The Denver Post
Privacy arguments may be public, judge in civil case says
Tuesday, August 17, 2004 -
The federal judge presiding over the civil lawsuit against Kobe Bryant is not inclined to let lawyers argue privately over whether his accuser's name should be protected, the judge said Monday in a written order.
On Aug. 10, lawyers for the Eagle County woman who has accused Kobe Bryant of rape filed a federal lawsuit against Bryant in Denver, asking the court to allow her to remain anonymous. They also asked that their arguments for anonymity be sealed. On Aug. 13, several media outlets, including The Denver Post, challenged the second request, saying they could not challenge the bid for anonymity without knowing its basis. Judge Richard Matsch wrote in his order that, while the woman's name, address and age may be kept under seal until the dispute over her requested anonymity is resolved, the argument itself will likely be public. Matsch ordered attorneys to respond to his position by Aug. 30. According to federal guidelines, plaintiffs are required to divulge their real names when suing in federal court, with few exceptions. |