Update on Diplo revenge p*rn case: Judge rules the accuser must reveal her identity to proceed with the civil lawsuit

American DJ and music producer Diplo was accused of circulating revenge p*rn by an alleged ex-girlfriend anonymously in June 2024. The accuser, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, filed the suit in California, seeking damages of $450,000.

On December 31, Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani ruled the accuser must reveal her real name to proceed with the lawsuit, as reported by The Rolling Stone. The judge said,

“The court appreciates that plaintiff’s allegations in her complaint are sensitive and of a highly personal nature, and that she may face some public scrutiny. However, absent a demonstrated need for anonymity, there is a prevailing public interest in open judicial proceedings.” [H/T VICE]

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Judge's rule: Diplo's accuser must reveal their identity

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Jane Doe's legal team insisted that the woman remain anonymous to protect herself from "personal embarrassment and social stigmatization." The woman's legal team also mentioned the past allegations against the DJ and how, in the past, women who revealed their identities allegedly faced harassment from Diplo.

Diplo's legal team denied the allegations and claimed they could not proceed without knowing the accuser's identity.

Judge Almadani insisted that the accuser come forward and reveal her name: “Those using the courts must be prepared to accept the public scrutiny that is an inherent part of public trials.” The judge also mentioned that she will not tolerate disrespect toward either party:

“This case, like all other cases, shall be handled with professionalism and civility by all sides. Any actual threats of retaliation or harassment shall be brought to the Court’s attention immediately.” [H/T VICE]

In a statement to Rolling Stone, attorney Micha Liberty said,

“Especially where the defendant is famous, the forced disclosure of a victim’s name can open the door to public smear campaigns and abusive fear tactics against them. This can cause irreparable harm to a victim’s mental, physical, and financial health, as well as chill access justice for all survivors. Jane Doe intends to request that the court reconsider this ruling and if necessary to appeal this order for another chance at saving herself from harm and protecting her privacy, dignity, and mental health.” [H/T Rolling Stone]

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Diplo and the accuser Jane Doe: Relationship timeline

Using the pseudonym Jane Doe, the woman claimed they met via Snapchat in April 2016. At the time, she was 21 and exchanged private images with Diplo. They stayed in contact and allegedly met in June 2016 when the DJ invited her to his Manhattan hotel room.

The accuser said she occasionally consented to being recorded during their seven-year-long relationship. However, she strictly wanted the pictures and videos to remain private.

She found out Diplo shared the pictures and videos without her consent when a woman contacted her and claimed he sent her their intimate videos via Snapchat in October 2018.

DJ has been accused of spreading revenge p*rn before. A woman named Shelly Auguste filed a restraining order against him in November 2020. She claimed he allegedly spread pictures of her without her consent to scare and harass her, leading to widespread criticism from netizens.

Diplo denied the allegations and sued her for stalking, trespassing, and harassing his friends and family. Shelly Auguste then accused him of grooming her when she was 17. TikToker Quen Blackwell previously accused the DJ of grooming her as well.

It remains to be seen whether Jane Doe will also reveal her identity to continue her lawsuit.