incident had on her life, including the strain on her “choice of men and relationships.”

“Many relationships became aggressive and abusive, which made me feel even more alone with my problems,” she said.

“I have periods where I am distant and withdrawn. I find it so hard to leave my house. The trauma of the attack has had a huge impact on my mental health.”

Graves said she was in the middle of a divorce at the time of the alleged rape and therefore did not have the proper support even then.

As a result, she now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.

“I’m emotionally scarred,” Graves admitted at the press conference. “I had a hard time trusting others… or feeling safe in my own skin.”

She said she still struggles with “flashbacks, nightmares and obsessions” that have also had lasting physical effects on her body, such as “chronic” pain and “sexual discomfort.”

This has created a “cycle of suffering,” she added, but stressed that her complaint is part of her “path to healing.”

“I’m glad he’s locked up, but this is only a temporary sense of relief,” Graves concluded.

Allred did not comment on why her client decided to go public with her allegations, but the complaint said Graves was afraid of retaliation.

However, the lawyer also pointed out that her client’s claims were not the same as those in the ongoing federal case against Combs.

Last week, the 54-year-old “Bad Boy for Life” rapper was charged with three counts: conspiracy to commit organized crime, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. He pleaded not guilty.

Allred also did not disclose whether Graves had been in contact with federal authorities or cooperating with their investigation, but said she represents other Diddy accusers who have not yet spoken out publicly.

Page Six has reached out to Combs’ rep for comment on Graves’ press conference and lawsuit, but has not immediately received a response.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.