Jay-Z responds to inclusion in Sean Diddy Combs lawsuit alleging rape of minor

Jay-Z
| Photo Credit: Hannah McKay

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has publicly addressed his inclusion in a refiled civil lawsuit accusing both him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Filed by attorney Tony Buzbee on behalf of an anonymous plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, the lawsuit claims the alleged assault occurred after a party following the MTV Video Music Awards. Originally naming only Combs as a defendant, the suit was amended to include Jay-Z earlier this week.

In a statement shared via Roc Nation’s Instagram, Jay-Z vehemently denied the allegations and criticized the attorney’s tactics. He accused Buzbee of attempting blackmail through what he described as a “demand letter” and dismissed the allegations as baseless. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle,” Jay-Z said. “No sir, it had the opposite effect!”

The rapper also questioned the decision to pursue civil rather than criminal action, urging that anyone guilty of such crimes “should be locked away.” He expressed deep concern for his family, lamenting the personal impact of the lawsuit. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down… and explain the cruelty and greed of people,” he said.

Jay-Z’s comments come amid ongoing legal battles involving Combs, who faces multiple accusations, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs, currently detained, has denied all charges against him and awaits a May 2025 trial.

The lawsuit underscores growing scrutiny in the entertainment industry over allegations of sexual misconduct, with high-profile cases continuing to dominate headlines. Both Jay-Z and Combs have denied the claims, vowing to fight them in court.