A federal judge has dismissed one of the lawsuits accusing music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault, after the plaintiff failed to re-file the complaint under her real name, as required by the court.
The woman, who filed the lawsuit in October 2024 under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” accused Combs of assaulting her at a party in 1995. However, on March 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that the case would be dismissed, as the plaintiff had not complied with a court order to submit the complaint under her actual identity.
“On March 6, 2025, the Court denied Plaintiff’s motion to proceed anonymously and ordered her to file a complaint in her own name by March 20, 2025, or the case would be dismissed,” Judge Liman wrote in the ruling, which was obtained by PEOPLE. “As of [March 3], Plaintiff has not filed a complaint in her own name, nor has she sought an extension of time to do so. Accordingly, the case is dismissed.”
The dismissal marks a significant legal development for Combs, who has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct in recent years. His legal team applauded the judge’s decision, claiming it was part of a broader pattern of anonymous lawsuits being pursued for media attention rather than legal merit.
“For months, we have seen case after case filed by individuals hiding behind anonymity, pushed forward by attorneys more focused on media headlines than legal merit,” Combs’ legal team said in a statement. “The other claims, like the one dismissed today, also will not hold up in a court of law.”
Background of the Case
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, accused Combs of sexual assault during a 1995 party. The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, had sought to keep her identity confidential, citing concerns for her safety and privacy. However, the court ruled against allowing her to proceed anonymously and set a deadline for the filing to be done under her real name.
Tony Buzbee, a high-profile Houston attorney known for representing clients in high-profile lawsuits, represented the plaintiff in the case. Buzbee had previously announced that he was representing hundreds of people who were accusing Combs of sexual misconduct.
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Since Buzbee’s announcement, several individuals, including the plaintiff in the dismissed case, have sued Combs. However, Combs’ legal team has repeatedly criticized these lawsuits as baseless, claiming that many of the cases were filed with the aim of gaining media attention rather than seeking justice.
“This is now the second case brought by these attorneys against Mr. Combs that has been dismissed in its entirety,” Combs’ attorneys said. “It will not be the last.”
Ongoing Legal Battles for Combs
Despite the dismissal of the Jane Doe lawsuit, Combs continues to face a number of legal challenges. He has been named a defendant in several other lawsuits, with many accusing him of similar sexual misconduct. The music mogul has vehemently denied all allegations, maintaining that the claims against him are false.
In addition to the civil lawsuits, Combs is also facing criminal charges. In September 2024, he was indicted on federal sex crimes charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his criminal trial is set to begin in May 2025.
Combs is currently in custody in Brooklyn, New York, after being denied bail. His attorneys have maintained his innocence and continue to fight the criminal charges in court.
The Larger Impact of the Lawsuits
The lawsuits and criminal charges against Combs are part of a larger pattern of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations within the entertainment industry. As public scrutiny intensifies, figures like Combs, who have long been known for their wealth and influence, are facing increasing legal battles and scrutiny.
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While some legal experts have suggested that the dismissal of certain lawsuits may undermine the credibility of the accusations, others argue that the sheer number of claims against Combs warrants continued attention. Critics also point out that the dismissal of a single case does not negate the validity of the broader pattern of accusations.
For now, the legal battles surrounding Combs appear far from over. As his criminal trial approaches, all eyes will be on the proceedings to see how the cases against him unfold.
Support for Survivors
As the legal proceedings continue, those affected by sexual assault are encouraged to seek support. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available for anyone who needs assistance. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at rainn.org.
The legal and public attention surrounding Sean Combs serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations about accountability, justice, and the importance of supporting survivors of sexual violence.
