Music mogul Jay-Z has vehemently denied allegations of sexual assault and has filed a motion to dismiss a recently refiled lawsuit connected to Sean "Diddy" Combs. The lawsuit, originally filed in October and refiled in New York, accuses both Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, and Combs of raping a minor at an MTV VMAs after-party in 2000. The accuser remains anonymous.
In his motion, Jay-Z accuses Texas attorney Tony Buzbee of orchestrating an "extortion saga" aimed at coercing a substantial financial settlement. He claims Buzbee's strategy relies on leveraging the public nature of the accusations, regardless of their veracity. Jay-Z asserts he refused to pay and is now seeking dismissal of the case or the disclosure of the plaintiff's identity.
The lawsuit alleges that Jay-Z, identified as "Celebrity A," was present while Combs and another individual, "Celebrity B," assaulted the plaintiff. Jay-Z's legal team argues this is part of a calculated scheme to pressure him into a settlement. They maintain that Jay-Z has an unblemished reputation and has never engaged in sexual misconduct.
Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, who previously represented Alec Baldwin, emphasizes the need for fairness and is demanding either the dismissal of the case or the revelation of the plaintiff's identity. Jay-Z himself, via his Roc Nation banner, has publicly accused Buzbee of blackmail, stating that the allegations have only strengthened his resolve to fight the case.
Buzbee has countered Jay-Z's claims, asserting that his client never requested money and only sought confidential mediation. He maintains that Jay-Z's actions have only emboldened the plaintiff. The lawsuit alleges that Combs and Carter "took turns assaulting the minor" at the after-party and that many others were present but did nothing to intervene.
The lawsuit details how the 13-year-old girl was allegedly lured to the after-party by a limousine driver claiming to work for Diddy. She was reportedly made to sign a non-disclosure agreement but was not given a copy. The lawsuit claims Combs then attempted to force her into performing oral sex on him before she managed to stop him.
Combs is currently facing separate charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, with a potential sentence ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment if convicted.
