There are moments when public figures, once known for their charm or media presence, resurface in the spotlight under very different circumstances. Such is the case with Diamond Tankard, a former reality TV personality who once appeared on Bravo’s Thicker Than Water: The Tankards. In July 2025, Diamond found herself at the center of a deeply troubling legal case — one that not only reignites conversations about celebrity accountability but also sheds light on broader social concerns.
This article looks closely at the details of the incident, her past legal troubles, and what it may signal for her future.
From Reality TV to Reality Check: Who Is Diamond Tankard?
Diamond Tankard, 21, is best known for her role as one of the younger members of the Tankard family in the reality series Thicker Than Water, which aired on Bravo from 2013 to 2016. The show chronicled the lives of gospel jazz musician Ben Tankard, his wife, and their blended family — offering viewers a glimpse into their faith, finances, and familial bonds.
Among the children, Diamond stood out for her vibrant personality and love of fashion. She was charismatic, confident, and often seen as the “entertainment” of the family. But years after the cameras stopped rolling, the image once curated on screen now contrasts starkly with the headlines that followed.
The Walmart Incident: What We Know
A Shocking Act in a Public Place
On July 18, 2025, Diamond Tankard was arrested following an alleged physical assault at a Walmart Supercenter in Antioch, Tennessee, a suburban neighborhood of Nashville. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by People and WSB-TV, the incident occurred near the self-checkout lanes.
Diamond is accused of approaching another woman from behind, grabbing her by the hair, and repeatedly striking her in the head with a sock filled with rocks. The attack, reportedly unprovoked, was said to be sudden and violent.
Witnesses described the moment as chaotic, with bystanders attempting to intervene. Surveillance footage later confirmed the account, showing Tankard engaging in what authorities described as “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.”
Theft Allegations
After allegedly attacking the victim, Tankard reportedly took the woman’s iPhone 14 Pro Max (estimated at $1,500) and her Louis Vuitton handbag (worth approximately $900), then fled the store. This led to an additional charge of felony theft, due to the total value of stolen property exceeding $2,000.
Police later arrested Tankard, and she was booked into Metro Nashville Jail. She was released shortly after on $25,000 bond, pending her next court appearance on August 22, 2025.
The Victim’s Injuries and Aftermath
The woman who was assaulted sustained a serious laceration above her left eye, requiring multiple stitches. According to New York Post, the injury was visible in the footage and contributed to the classification of the incident as aggravated assault.
While the victim’s name has not been released for privacy reasons, police records show she provided a full statement, corroborated by both her grandmother and store security footage.
Public Reaction: A Divided Audience
The response to the incident was immediate — and polarizing.
On Reddit, particularly within the r/PublicFreakout subreddit, video clips from the incident quickly went viral. Many viewers were stunned by the nature of the weapon — a sock filled with rocks — which some referred to as “makeshift brutality.” Others raised questions about how someone with a visible ankle monitor, as Tankard was reportedly wearing, could still engage in such a violent public act.
One commenter wrote:
“What happened to her? This isn’t someone just having a bad day — this is deeper.”
The mood across social media platforms ranged from concern and criticism to calls for mental health evaluations and stricter monitoring protocols for those with pending felony charges.
A Troubling History: Past Legal Issues
Unfortunately, this is not Diamond Tankard’s first brush with the law.
November 2024: A Different Kind of Headline
According to The Sun, in late 2024, Tankard was charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly running over a woman with her Range Rover during a dispute on November 29, 2024.
The woman sustained significant injuries. Reports indicate that Tankard fled the scene, leading to additional charges of:
- Leaving the scene of an accident with injury
- Failing to render aid
- Violating terms of pretrial release (as she was already under court-ordered monitoring)
She was released on a $1.002 million bail following that incident, and the case remains open.
Notably, Tankard was still under pretrial supervision — including wearing an ankle monitor — when the Walmart assault took place.
Legal Implications: What Is She Facing Now?
Under Tennessee state law, the charges against Tankard are serious:
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is a Class C felony, punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison.
- Felony Theft of property valued over $1,000 is a Class D felony, with 2 to 12 years in prison possible.
Because she already has a pending attempted murder case and violated her release conditions, prosecutors may argue for revocation of her bail, and potentially pursue enhanced sentencing if convicted.
Should she be found guilty on multiple charges, Tankard could face decades behind bars.
Family Ties and Public Legacy
Diamond’s father, Ben Tankard, built a reputation as a respected jazz musician and motivational speaker. Thicker Than Water was intended to showcase not only their family’s faith and financial success, but also their unity and values.
So far, no public statement has been issued by the Tankard family regarding the latest charges. But one can imagine the internal toll these incidents may be taking — especially given their once carefully cultivated public image.
Larger Questions: What This Tells Us
Beyond the incident itself, Diamond Tankard’s story — if indeed the allegations prove true — reflects larger patterns in public life today:
- Fame doesn’t immunize anyone from accountability.
Reality TV stars are still subject to the same consequences as anyone else. - The criminal justice system’s gaps are glaring.
That someone facing attempted murder charges — and already wearing an ankle monitor — could allegedly commit another violent assault raises questions about bail reform, supervision, and public safety. - The internet never forgets.
Once footage goes viral, it shapes public perception long before a court verdict is reached. - Mental health deserves serious discussion.
While we cannot diagnose from afar, recurring acts of violence should prompt inquiries about the support systems (or lack thereof) surrounding someone in crisis.
What Comes Next?
Diamond Tankard’s next hearing is scheduled for August 22, 2025, in Nashville. The outcome of this Walmart assault case may also impact the unresolved 2024 attempted murder charge.
If her bond is revoked and charges upheld, she could be held in custody pending trial — a dramatic shift from the lifestyle once shown on television.
Final Thoughts
The story of Diamond Tankard is not one of simple scandal, but of complex personal unraveling. It’s a reminder that behind every headline is a person, shaped by choices, circumstances, and consequences.
What remains to be seen is whether accountability will lead to healing — or whether this pattern continues unchecked.
