Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
A female accusing Diddy of sexual assault will have to drop her anonymity. The presiding judge has ordered her to reveal her name so the case can move forward.
As per New York Daily News, a Manhattan federal judge has ruled that a woman who claims Diddy raped her more than 20 years ago must disclose her name. On Wednesday (Oct. 30), Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil deemed her arguments “wholly meritless.” The U.S. District magistrate explained her reasoning in a formal response. “Combs has had no contact with Plaintiff for the approximately 20 years since the alleged rape and Combs is currently detained pending trial. As such, counsel has not identified any present threat of physical harm to Plaintiff,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, Vyskocil wants the case to be fair for both parties thus it will be required for the plaintiff to reveal herself in order for Diddy to defend himself adequately. “The Court appreciates that Combs is a public figure and, therefore, 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,” she explained. “However, 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,” the judge added.
While this requirement only applies to this case, Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil’s ruling could potentially influence other lawsuits against Diddy where the plaintiffs are using aliases. Diddy’s defense team have denied the allegations. Jane Doe has until Nov. 13 to reveal her name or the case will be dismissed. The Tennessee woman claims she was raped in a studio by Diddy and members of his entourage in 2004.