Jay-Z currently finds himself embroiled in a huge controversy after being named in a civil lawsuit. The case also referred to under-fire artist Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is already battling several legal battles currently. But what are the exact allegations that have risen up against the 24-time Grammy winner? And how has Jay-Z responded to the concerned charges?
Here’s everything you need to know regarding the official complaint targeting the acclaimed singer.
Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of rape and sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
What did Jay-Z say about the civil lawsuit?
Jay-Z, alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in a party conducted after the 2000 Video Music Awards, leading to a lawsuit. However, the singer has denied all wrongdoing, taking to social media to voice his displeasure with the allegations.
The lawsuit, originally filed by Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee in October, was updated on Sunday to include Jay-Z, or Shawn Carter, as is his original name. “Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor,” the document stated. The plaintiff also revealed that she attended the said party following an invitation from a limousine driver.
While the lawsuit initially called out several other celebrities, many of them were soon dropped due to the concerned plaitiffs’ reluctance in identifying themselves, as per ABC News. Nevertheless, the lawsuit against Jay-Z will continue, with the judge finding enough cause in the victim’s plea to maintain anonymity.
In response, Jay-Z has come out to label the lawsuit as “blackmail” in a public statement. In a message posted on Roc Nation’s X (formerly Twitter) account, the singer 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.”
The “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” singer confirmed that he would not be paying any compensatory ammount due to being innocent. Jay-Z also questioned Tony Buzbee’s decision of filing the lawsuit under civil matters rather than criminal. He then highlighted how the situation has impacted his family, including his kids.
Buzbee has since replied in a dominant manner, refusing to be “bullied or intimidated.” With the Texas attorney determined to take things to court, more updates on the Jay-Z lawsuit should follow shortly.
