A federal judge ruled Monday that a man, who is identified as C.D.., who accused Kevin Spacey must reveal his name in order to proceed with a lawsuit. C.D.’s attorneys have argued that he should be allowed to remain anonymous, and that revealing his name publicly would re-trigger his PTSD. But Judge Lewis A. Kaplan was unpersuaded by that argument, noting that C.D. had already shared his story many times over the years, including with Vulture in 2017.

“The evidence suggests that C.D. knowingly and repeatedly took the risk that any of these individuals at one point or another would reveal his true identity in a manner that would bring that identity to wide public attention, particularly given Spacey’s celebrity,” Kaplan wrote.

The judge also found that Spacey’s defense could be hampered if the accuser is allowed to remain anonymous, and that the issue is one of fundamental fairness.

“C.D. has actively pursued this lawsuit — including by recruiting his co-plaintiff,” Kaplan wrote. “He seeks $40 million in damages. He makes serious charges and, as a result, has put his credibility in issue.”

C.D.’s attorney, Peter Saghir, advised the court in early March that his client field “extreme anxiety and psychological distress” at the thought of having his name publicly revealed.

“As a result, C.D. has reluctantly decided that in the event the Court denies his motion to proceed anonymously, he is emotionally unable to proceed with the action and will discontinue his claims,” Saghir wrote.

Source: Variety.com