Jay-Z Denies Allegations of Assaulting 13-Year-Old at MTV Afterparty in 2000

Trigger Warning: The article contains references of rape and abuse

Jay-Z has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean "Diddy" Combs at an MTV Awards afterparty in 2000. The lawsuit, filed by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee and amended on December 8, names the rapper and entrepreneur, born Shawn Carter, as a defendant. NBC News was the first to report the development, citing court documents obtained by multiple outlets.

The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that the incident occurred on September 7, 2000, at a New York house party. According to the lawsuit, Doe was offered a drink at the event, which made her feel dizzy, prompting her to rest in an empty bedroom. She claims that while she was lying down, Combs and Jay-Z entered the room. Combs allegedly remarked she was now "ready to party," after which Jay-Z reportedly removed her clothes, held her down, and assaulted her while Combs and an unidentified female celebrity looked on. Combs is accused of subsequently assaulting her as well, with Jay-Z and the woman allegedly watching.

Jay-Z has categorically denied the allegations, issuing a statement to Page Six in which he criticized Buzbee’s actions. “My lawyer received a blackmail attempt called a demand letter from a lawyer named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle,” the Grammy-winning artist, 55, said.

“No, sir, it had the opposite effect. It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So, no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!”

The rapper further challenged Buzbee to file criminal charges, stating, “If you really believed I did this, you’d be pushing for me to be jailed. That’s justice for your alleged victim.” Jay-Z also expressed his readiness to confront the allegations, calling Buzbee a “deplorable human.”

In his statement, Jay-Z spoke about the toll the lawsuit has taken on his family, particularly his wife and three children—daughters Blue Ivy, 12, and Rumi, 6, and son Sir, 6. He noted that he and his wife would have to explain the situation to their children, especially their eldest, who may face questions from peers due to media coverage.

Combs’ legal team also responded to the amended lawsuit, dismissing it as one of several “publicity stunts” orchestrated by Buzbee to extort money from high-profile individuals.

Combs, 55, is currently in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center on unrelated charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He was arrested on September 16 at a New York City hotel and has pleaded not guilty. Despite three bail requests, judges have denied his release.