Music mogul Jay-Z has strongly refuted allegations that he and fellow hip-hop artist Sean "Diddy" Combs sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl at an after-party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
The accusations were brought forward in an amended civil lawsuit against Combs, filed on Sunday. The lawsuit identified Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, as a co-defendant, previously mentioned anonymously as "Celebrity A."
The complaint alleges that a minor was assaulted in the presence of several celebrities, who reportedly did nothing to intervene. The lawsuit accuses Carter and Combs of serious misconduct against the plaintiff, whose identity remains confidential.
Carter issued a strong denial, accusing the plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, of attempting to extort him. In a statement shared on Roc Nation’s social media, Carter stated:
“My attorney received what amounts to a blackmail demand from someone calling himself Tony Buzbee. This so-called lawyer assumed that the nature of these allegations and public pressure would push me to settle. Quite the opposite! I’m determined to expose this fraud for what it is.”
Carter further challenged the nature of the lawsuit, asserting that such severe allegations should be pursued through criminal proceedings instead of civil litigation.
“These accusations are so grave that I urge you to file a criminal case, not a civil one. Anyone capable of such a horrific act against a minor deserves to be prosecuted and jailed. Real justice is what these alleged victims need.”
Responding to inquiries, Buzbee defended the lawsuit, telling AFP, “The complaint speaks for itself. This is a serious matter that will be resolved in court.”
Sean Combs, who is already facing allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, has denied the new claims. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs operated a network of coercion involving drug-fueled events and threats. His criminal trial is scheduled for May 2025.
This case is part of a broader wave of legal actions against Combs, with Buzbee stating that over 100 individuals are preparing lawsuits against him.
Carter, 55, is a globally recognized rapper, producer, and entrepreneur, also known as Jay-Z. He is married to music icon Beyoncé.