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The judge rules that Diddy’s accuser must reveal the name
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The judge rules that Diddy’s accuser must reveal the name

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been hit with hundreds of lawsuits — many of which were filed by anonymous accusers — since he was federally indicted in September. With a growing number of accusations lined up at Diddy’s door, it’s probably getting hard to keep up with them all anonymous files. But this week, a judge ruled that one of Combs’ accusers must step forward and reveal his identity … or else

The unnamed Tennessee woman claims Combs sexually assaulted her in 2004. According to her, she was a college student at the time and Diddy threatened violence against her. Despite her anonymous record, Hon. Mary Kay Vyskocil gave him until Nov. 13 to reveal his identity, according to the report TMZ.

Vyskocil wrote in her ruling, “Simply put, allegations of sexual assault, by themselves, are not sufficient to entitle a plaintiff to proceed under a pseudonym.” In return, the woman said that if her name is published, she could be harmed by Combs or his team, but in the end, the judge’s decision stands.

“Combs has had no contact with the plaintiff for approximately 20 years since the alleged rape, and Combs is currently being held pending trial,” the decision states. “As such, counsel has identified no present threat of physical harm to plaintiff.”

The judge acknowledged Diddy’s position as a public figure and noted that “Plaintiff is likely to face public scrutiny if proceeding on his own behalf. The Court disregards the potential effect of such review on any litigant.” But despite those concerns, the judge said, “Plaintiff’s interest in avoiding public scrutiny, or even embarrassment, does not outweigh the interests of both Combs and the public in the ordinary and constitutionally embedded presumption of openness in judicial proceedings.”

Vyskocil referenced other accusers who have chosen to reveal their identities, such as Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. With that, the judge also said that Combs has the right to his own investigation into his accusers and their credibility, it reports. ABC.

This is the first case against Combs in which the victim has to reveal his identity, but this may open the door for future ID requirements. Combs currently faces more than 120 active lawsuits alleging forms of sexual abuse. If this accuser does not come forward, her case against Combs will be dropped.