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.”