Rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has strongly denied allegations made in a newly refiled civil lawsuit accusing him and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at a party in 2000. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, alleges the assault occurred following the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.
Jay-Z’s Response
In a statement issued through Roc Nation, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, labeled the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and criticized the attorney’s approach. “No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!” he declared, vowing to disprove the claims.
Jay-Z expressed his heartbreak over the impact the allegations have had on his family, particularly his wife, Beyoncé, and their three children. He acknowledged the difficulty of explaining the situation to their eldest child, Blue Ivy, who is 12 years old. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down and explain the cruelty and greed that exists in the world,” he said.
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 9, 2024
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that after attending the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, went to a party where she was given a drink that left her feeling disoriented. The suit claims that Jay-Z and Combs entered the room where she was lying down and raped her, with an unidentified female celebrity allegedly present as a witness.
Combs Also Denies Allegations
Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently facing multiple lawsuits and charges, including sex trafficking, has also denied the allegations. His legal team dismissed the claims as a “shameless publicity stunt,” asserting confidence that the truth would emerge in court.
Jay-Z Criticizes Legal Tactics
Jay-Z accused the plaintiff’s legal team of exploiting the justice system for financial gain. “You have made a terrible error in judgment thinking all celebrities will quietly settle to avoid public spectacle,” he said. “I am not from your world, and I will fight this in a very public way.”
Moving Forward
Both Jay-Z and Combs maintain their innocence as the case progresses. Jay-Z reaffirmed his commitment to supporting true victims of abuse while addressing what he called “outrageous and unfounded” claims.
As the legal battle unfolds, the allegations have sparked widespread public interest, but both parties have vowed to fight the charges and clear their names.