A judge ruled on 26th December that the woman who accused Jay Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of drugging and raping her at age 13 can remain anonymous, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Judge Annalisa Torres referenced the woman’s ongoing PTSD and depression, as well as alleged threats from Combs to other victims. However, she stated that this decision could be revisited as the case progresses. 

The woman’s December lawsuit claims Combs and Jay-Z assaulted her after an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. Jay Z’s legal team has denied the accusations, calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and criticising the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, for inflammatory motions. Thursday judge also denied Jay-Z’s request to fast-track a hearing on his motion to dismiss, following inconsistencies in the woman’s testimony. 

This case is part of a larger legal battle between Buzbee and Jay-Z. Buzbee recently filed a lawsuit accusing Roc Nation of trying to derail his case by pressuring former clients to file fake lawsuits. Roc Nation dismissed these claims as baseless and a distraction from Buzbee’s own legal issues. 

Buzbee represents multiple victims against Combs and other prominent figures. The legal battle continues to unfold, with Buzbee’s firm pursuing claims involving alleged sexual assault and misconduct. Recently, Buzbee filed a lawsuit accusing Roc Nation of attempting to undermine his cases by pressuring former clients to bring false claims. Roc Nation has dismissed these allegations as baseless, calling them a tactic to distract from Buzbee’s own legal challenges.