A new lawsuit involving two prominent hip-hop moguls has sent shockwaves through the music industry.
According to the New York Post, Jay-Z has been named in a civil lawsuit alleging he and Sean "Diddy" Combs sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl at a VMA afterparty in New York in 2000.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, was originally submitted in October against Combs but has been amended to include Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter.
The alleged victim, identified only as "Jane Doe," claims the assault occurred at a drug-fueled house party following the VMAs at Radio City Music Hall, with an unnamed female celebrity reportedly present during the incident.
The court documents describe a disturbing sequence of events where the alleged victim entered a bedroom seeking rest after consuming a drink that left her feeling disoriented. The filing states that both Combs and Carter entered the room along with an unidentified female celebrity, leading to the alleged assault.
The lawsuit claims that Combs initiated the assault by aggressively approaching the victim before throwing her against a wall and onto a bed. According to the filing, Carter then allegedly began removing the victim's clothes as she became increasingly disoriented.
Jay-Z has strongly denied these allegations through a statement, claiming the lawsuit resulted from an attempted blackmail scheme. The rapper's response to the allegations was direct, as he stated:
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 in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY.
Carter's legal team has taken an aggressive stance against the allegations, challenging the plaintiff to file criminal charges rather than pursue civil action. The hip-hop mogul expressed particular concern about the impact on his family, including his wife, Beyoncé, and their children.
Combs's legal representatives have dismissed the lawsuit as a publicity stunt, maintaining their client's innocence. They emphasized that Combs has denied all allegations of sexual assault and trafficking.
The case has added complications as Combs is currently being held without bail in federal custody in Brooklyn, facing separate federal charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for May.
The newly filed civil lawsuit represents another legal challenge for both music industry titans. Jay-Z's response indicates he plans to fight the allegations vigorously in court.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its timing, coming amid other legal troubles for Combs and the high-profile status of both defendants. The matter remains in the preliminary stages of legal proceedings.
Both moguls face potential reputation damage as the case progresses through the legal system. Jay-Z has emphasized the personal toll of these allegations, particularly concerning his family's need to address these claims with their children.
