Jay-Z Denies Allegations in Lawsuit Over 2000 MTV After-Party Incident
Rapper and producer Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has denied accusations made in a new lawsuit filed Sunday, alleging his involvement in the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in 2000. The lawsuit, which also names hip-hop mogul Sean Combs, claims the assault occurred at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards.
According to the updated civil case, Jay-Z and Combs, both of whom were prominent figures in the music industry at the time, are accused of taking turns assaulting the minor while other individuals allegedly stood by without intervening. The complaint further suggests that these events were not isolated and asserts that both Jay-Z and Combs were involved in similar actions in other instances.
In response to the allegations, Jay-Z, who was initially referred to as “Celebrity A” in the lawsuit, has strongly denied the charges, calling them “frivolous” and accusing the lawyer bringing the case, Tony Buzbee, of attempting to extort him. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Jay-Z described Buzbee’s actions as a “blackmail attempt” and urged the lawyer to pursue criminal charges if the allegations were truly serious.
“These allegations are incredibly serious, and if anyone were to commit such a crime, they should be facing criminal charges, not a civil lawsuit,” Jay-Z’s statement read.
The plaintiff in the case, whose identity remains undisclosed, is suing for damages.
Jay-Z, now a billionaire entrepreneur and record producer, has been a well-known figure in the music industry for decades. He is married to pop superstar Beyoncé.
The lawsuit against Combs, who is also known as “Diddy,” comes amid separate legal troubles for him. Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, accused of coercing women into sexual acts through threats and violence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his criminal trial is set to begin in May 2025.
Additionally, Combs faces numerous lawsuits from alleged victims, with more than 100 women reportedly preparing legal action.
Buzbee, the lawyer representing the plaintiff in the Jay-Z case, stated that the matter is serious and will proceed to court.
