Music moguls Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs have been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000, according to a federal lawsuit filed on Sunday in the Southern District of New York.
The anonymous accuser, identified as “Jane Doe,” alleges that the assault occurred following an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.
The lawsuit was initially filed in October, naming Combs as a defendant, and was refiled on Sunday to include Carter. The accuser claims that the assault happened at a house party in New York.
The accuser’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, who has filed several lawsuits against Combs in recent months, declined to comment on the latest filing. The complainant’s identity has been withheld, as with previous lawsuits filed by Buzbee.
Jay-Z and Diddy Respond
Jay-Z called the allegations “idiotic” in a lengthy statement on Sunday evening, denying any wrongdoing and accusing Buzbee of engaging in unprofessional behavior.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?” Carter said. “These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Combs’ legal representatives dismissed the lawsuits as “shameless publicity stunts” designed to extort settlements from high-profile figures.
“Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor,” the statement read.
Legal Context
Combs is already facing significant legal troubles, including federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and other offenses. He is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being denied bail three times. His trial is scheduled for May 5, with prosecutors hinting at potential additional charges in a superseding indictment.
The lawsuit also alleges that Carter was contacted by Buzbee’s legal team prior to the filing, requesting mediation. In response, Carter reportedly filed his own legal action against the attorneys involved.
Carter’s Statement
Jay-Z emphasized his commitment to protecting children and denounced the allegations as baseless.
“I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the projects of Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children,” Carter said.
