NEW YORK, USA — A federal judge has ruled that an Alabama woman alleging she was raped by Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, at least for now, in her lawsuit against the two music moguls.
The decision comes amid intense public interest and a contentious legal battle.
In her order, Judge Analisa Torres allowed the plaintiff, identified as “Jane Doe,” to maintain anonymity during the early stages of the case but indicated she may need to reveal her identity later if the case proceeds to trial.
This would enable defense attorneys to gather the necessary facts to prepare their arguments. Torres also cited significant public interest in the matter.
The judge criticized Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, for what she described as “inflammatory language” and combative tactics in motions filed against the plaintiff’s legal team.
“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,” Torres wrote, referring to Jay-Z by his legal surname.
Allegations and Defense
The lawsuit, filed by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, accuses Combs and Jay-Z of sexually assaulting the plaintiff in 2000 at an after-party for the MTV Music Awards in New York City.
The woman alleges she was living in Rochester, New York, at the time and travelled to the city, where she says she was attacked after being brought to the event by a limousine driver.
Defense attorneys have questioned the plaintiff’s credibility, citing inconsistencies in her account.
Spiro noted discrepancies, including the plaintiff’s claim of watching the awards show on a jumbotron outside the venue, despite evidence showing no jumbotron was present.
He also referenced statements from the woman’s father, who said he does not recall picking her up from New York City as she alleged.
Jay-Z’s legal team has requested the court dismiss the case against him, calling the allegations “outright impossibilities.”
Combs’ lawyers have labelled Buzbee’s lawsuits as “shameless publicity stunts” intended to pressure celebrities into settlements.
Broader Legal Challenges
Combs, who is currently jailed in New York on federal sex trafficking charges, is at the center of a wave of lawsuits alleging sexual abuse and exploitation at parties in New York, California, and Florida.
Buzbee’s firm claims to represent more than 150 alleged victims.
The lawsuits include allegations that guests were served drug-laced drinks and later assaulted.
Combs’ legal team has consistently denied the claims, asserting he has never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone.
Next Steps
While the plaintiff’s anonymity is preserved for now, the court’s ruling signals that the case will proceed, barring further legal manoeuvres by the defence.
The highly publicised nature of the lawsuit and the broader accusations against Combs continue to draw significant attention, with the potential for further revelations as the legal process unfolds.
A criminal trial for Combs on separate federal charges is set to begin in May 2025.
Both Combs and Jay-Z have denied the allegations made in the lawsuit.
