A woman who accused Sean "Diddy" Combs of sexual assault nearly 20 years ago must reveal her identity if she wants to proceed with her lawsuit against the music mogul, according to a ruling this week by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil. The plaintiff, who filed under the pseudonym "Jane Doe," alleges that Combs raped her and threatened her life during an encounter at a New York City hotel in 2004. Judge Vyskocil's decision highlights the balance between privacy rights in sensitive cases and the legal principle of transparency in the courtroom.

Doe has until November 13 to refile her case with her real name or risk dismissal. In her opinion, Judge Vyskocil acknowledged the plaintiff's "interest in keeping her identity private" due to the allegations' sensitive nature but asserted that anonymity is generally reserved for cases where there is a specific, demonstrated risk of harm. "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 wrote.

The plaintiff, a Tennessee resident, claims that in 2004, at age 19, she and a friend were invited to an afterparty by Combs' associates and taken to his hotel room, where Combs allegedly assaulted her. Her legal team argued that anonymity was necessary for her safety and mental well-being, citing the high-profile nature of the case and Combs' history of alleged violent behavior.

Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing Doe, has not commented publicly on the decision but also represents over 150 other individuals-male and female-who have filed civil cases against Combs alleging sexual assault and misconduct spanning three decades.

Combs, 54, has repeatedly denied any allegations of wrongdoing, with his legal team maintaining that the wave of lawsuits is a "desperate" attempt by plaintiffs seeking financial settlements. "In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone," Combs' representatives told TMZ following the latest allegations. Combs' defense has previously highlighted other accusers, such as singers Cassie Ventura and Dawn Richard, who filed suits using their real names, arguing that anonymity should not apply in Doe's case.

Combs, who founded the influential Bad Boy Records label, faces both civil and criminal charges, including an upcoming criminal trial set for May 5, 2025. He has been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September arrest on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to these charges, with his legal team arguing for the release of information about alleged victims in his criminal case, citing the need to prepare an adequate defense.

Judge Vyskocil's ruling is expected to impact other cases against Combs, as many accusers filed under pseudonyms, potentially influencing whether other plaintiffs in civil cases will also need to disclose their identities. Legal experts point out that while it's not unusual for accusers in sexual assault cases to seek anonymity, federal courts require strong justification to override the public's right to know the identities of plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation.

"The balance of interests at stake weighs strongly against plaintiff's continued use of a pseudonym in this case," Judge Vyskocil wrote, noting that the constitutional norm favors transparency in judicial processes. Vyskocil underscored that the public interest in the case extends beyond individual allegations, as it relates to the enforcement of social and legal norms.

Combs' legal strategy in both his civil and criminal cases has involved aggressive denials of all allegations, with one of his attorneys, Jonathan Davis, recently stating, "No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won't change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone." Davis emphasized that forcing accusers to reveal their identities would prevent Combs from having to "play a guessing game" as he prepares for his defense.

The ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving Combs, as many of the civil suits filed against him stem from incidents alleged to have occurred decades ago. Additionally, the decision could affect ongoing lawsuits filed by other anonymous plaintiffs represented by Buzbee, some of whom have alleged assault while minors. These cases contribute to what has been a challenging legal landscape for Combs, who settled a high-profile suit last November brought by Cassie Ventura, his former partner, who alleged rape and physical abuse. The pair reached an out-of-court settlement within 24 hours of her filing the case, with Combs' representatives clarifying that the agreement did not include any admission of guilt.

In light of the judge's ruling, Buzbee and his team are expected to evaluate their legal strategy, particularly for other anonymous plaintiffs who may face similar demands to reveal their identities. As Combs' criminal trial date approaches, the legal maneuvering surrounding his civil cases continues to unfold, bringing additional scrutiny to both the allegations against him and the procedural standards governing high-profile cases.