- Jay-Z has filed a defamation lawsuit against the woman who accused him of sexual assault. He is also suing her attorneys, Tony Buzbee and David Fortney, following the dismissal of her case last month.
- The woman alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs raped her at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards after-party when she was 13 years old.
- Jay-Z’s lawsuit argues that the allegations have damaged his reputation, affected his family and resulted in $20 million in lost business for Roc Nation.
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Jay-Z has filed a defamation lawsuit against the woman who accused him of sexual assault. The rapper is also suing her attorneys, Tony Buzbee and David Fortney, following the dismissal of her case last month.
In December 2024, the woman alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs raped her at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards after-party when she was 13 years old. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has denied the allegations, calling them an attempt to blackmail him.
The woman later admitted to inconsistencies in her claims. She also spoke to NBC News last December about her lawsuit.
Jay-Z’s response and lawsuit
After the woman voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit in February without explanation, Carter maintained his innocence. He posted a statement on social media, writing in part:
“The frivolous, fictitious, and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere. The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims.”
Now, Carter is escalating his response. According to The New York Times, on Monday, he filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in Alabama, where the woman lives. His lawsuit names her and her attorneys, Buzbee and Fortney, as defendants.
Contentious legal battle with Tony Buzbee
Jay-Z and Buzbee have been in a heated legal dispute since the original lawsuit was filed. Carter previously accused Buzbee of attempting to extort him. In turn, Buzbee sued Roc Nation, claiming Carter’s legal team pressured his clients to file frivolous lawsuits against him and his firm.
Buzbee’s claims and Carter’s losses
Buzbee alleges that Carter has repeatedly harassed and attempted to pay off the Jane Doe accuser.
In an Instagram post, Buzbee said the woman withdrew her case after experiencing harassment. He also stated that she suffers from seizures and other health issues.
Meanwhile, Carter’s lawsuit argues that the allegations have damaged his reputation, affected his family, and resulted in $20 million in lost business for Roc Nation.
