Woman accusing Jay-Z, Sean (Diddy) Combs of rape can stay anonymous for now, judge says
An Alabama woman has been granted permission to proceed anonymously in her lawsuit against Jay-Z and Sean (Diddy) Combs, where she alleges that she was raped by the rap moguls when she was just 13 years old. The decision was made by Judge Analisa Torres, who also criticized Jay-Z’s lawyer for his aggressive motions and inflammatory language towards the plaintiff’s lawyer, calling them inappropriate.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, claims that she was living in Rochester in 2000 when she was taken to an after-party for the MTV Music Awards by a limousine driver and was subsequently attacked by Jay-Z and Combs. The judge ruled that she can proceed anonymously at this early stage of the litigation, but may be required to reveal her identity later on if the case progresses, citing the substantial public interest in the case.
Combs, who is currently in jail in New York awaiting a criminal trial on federal sex trafficking charges, is facing a slew of sexual assault lawsuits filed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee. Buzbee’s firm represents over 150 individuals who allege sexual abuse and exploitation by Combs at parties in New York, California, and Florida after receiving drug-laced drinks.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has denied the allegations and accused Buzbee of attempting to blackmail him to settle the Alabama woman’s claims. Combs’ lawyers have dismissed Buzbee’s lawsuits as publicity stunts aimed at extorting money from celebrities.
In response to a motion by Jay-Z’s lawyer to dismiss him from the lawsuit, it was noted that the plaintiff’s story had inconsistencies, such as her claim of traveling five hours from Rochester to watch the music awards show on a non-existent Jumbotron outside the event. The woman’s father also stated that he does not recall driving from Rochester to pick her up in New York City as she claimed.
Judge Torres criticized Jay-Z’s lawyer for filing combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks, calling them inappropriate and a waste of judicial resources. Despite the lawyer’s urgency in pushing the case forward, the court will not fast-track the process merely at his demand.
Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Crisis lines and local support services can be accessed through the Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If in immediate danger, please call 911.
