Renowned music mogul Jay-Z has vehemently denied accusations of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside fellow hip-hop icon Sean Diddy Combs at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000.
The allegations surfaced in an updated civil lawsuit against Combs, filed on Sunday, which identified Jay-Z—born Shawn Carter—as a co-defendant, previously referred to as “Celebrity A.” According to the complaint, the minor was assaulted in the presence of other celebrities, who allegedly stood by without intervening.
Carter responded strongly to the allegations, accusing the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, of attempting extortion. In a statement shared via Roc Nation’s social media platform, Jay-Z stated that his lawyer received a “blackmail attempt” from Buzbee, which he believes was intended to coerce him into settling the case.
Additionally, Jay-Z urged that if the accusations were genuine, they should be pursued criminally, not through a civil suit. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!” he stated.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who filed the suit, maintained that the allegations are serious and will be litigated in court. “The pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court,” he told AFP.
Meanwhile, Sean Combs, who is already facing sex trafficking and racketeering charges, has denied all allegations against him. Federal prosecutors claim Combs orchestrated a network of coercion involving drug-fueled parties and threats of violence. His criminal trial is scheduled for May 2025.
This case adds to the growing wave of legal battles involving Combs, with over 100 alleged victims reportedly preparing to take legal action against him, according to Buzbee.
Jay-Z, 55, is a billionaire entrepreneur, producer, and rapper married to global superstar Beyoncé.
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 9, 2024
