Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, and fellow music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs have been accused in a federal lawsuit of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards after-party. The lawsuit, initially filed in October in the Southern District of New York against Combs, was refiled on Sunday to include Carter as a defendant.
The accuser, referred to as “Jane Doe,” alleges that she was taken to the party and assaulted by both men. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the plaintiff, declined to comment publicly on the case.
In response to the allegations, Carter issued a strongly worded statement dismissing them as “idiotic.” He called on the plaintiff to file criminal charges rather than a civil lawsuit.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one,” Carter stated. “Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. These alleged victims deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Combs, who is currently facing criminal charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after being denied bail. His trial is scheduled for May 2024, with prosecutors indicating the possibility of additional charges.
A representative for Combs has characterized the lawsuits as “shameless publicity stunts” intended to extract financial settlements from high-profile figures.
“Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone,” his legal team stated.
Carter has also taken legal action against the plaintiff’s attorneys, accusing them of unprofessional conduct after receiving a letter requesting mediation.
“You have made a terrible error in judgment thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same,” Carter said. “We protect children.”
The lawsuit, which alleges Carter and Combs committed the assault at a New York residence, remains under review. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment on the matter.
Comments