**NEW YORK** — Jay-Z has responded to allegations of rape against him, claiming that they are part of an extortion scheme. The allegations surfaced when a woman, who previously filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs for an incident in which she claims she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 at the age of 13, amended her complaint to include Jay-Z, asserting that he was present and involved in the assault.
In a statement issued through Roc Nation, his entertainment company, the critically acclaimed artist, producer, and entrepreneur labeled the claims as “idiotic” and “heinous.” He revealed that he had filed a lawsuit last month against the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, accusing him of blackmail after allegedly threatening to publicize the rape claim unless a settlement was agreed upon. Jay-Z claimed that Buzbee’s overtures only motivated him further to expose what he calls a fraudulent attempt at extortion. “So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!” read his defiant statement.
These allegations are part of a series of sexual assault claims against Combs, who remains incarcerated in New York while awaiting trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking. The unnamed plaintiff recounted her experience of mingling outside Radio City Music Hall during the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards and managing to convince a limousine driver to take her to an after-party hosted by celebrities. She described being asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement while in transit. Upon arriving at the party, she consumed a drink that made her feel disoriented and then retreated to a bedroom, where she asserts that Jay-Z, Combs, and another unnamed celebrity entered and assaulted her. According to her account, she eventually managed to escape and call for help from a nearby gas station.
Lawyer Tony Buzbee dismissed the idea of his involvement being blackmail as “stupid and laughable,” asserting that his communications were merely a proposal for confidential mediation regarding the ongoing litigation. He clarified that his firm had sent a simple demand letter representing the plaintiff, who reportedly did not seek any financial compensation from Jay-Z. Buzbee expressed that since the demand letter was issued, Jay-Z’s team had engaged in bullying tactics against both him and the victim, strengthening her determination.
In response, Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has filed requests in court for the accuser, identified only as Jane Doe, to disclose her identity if she intends to continue with the lawsuit. Spiro criticized her lack of evidence for maintaining anonymity, asserting that her claims of potential harm do not meet the legal standards required. He indicated that a prompt hearing is necessary on this issue, arguing that Jay-Z has a right to know who is accusing him of serious allegations that could damage his reputation—especially since he has never been implicated in such conduct before.
Buzbee has noted that his law firm represents about 120 individuals who have accused Combs of sexual misconduct. Following this, numerous lawsuits have surfaced against the hip-hop figure. Reacting to the ongoing controversy, Jay-Z stated his sympathies for genuine victims of abuse and expressed concern over the potential impact of false allegations on his family, including his wife Beyoncé and their three children. He lamented the need to have difficult discussions about the “greed and cruelty” of people, admitting to feeling a profound sense of loss regarding innocence.
Combs’ legal representatives have also dismissed the allegations put forth by Buzbee as self-serving publicity stunts, aimed at extorting money from high-profile individuals. Combs himself is currently being held without bail, having pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he has coerced numerous women over several years. A trial is scheduled for May, and both Jay-Z and Combs have been significant figures in hip-hop since the early 2000s, establishing themselves as successful entrepreneurs and among the wealthiest in the music industry.
Throughout their careers, both artists have collaborated on various occasions while also competing against each other in the music scene, such as the launches of their respective record labels, Roc-A-Fella and Bad Boy Records. Jay-Z, estimated by Forbes earlier this year to have a net worth of $2.5 billion, remains a giant in the music and business landscape, despite the tumultuous allegations now surrounding both him and Combs.
