Doe v. Farkas

Background

The court had previously ordered John Doe, who was proceeding under a pseudonym, to file a renewed public motion asking to keep the unredacted complaint under seal and to continue proceeding anonymously. That order required the motion within 30 days of service of the complaint.

Andrew Farkas was served on June 12, 2025. Angelica Parker had not been served. Doe asked the court to clarify whether the 30-day period began when Farkas alone was served or would begin only after both defendants were served.

Requested Extension

Doe alternatively requested a 30-day extension, from July 14 through August 13, 2025, if service on Farkas had started the deadline. Doe stated that this was the first extension request, both defendants consented, and the extension would not affect other scheduled dates. Doe also stated that the parties were engaged in settlement discussions and that filing the public motion during those discussions could undermine them.

Ruling

Judge Ronnie Abrams granted the application. The court ruled that the 30-day period began on the date Farkas was served and extended the period through August 13, 2025.

The court cautioned that settling the case would not necessarily make moot the question whether the unredacted complaint could remain under seal. The court said it would decide that issue if and when appropriate.

The court also noted that earlier orders required the redacted complaint to be filed publicly. It therefore directed the Clerk of Court to remove access restrictions from ECF No. 1. This order did not decide whether the unredacted complaint ultimately could remain sealed or whether Doe could continue proceeding anonymously.