Judge Orders Accuser in Diplo "Revenge Porn" Case to Reveal Identity

A federal judge in Los Angeles has ruled that the woman accusing DJ Diplo of sharing “revenge porn” must reveal her identity if she wishes to continue with her civil lawsuit against the star.

The case, filed by an unnamed “Jane Doe,” claims that Diplo, whose real name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, secretly recorded their sexual encounters and shared them on Snapchat without consent. The accuser’s attorneys had sought to keep her anonymous, citing concerns over potential retaliation, but Judge Mónica Ramírez Almadani disagreed.

In her ruling on Tuesday, Judge Almadani explained that the plaintiff had not shown enough legal justification to remain anonymous. While acknowledging the sensitive nature of the case, the judge emphasized that public access to judicial proceedings is essential unless there’s a clear, high-risk situation justifying anonymity.

“The court appreciates that plaintiff’s allegations are highly personal and sensitive,” Judge Almadani wrote. “However, absent a demonstrated need for anonymity, there is a prevailing public interest in open judicial proceedings.”

The decision is seen as a victory for Diplo, who has vehemently denied the allegations. His legal team had argued that without knowing the accuser’s identity, they could not properly defend themselves.

Attorneys for the woman expressed disappointment in the ruling but said it reflected a growing trend in abuse cases against public figures. They argued that forcing the accuser to disclose her name could lead to personal embarrassment and further trauma, given the potential for online harassment.

The lawsuit, filed in June, alleges that Diplo and the accuser had a consensual sexual relationship from 2016 to 2023. The plaintiff claims that, while she had given consent for some recordings, she later discovered that Diplo had secretly filmed and shared intimate moments without her knowledge. The lawsuit accuses Diplo of violating federal and state laws banning the sharing of intimate images without consent.

In response to concerns over the potential harm to the accuser’s reputation, Judge Almadani reiterated that the court process requires transparency, stating that both sides must handle the case with professionalism and civility. She also warned that any actual threats or harassment should be reported immediately.

As the case progresses, both sides are expected to prepare for a trial, where the plaintiff’s identity will be disclosed.