Entertainment
Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs Deny Allegations in Lawsuit Alleging 2000 Assault
Prominent US rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs have strongly denied allegations made in a lawsuit accusing them of drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl at a house party following the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000.
The accuser, who filed anonymously under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” alleges the assault occurred in the presence of an unnamed female celebrity. The lawsuit, initially filed in October, was refiled to include Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) as a defendant under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Allegations and Legal Action
According to the lawsuit, the accuser attended the party, signed what she believes was a non-disclosure agreement, and observed drug use, including cocaine. After consuming a drink that made her feel unwell, she alleges she went to lie down in a room where Mr. Combs, Mr. Carter, and the unnamed celebrity later entered.
The lawsuit claims Mr. Carter and Mr. Combs sexually assaulted her while the celebrity observed. The plaintiff states she managed to escape after fighting back.
The legal filing also asserts that the accuser suffers from long-term trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, stemming from the alleged incident.
Jay-Z and Combs Respond
Jay-Z, in a social media statement, dismissed the allegations as a baseless extortion attempt. He criticized the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, accusing him of fabricating claims for financial gain.
“What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle,” Jay-Z stated. “It had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is already facing 30 lawsuits and criminal charges, denied the claims through his legal team. His representatives labeled the lawsuit a “shameless publicity stunt,” asserting that Mr. Combs is innocent and will be vindicated through the judicial process.
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the accuser, has filed multiple lawsuits against Mr. Combs alleging assault and rape. The musician is scheduled for a criminal trial on May 5, 2025.
Both Jay-Z and Combs have expressed concerns about the impact of the allegations on their families. Jay-Z, who is married to Beyoncé, stated:
“My only heartbreak is for my family… I will have to sit my children down and explain the cruelty and greed of people.”
Entertainment
Céline Dion Announces Comeback Shows After Health Battle: “I’m So Ready for This”
Céline Dion has announced a highly anticipated return to the stage, four years after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a condition that affected her voice and mobility.
The global superstar will perform a 10-night residency at the Paris La Défense Arena in Paris this September and October. The announcement coincided with her 58th birthday, which she described as “the best gift of my life.”
Speaking to fans, Dion said she feels strong and ready to return: “I’m so ready to do this… I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited—and of course, a little nervous.”
She also shared an update on her health, saying she is managing the condition well, has resumed singing, and is even doing “a little bit of dancing.” She expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support during her time away from performing.
Dion has not headlined her own concert since March 2020 in Newark, after her Courage world tour was halted by the pandemic and later cancelled following her diagnosis in December 2022.
Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological condition affecting roughly 8,000 people worldwide. It disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, leading to severe muscle spasms and mobility challenges. There is currently no known cure.
To accommodate her health, the upcoming shows are spaced out over several days to reduce physical strain. Tickets are set to go on sale from 7 April, with demand expected to be extremely high.
Entertainment
Woman Accused of Shooting at Rihanna’s Home Pleads Not Guilty
A Florida woman accused of opening fire at the Los Angeles home of pop star Rihanna has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and multiple related charges.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, entered her plea in Los Angeles County Superior Court, denying allegations that she tried to kill Rihanna and others during the incident on 8 March at the singer’s mansion in Beverly Crest.
Prosecutors allege Ortiz fired a semiautomatic rifle at the property, targeting not only Rihanna but also her partner A$AP Rocky, their three young children, and others present at the home and a nearby residence. No injuries were reported.
According to court documents, the victims listed include Robyn Fenty and Rakim Mayers—the legal names of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky—as well as Rihanna’s mother and several additional individuals.
Ortiz faces a range of serious charges, including attempted murder, 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. Each assault charge corresponds to an individual allegedly targeted during the incident.
Authorities say Ortiz drove to the residence, fired multiple shots, and then fled the scene. She was later arrested at a shopping centre in Sherman Oaks after her white Tesla was located approximately eight miles away.
She remains in custody with bail set at $1.875m (£1.4m) and could face life imprisonment if convicted. A judge has also barred her from practising as a speech pathologist in California.
Ortiz is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on 8 April. Her legal team has not publicly commented on the case, and representatives for Rihanna have yet to respond.
Entertainment
BTS Comeback Concert on Netflix Draws 18.4 Million Global Viewers
A livestreamed comeback concert by K-pop superstars BTS attracted 18.4 million viewers worldwide on Netflix, highlighting the group’s enduring global influence.
The one-hour performance marked the first time all seven members—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—had performed together since October 2022, when they paused group activities to complete mandatory military service in South Korea.
Held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, the free concert drew about 104,000 attendees, according to entertainment giant Hybe Corporation—below earlier projections of 260,000.
Despite the slightly lower turnout, the event marked the launch of the group’s sold-out 82-date world tour and was streamed live to audiences in more than 190 countries. Only around 22,000 fans gained access to the main venue, while others watched via large outdoor screens set up nearby.
The broadcast quickly climbed to the top of Netflix rankings in 24 countries, underscoring the group’s massive international reach. The concert also forms part of Netflix’s broader push into live programming, following major events such as the 2024 boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which reportedly drew over 108 million viewers.
Security was tight, with around 7,000 police officers deployed, including specialised units equipped with anti-drone systems to manage the large crowds.
Financially, the comeback is expected to be significant. Analysts estimate that BTS and their label could generate over $1bn (£740m) from reunion-related activities, including touring, merchandise, album sales, and streaming. The group remains the primary revenue driver for Hybe, which saw profits decline during their hiatus.
However, investor expectations appeared to shift after the event, with Hybe’s shares dropping by 15.5% on Monday despite months of gains leading up to the reunion.
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