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A federal judge has dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs after the anonymous plaintiff failed to comply with a court order requiring her to file the case under her real name. The decision marks a pivotal development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the embattled music mogul.
The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024 under the pseudonym Jane Doe, accused Combs of sexually assaulting the plaintiff at a party in 1995. The case was one of many civil suits lodged against the rapper, who is also facing federal criminal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
On March 6, 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that the plaintiff could not proceed anonymously, citing the need for transparency in legal proceedings. The judge granted the plaintiff until March 20, 2025, to re-file under her real name or face dismissal. However, as of March 31, she had neither filed a new complaint nor requested an extension, leading to the court’s decision to dismiss the case.
In his ruling, Judge Liman emphasized that "public access to judicial proceedings is a fundamental aspect of the justice system, and anonymity must be granted only in exceptional circumstances." Legal experts note that while some courts allow anonymity in sensitive cases, judges often weigh the potential harm to plaintiffs against the principles of open justice.
Combs’ legal team welcomed the dismissal, arguing that the case lacked merit. “For months, we have seen case after case filed by individuals hiding behind anonymity, pushed forward by attorneys more focused on media headlines than legal merit,” the defense team stated. “The other claims, like the one dismissed today, also will not hold up in a court of law.”
The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, acknowledged his client’s decision to withdraw, attributing it to fear of public scrutiny and potential retaliation. “These cases are incredibly traumatic for survivors, and the decision to come forward publicly is not one to be taken lightly,” Buzbee told USA Today. He added that many of his clients had experienced threats and harassment since filing claims against Combs.
Despite this legal victory, Combs remains a defendant in multiple civil lawsuits, with over 120 individuals reportedly accusing him of misconduct. He has denied all allegations. Meanwhile, his criminal case is set to proceed in May 2025, where he faces serious charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
