Sean “Diddy” Combs has also been named in the allegations, which were filed in New York, as more questions are raised about the music world.
A lawsuit filed in federal court on Sunday accuses rap icon Jay-Z of raping a 13-year-old girl at a party in 2000. The allegations, which also name Sean “Diddy” Combs, stem from an amended complaint filed in the Southern District of New York.
While Jay-Z has vehemently denied the claims, the legal battle ahead raises questions about how the hip-hop mogul plans to respond: settle quietly, and expensively, or take his chances in court?
What are the allegations against Jay Z?
The amended lawsuit alleges that the assault occurred at a post-MTV Music Awards party hosted by Combs in New York. Initially filed in October, the lawsuit did not name Jay-Z directly but referred to him as “Celebrity A.” This latest filing, however, puts him front and center in the case.
According to the lawsuit, the victim, who was 13 at the time, was drugged and raped by both Jay-Z and Combs. The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, described the claims as “a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.” Buzbee, known for filing at least 20 other civil lawsuits against Combs alleging sexual misconduct, emphasized that his client’s focus has always been justice, not money.
How has Jay-Z responded?
Jay-Z wasted no time addressing the allegations, calling them a “blackmail attempt” in a social media post.
He called the allegations “so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?
My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people.“I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age.”
