Tennessee Celebrity Files Preemptive Lawsuit to Deny Sexual Assault Allegations Before Accuser Acts

A Tennessee celebrity filed a preemptive lawsuit, seeking to declare sexual assault allegations false.

In a rare legal move, a Tennessee-based celebrity has filed a preemptive lawsuit in federal court, seeking to declare sexual assault allegations from a professional make-up artist and hair stylist, "Jane Roe," as false. The anonymous plaintiff, referred to as "John Doe," claims that the accuser’s allegations, which include sexual grooming, assault, and rape, are part of an extortion attempt. According to Roe’s filing, she plans to sue under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act.

Roe’s attorney argues that Doe’s lawsuit is a tactic to avoid accountability. “Mr. Doe believes that he is entitled to the same protection victims receive,” Roe’s lawyer wrote. The plaintiff’s lawsuit claims that Roe made these allegations after he declined her request for employment and medical benefits.

Doe’s legal team has not responded to CNN’s request for comment. Legal expert Joey Jackson noted that the celebrity is facing “a major hurdle” in keeping the case private, as courts typically favor transparency. Jackson stated, "Shielding allegations from public view is extremely disfavored."

Douglas Wigdor, Roe’s attorney, condemned the plaintiff’s actions as an “unprecedented attempt to game the judicial system.” He emphasized the importance of transparency in such cases, adding, “The filing of sexual assault complaints often leads to other victims who have suffered in silence coming forward.”