Jay-Z calls lawsuit alleging rape at Sean Combs-hosted party a ‘blackmail attempt’
An amended lawsuit filed in federal court on Sunday alleges that rap mogul Jay-Z and Sean (Diddy) Combs raped a 13-year-old girl during a party in 2000. Jay-Z denied the allegations on social media through his Roc Nation company, calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” by the plaintiff’s lawyer. Combs, who is currently in jail on federal sex trafficking charges, has also denied the allegations.
The lawsuit, originally filed in October in the Southern District of New York, did not name Jay-Z as a defendant initially. However, the amended lawsuit identified Jay-Z, also known as Shawn Carter, as “Celebrity A” in the original complaint. The lawsuit claims that the girl was drugged and raped by both Jay-Z and Combs at a party hosted by Combs following the MTV Music Awards in 2000.
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the girl in the lawsuit, has filed multiple civil lawsuits against Combs for sexual misconduct. In an email to Reuters, Buzbee stated that the lawsuit “speaks for itself” and emphasized that it will be litigated in court.
Buzbee also mentioned that his legal firm had previously sent a letter to Jay-Z seeking to mediate a settlement. However, Jay-Z responded by filing a lawsuit against Buzbee and allegedly orchestrating a conspiracy of harassment against him and his colleagues. Buzbee clarified that the alleged rape victim never demanded money from Jay-Z, only seeking a confidential mediation.
Jay-Z expressed heartbreak for his family, including his wife Beyoncé and their children, in response to the allegations. He criticized Buzbee, referring to him as an “ambulance chaser.” Buzbee recently filed a lawsuit against law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, accusing their legal team of harassing his colleagues, clients, and family.
Combs, who is currently awaiting trial, has been denied bail multiple times due to concerns of tampering with witnesses. He pleaded not guilty to charges of using his business empire to sexually abuse women, including engaging in recorded sexual performances called “freak offs” with male sex workers.
The investigation into Combs is ongoing, and the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York encouraged anyone with information about the case to come forward. Both Jay-Z and Combs continue to deny the allegations against them as the legal proceedings unfold.
