Rapper Jay-Z has vehemently denied a rape allegation made against him, labeling it as part of an extortion attempt. The accusation emerged as part of a lawsuit filed by a woman who previously sued Sean 'Diddy' Combs, claiming she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13. The lawsuit was amended to include a new claim that Jay-Z was also present at the party and involved in the alleged assault.
In a statement released by one of his companies, Jay-Z dismissed the allegations as 'idiotic' and 'heinous in nature.' He revealed that he had anonymously sued the woman's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, in California, accusing him of attempting to blackmail him by threatening to make the rape allegation public unless a settlement was reached. Jay-Z expressed his refusal to comply with the demands, stating, 'So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!'
The ongoing litigation is part of a series of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Combs, who is currently in custody in New York awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The woman, who remains unnamed in the suit, recounted being at a celebrity-studded party after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, where she alleges she was drugged and raped by Combs and Jay-Z.
Buzbee, the woman's lawyer, has denied accusations of blackmail, clarifying that the letter sent to Jay-Z's attorney sought confidential mediation in the legal proceedings. He emphasized that the alleged victim never demanded any monetary compensation from Jay-Z. Buzbee commended the woman's courage in the face of legal challenges and expressed pride in her resolve.
Jay-Z, in a statement shared on social media by his entertainment company, Roc Nation, expressed concern for his family, particularly his children, who may be exposed to the media coverage of the allegations. He lamented the impact of the situation on his loved ones and condemned what he described as 'cruelty and greed of people.'
The legal battle continues as both parties stand firm in their positions, with Jay-Z adamantly refuting the claims and Buzbee maintaining his support for the alleged victim.