A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by music moguls Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2000, when she was just 13 years old, has been granted permission to proceed anonymously in her lawsuit, according to a ruling by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres on Thursday. The case, which has sparked public interest and intense legal wrangling, alleges that the rap moguls committed the assault following an MTV Video Music Awards after-party 24 years ago.
The plaintiff, identified only as "Jane Doe," initially filed her lawsuit against Combs in October before amending it in December to include Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter. The accusations have generated fierce debate and drawn significant media attention, with both defendants categorically denying the allegations.
Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, sought to have the case dismissed unless Doe revealed her identity, asserting that his client deserved to know the identity of his accuser. "Mr. Carter deserves to know the identity of the person who is effectively accusing him ... of criminal conduct, demanding massive financial compensation, and tarnishing a reputation earned over decades," Spiro argued in his motion.
Judge Torres, however, rejected the motion, calling Spiro's legal tactics "inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client." She further criticized the attorney's "combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks" against the plaintiff's lawyer, Tony Buzbee.
Torres ruled that while the plaintiff may remain anonymous during the initial stages of litigation, she could be required to reveal her identity should the case proceed to trial. "The Court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it," Torres wrote in her decision.
The allegations stem from an incident the plaintiff claims occurred after she was transported to an MTV VMA after-party by a limousine driver in 2000. The woman alleges she was raped by both Combs and Jay-Z during the event.
In a statement to NBC News, the plaintiff acknowledged inconsistencies in her recollection of the incident but stood by her accusations. "You should always advocate for yourself and be a voice for yourself. You should never let what somebody else did ruin or run your life," the now 38-year-old said.
Jay-Z has described the accusations as an attempt to extort money. Spiro has cited discrepancies in the plaintiff's narrative, including claims that a jumbotron existed outside the VMA venue for spectators, which permits and photos from the time reportedly disprove. Spiro also pointed out that the plaintiff's father has denied recalling details of her alleged trip from Rochester to New York City.
Combs, who is currently incarcerated in New York on separate federal sex trafficking charges, has also faced a slew of other lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse. His attorneys have dismissed the allegations as "shameless publicity stunts" designed to extract payments from high-profile celebrities.
Tony Buzbee, the plaintiff's attorney, represents over 150 individuals who allege sexual abuse and exploitation involving Combs. While declining to comment on the ruling, Buzbee emphasized the importance of his client's anonymity at this stage of the legal proceedings.
