Music mogul Jay-Z has been named in a refiled lawsuit accusing him and fellow music icon Sean "Diddy" Combs of sexual misconduct at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000.
The lawsuit, filed by an anonymous plaintiff, alleges that Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, participated in the assault of a minor while Combs and another unnamed celebrity were present.
The lawsuit initially filed in October, originally accused Combs of committing the assault while two others observed.
The refiled complaint now alleges that Carter was directly involved, referring to him as "Celebrity A."
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
Jay-Z has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the claims "heinous" and accusing attorney Tony Buzbee of attempting to extort him.
In a statement released through his Roc Nation account on X (formerly Twitter), Jay-Z said, "My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee... 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 urged the alleged victim to file a criminal complaint if the claims are genuine, stating, "Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case."
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 9, 2024
Sean "Diddy" Combs has also denied the allegations.
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Combs’ representatives called the lawsuit a "publicity stunt" and reaffirmed his innocence, stating, "The truth will prevail: Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor."
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit claims that the plaintiff, who was 13 years old at the time, was lured to the party after being approached by a limousine driver outside the MTV VMAs at Radio City Music Hall.
According to the complaint, the driver told the plaintiff that Combs was "looking for younger girls" and invited her to the afterparty.
At the party, the lawsuit alleges the plaintiff recognized several celebrities and was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
She claims she was not given a copy of the document. The complaint accuses Combs and Carter of taking turns assaulting her while others at the party stood by.
The plaintiff’s allegations come amid a wave of lawsuits filed under New York’s recently expired Adult Survivors Act, which allowed victims of sexual misconduct to file civil suits for incidents that occurred years or even decades ago.
Legal Fallout
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the plaintiff, has yet to respond to Jay-Z’s accusations of extortion.
The case is one of several high-profile allegations against celebrities brought under the Adult Survivors Act.
Jay Z was named in a Diddy lawsuit. 99 problems and little boys and little girls about to be every one of em. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TaqCkWIAdN
— Ian Carroll (@IanCarrollShow) December 9, 2024
Both defendants maintain their innocence and have called for the allegations to be investigated thoroughly.
Jay-Z, in particular, has emphasized the need for a criminal investigation over civil litigation, stating that the allegations are too serious to be resolved through financial settlements.
As the case unfolds, both sides are expected to present evidence to support their claims, with potential implications for the reputations of those involved.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.