Judge Denies Motion to Reveal Jay-Z Rape Accuser, Criticizes Defense

A federal judge has ruled that the woman accusing Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter of raping her nearly 25 years ago may remain anonymous for now, despite recent efforts by the rap mogul’s attorney to reveal her identity.

In a five-page filing issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres criticized attorney Alex Spiro for what she called “combative motions” and attempts to “fast-track” the judicial process. Spiro had filed multiple requests seeking to deny the woman’s petition to proceed under a pseudonym and to dismiss the lawsuit outright.

“Carter’s lawyer’s relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client,” Torres wrote.

The judge’s decision preserves the plaintiff’s anonymity at least temporarily, emphasizing the court’s duty to protect a possible sexual assault victim’s privacy, particularly when the allegations concern a minor at the time of the alleged incident. The lawsuit claims Carter, now 54, assaulted the woman when she was 13 years old.

Judge Torres Order in Doe v... by pmcnamee

No Fast-Track for Dismissal

Spiro also sought an immediate dismissal of the suit, arguing the accusations are without merit and that hiding the plaintiff’s identity prevents Carter from defending himself. However, Judge Torres denied that request, noting that an aggressive or accelerated approach is often unwarranted when serious allegations of sexual misconduct are involved.

Legal experts say the ruling underlines a delicate balance courts must strike between a defendant’s right to transparency and due process, and a plaintiff’s right to remain anonymous in potentially traumatizing legal matters. Judge Torres did not rule on the merits of the case itself, leaving questions about the timeline for further proceedings.

Case Background

Details on the alleged assault remain under seal. Earlier this year, unverified online rumors suggested a claim had been filed accusing Jay-Z of sexual misconduct. While Carter and his representatives have frequently dismissed such allegations as “unfounded,” this filing marks a formal legal challenge that has now withstood the first procedural hurdles.

Next Steps

Torres’ order means the accuser’s anonymity will stand unless or until new motions challenge it more successfully. The court has not set additional hearing dates or deadlines, and discovery—if it proceeds—could reveal more details about the allegations.

Former assistant accuses Sean Combs of orchestrating drug-fueled escapades

A new lawsuit filed Monday accuses embattled music mogul Sean Combs of orchestrating “drug-fueled sexual escapades” called “Wild King Nights” and forcing a male employee to perform a sex act to prove his loyalty.

Plaintiff Phillip Pines, who says he worked as Combs’ executive assistant from December 2019 to December 2021, claims in his 32-page complaint that Combs demanded he procure illegal drugs, sex toys and other “party provisions” during days-long gatherings at various properties and hotels. Pines alleges he was required to clean the rooms afterward, removing evidence such as “blood, urine, and other bodily fluids” to avoid additional hotel charges and to prevent housekeepers from reporting anything.

According to the lawsuit, Pines also was responsible for maintaining a black Gucci bag — referred to as the “MVP bag” — allegedly filled with party supplies including marijuana joints, honey packs for male libido, erectile dysfunction medication, Plan B pills, and “power banger sex machines.” Pines says he was often forced to wait outside hotel rooms until invited in, exposing him to graphic scenes he claims were “unwillingly witnessed.”

In one alleged instance, Combs is accused of sexually battering Pines by massaging him and demanding he take a shot of tequila before pushing him onto a female guest. Pines claims Combs urged him to “show loyalty to the King” by engaging in a sexual act in Combs’ presence. Fearing termination and professional blacklisting, Pines complied for several moments before stopping and leaving the room upset, the lawsuit says.

Combs’ attorneys, however, forcefully denied all allegations in a statement to the media:

“No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone — man or woman, adult or minor. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court.”

This latest civil complaint comes amid a growing list of legal troubles for Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to separate racketeering and sex trafficking charges filed in September. He remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being denied bail three times, with a judge citing concerns about potential witness tampering. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.

According to the lawsuit, Pines also witnessed instances of violence by Combs, including an alleged incident in which Combs kicked a guest in the buttocks and stomach. Pines further claims Combs infected an unnamed celebrity with COVID-19 during a birthday trip to Turks and Caicos in 2020.

Combs’ arrest and subsequent detention followed a flurry of complaints, notably from ex-partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, whose 2023 lawsuit spurred the criminal investigation. While Cassie and Combs reached a settlement one day after her filing, more than three dozen others have since come forward with their own civil claims.

Despite the mounting legal battles, Combs maintains his innocence. His representatives continue to deny all claims of sexual misconduct and wrongdoing.

Eddie Levert's Daughter, Ryan, Dies at 22 After Lupus Battle

Eddie Levert with daughter Ryan on their Instagram Live show, "In Our Opinion."

Ryan Levert, daughter of the legendary O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has tragically passed away at the young age of 22.

Ryan's niece, Carlysia Levert, daughter of Eddie's late son Gerald Levert, confirmed the heartbreaking news on her Instagram Story. She shared several photos of Ryan, along with the caption, "Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. Please send extra love up for my papa and nana." Carlysia also reposted a report indicating that Ryan had been battling lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues.

We are devastated over the heartbreaking passing of Ryan Levert. An angel among us, who has returned to heaven.

Please respect the family’s need for privacy right now and hold them in your prayers.

— The O'Jays (@themightyojays) December 23, 2024

This devastating loss marks the third time Eddie Levert has experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Gerald Levert, a renowned R&B singer who performed with his father and as part of the group LSG, died in 2006 at the age of 40. Eddie's younger son, Sean Levert, also passed away in 2008 at the age of 39.

The official Twitter account for The Mighty O'Jays confirmed the news, expressing their condolences: "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Levert's daughter, Ryan Levert. Our prayers and condolences go out to Eddie Levert and his family during this difficult time."

I was 💔 heartbroken to learn that Eddie Levert’s 22-yr-old daughter, Ryan, passed from Lupus this weekend.
I’m so sorry Eddie, but I know how strong your faith is. May God’s comforting hands bring you and your family Joy in the morning.

RIP Ryan 🙏🏽🕊️https://t.co/O8fvfd2ER0

— Donnie Simpson (@DonnieSimpson) December 23, 2024

Eddie Levert, known for his powerful vocals and soulful performances with The O'Jays, has faced immense grief throughout his career. In a 2011 interview with The Cleveland Plain Dealer, he shared his struggle to comprehend the loss of his sons, saying, "I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don't. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that's why I've made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that's the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can't dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. I really miss them. It's just hard. But I can't get caught up in the fact that it wasn't supposed to be like this, because it happened. And there was nothing I could do about it."

Lupus is a chronic and complex condition that affects individuals differently. Symptoms can range from skin rashes and joint pain to severe complications involving vital organs like the kidneys and heart.

Eddie Levert's musical journey began in Canton, Ohio, where he honed his vocal talents in the church choir and school plays. He co-founded The O'Jays, a group that would achieve immense success with hits like "Love Train" and "Use ta Be My Girl." The O'Jays have released ten Gold albums, nine of which went Platinum, and have charted ten No. 1 hits.

Levert's sons, Gerald and Sean, followed in his musical footsteps, forming the R&B group LeVert. Gerald also achieved success as a solo artist and as a member of the supergroup LSG with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.

Ryan was also featured in a fun podcast, The Levert Opinion, with her father and nephew, LeMicah Levert. LeMicah shared a heartfelt tribute to his aunt on Instagram, describing her as "the sweetest and kindest person" he knew. He expressed his deep sorrow and the void left by her passing. This further underscores the deep family ties and the profound impact of Ryan's passing on those who knew and loved her.