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A federal judge has ruled that a woman alleging sexual assault by music moguls Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs can temporarily proceed anonymously with her lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres issued the decision on December 26, 2024, marking a significant development in this controversial case.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was sexually assaulted by both artists at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000 when she was 13 years old. Now 38, she filed the initial complaint against Combs in October before amending it in December to include Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter.
In her written order, Judge Torres specifically addressed the aggressive legal tactics employed by Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro. "Carter's lawyer's relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client," the judge wrote.
The plaintiff's attorney, Tony Buzbee, who represents over 150 individuals alleging abuse by Combs, responded to the ruling: "The coordinated and desperate efforts to attack me as counsel for alleged victims are falling flat." Buzbee's statement underscores the broader context of multiple sexual assault lawsuits currently facing Combs.
Recent developments have brought scrutiny to the case's details. In a December 13 interview with NBC News, the accuser acknowledged "inconsistencies" in her account while maintaining the core allegations. "You should always advocate for yourself and be a voice for yourself," she stated. "You should never let what somebody else did ruin or run your life."
The defense has pointed out several discrepancies in the plaintiff's narrative, including claims about a non-existent jumbotron at the VMAs and uncertainties regarding her father's recollection of events. Jay-Z's legal team has characterized the lawsuit as an attempt at "naked extortion," while Combs' attorneys have dismissed similar suits as "shameless publicity stunts."
Judge Torres noted that while the plaintiff can proceed anonymously for now, she may need to reveal her identity if the case advances to allow defense lawyers to prepare adequately for trial. This ruling balances the plaintiff's privacy concerns with the defendants' right to mount an effective defense.
