Sean “Diddy” Combs has been hit with hundreds of lawsuits— many of which were filed by anonymous accusers— since he was federally indicted in September. With a growing number of accusations lining up at Diddy’s door, it’s likely getting hard to keep up with all the anonymous filers. But this week, a judge ruled that one of Combs’ accusers has to step forward and reveal her identity....or else
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The unnamed Tennessee woman alleges Combs sexually assaulted her in 2004. According to her, she was a college student at the time, and Diddy threatened violence against her. Despite her anonymous filing, Hon. Mary Kay Vyskocil has given her until Nov. 13 to reveal her identity, according to TMZ.
Vyskocil wrote in her ruling “Simply put, allegations of sexual assault, by themselves, are not sufficient to entitle a plaintiff to proceed under a pseudonym.” In rebuttal, the woman said if her name is published, she could be harmed by Combs or his team, but ultimately, the judge’s ruling still stands.
“Combs has had no contact with Plaintiff for the approximately 20 years since the alleged rape, and Combs is currently detained pending trial,” the decision said. “As such, counsel has not identified any present threat of physical harm to Plaintiff.”
The judge acknowledged Diddy’s position as a public figure, and noted “Plaintiff is likely to face public scrutiny if she proceeds in her own name. The Court is not oblivious to the potential toll of such scrutiny on any litigant.” But despite these concerns, the judge said, “Plaintiff’s interest in avoiding public scrutiny, or even embarrassment, does not outweigh the interests of both Combs and the public in the customary and constitutionally-embedded presumption of openness in judicial proceedings.”
Vyskocil referenced other accusers who have chosen to reveal their identifies like Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. With that, the judge also said Combs is entitled to his own investigation into his accusers and their credibility, reports ABC.
This is the first case against Combs where the victim must reveal their identity, but this may open the door for future identity requirements moving forward. Currently, Combs is facing over 120 active lawsuits citing forms of sexual abuse. If this accuser does not come forward, her case against Combs will be dropped.
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