Kobe Bryant Accuser's Identity to Be Disclosed

The woman who accused NBA star Kobe Bryant of rape will have to disclose her real name in her civil lawsuit against him after a federal judge agreed with Bryant's attorneys that allowing her to maintain her anonymity may make it seem that the court was favoring her in the case.

U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch wrote in his ruling: "The defendant's concern that the requested protection of the identity of a plaintiff may be construed as a prejudgment of the issues in favor of the plaintiff is justified."

"Our biggest concern was this woman's safety," her attorney John Clune said. He was referring to death threats she received after accusing Bryant of sexual assault.

Criminal charges against Bryant were dropped last month when his accuser refused to testify just before jury selection was set to begin.

See Reuters: Kobe Bryant Accuser's Name to Be Disclosed - Judge

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