Musician and producer Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has been named in a lawsuit accusing him and fellow hip-hop star Sean Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000. The allegations were outlined in an updated complaint filed on Sunday as part of an ongoing civil case against Combs.
The lawsuit claims that both Jay-Z and Combs took turns assaulting the minor while other attendees witnessed the incident but failed to intervene. Initially referred to as “Celebrity A” in the lawsuit, Jay-Z is now explicitly named, with the complaint asserting, “Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice.”
Jay-Z has denied the allegations, labeling the claims as baseless and accusing the plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, of attempting extortion. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) via his label Roc Nation, Jay-Z wrote, “My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are.”
He further challenged the legitimacy of the civil suit, urging the filing of a criminal complaint if the allegations are true. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”
The plaintiff in the case remains unidentified. Tony Buzbee, representing the accuser, told AFP, “The pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.”
Sean Combs, also known as “Diddy,” faces separate allegations, including charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sex parties through threats and violence. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges, and his criminal trial is set to begin on May 5, 2025.
The wave of lawsuits against Combs includes claims from over 100 alleged victims, according to statements made by Buzbee in October. Combs has consistently denied all allegations against him, asserting his innocence through his legal team.
The cases against Jay-Z and Combs have amplified public discourse around accountability and justice involving high-profile figures in the entertainment industry.
