Music mogul Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was named Sunday in a refiled federal lawsuit accusing him of sexual misconduct with a 13-year-old girl in 2000, alongside fellow hip-hop icon Sean “Diddy” Combs. The claims, filed in the Southern District of New York, have sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.
The accuser, identified only as “Jane Doe,” alleges the incident occurred after an MTV Video Music Awards after-party. The lawsuit originally listed Diddy as the sole defendant when it was first filed in October but was amended Sunday to include Jay Z.
According to the suit, Doe was taken to a house party following the MTV awards after being approached by a limousine driver claiming to work for Combs. The driver reportedly said she “fit what Diddy was looking for.” Once at the party, Doe alleges she was given a drink that made her feel disoriented, then was assaulted by both Jay Z and Diddy in a private room while a female celebrity looked on.
The suit claims Doe managed to escape after resisting further acts and later contacted her father from a gas station. Now an adult, she seeks unspecified damages under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Jay Z issued a forceful denial on Sunday, describing the lawsuit as “heinous” and “idiotic.” In a statement shared with NBC News, he called for the accuser to file criminal charges if the claims were legitimate.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away,” Jay Z said. “These alleged victims deserve real justice if that were the case.”
The rapper also accused the plaintiff’s attorney, Texas-based Tony Buzbee, of unprofessional conduct. He pointed to a pre-lawsuit letter from Buzbee requesting mediation, suggesting the case was financially motivated. Carter has since filed a lawsuit against Buzbee and his legal team.
Diddy, currently facing separate federal charges of racketeering and trafficking, remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Prosecutors have hinted at the possibility of additional charges. Diddy’s legal team has dismissed the accusations as “shameless publicity stunts” aimed at extracting settlements.
“Mr. Combs has full confidence in the integrity of the judicial process,” his representatives said. “The truth will prevail: Mr. Combs never assaulted or trafficked anyone.”
This is the latest in a string of lawsuits filed by Buzbee against Diddy, with most complainants opting to remain anonymous. However, this case marks the first time another high-profile defendant has been implicated.
Jay Z expressed concern for the impact on his family, particularly his children. “My wife and I will have to explain the cruelty and greed of people,” he said, describing the allegations as a painful ordeal for his loved ones.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the case.
