Content Warning: This article contains graphic details of sexual assault.
A woman identified as Jane Doe who previously accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault has now added Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) to her lawsuit, claiming she was also assaulted by him at the same party.
In the amended lawsuit filed Sunday, NBC News reported that the unnamed woman said the assault occurred after she arrived at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards after-party. The woman, who originally filed the lawsuit in October vs. Combshe claims he was 13 when the attack happened.
Once she arrived at the party, the woman says she signed a document she believes was a non-disclosure agreement, according to the report. The lawsuit states that after consuming a drink offered to her at the party, the woman became “dumb, listless and felt [like] he had to lie down.” Shortly after finding a bedroom to rest in, the document claims that Jay-Z and Combs entered the room and took turns raping her while an unidentified female celebrity watched.
The lawsuit further alleges that Doe struck Combs in the neck, which prevented him from forcing her to perform oral sex. After the alleged assault, the unnamed accuser “grabbed her clothes” and left the party.
“Combs has been allowed to behave in this manner for years without any consequence,” the lawsuit states. according to USA Today. “He believes he is above the law. Is not. His close friend Shawn Carter was with Combs on many such occasions… Both perpetrators must face justice.”
On Sunday afternoon, Jay-Z posted a lengthy statement under his Roc Nation label’s X account denying the allegations and accusing the Texas-based victim’s attorney, Tony Buzzbee, who filed suit for “fraud” and “extortion.”
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee. wrote Jay-Z. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public way. So no, I won’t give you a RED PEN!!”
Jay-Z is the first celebrity to be accused of sexual assault allegations involving Combs, and he likely won’t be the last.
Jay-Z continued, “These allegations are so heinous that I’m begging you to file criminal charges, not civil!! Anyone who would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked up, don’t you agree?’
After responding to the allegations, Jay-Z’s legal team filed a petition Monday morning asking the plaintiff to reveal her identity. According to TMZ, the documents state that the Brooklyn rapper has built an “impeccable reputation” and has never been accused of or involved in sexual harassment.
In recent months, Buzbee has filed several lawsuits against Combs. In October, he held a press conference announcing that 120 people reported allegations against the rapper ranging from violent sexual assault or rape, facilitating sex with a controlled substance, distribution of video recordings and sexual abuse of minors.
Before Carter’s public statement, CNN reported that the plaintiffs’ attorneys contacted his legal team and requested “mediation to resolve this matter.” Instead, the lawsuit alleges that Jay-Z responded to the request by “orchestrating a conspiracy of harassment, intimidation, and intimidation against Plaintiff’s attorneys, their families, employees, and former associates in an effort to silence Plaintiff from naming the Jay-Z here. “
Questioning Buzbee’s integrity as a former Marine, Jay-Z said in his statement that his heart breaks for his family amid the allegations. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at an age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these allegations and explain the cruelty and greed of people,” he wrote.
In addition, he expressed his support for victims affected by public scrutiny and discourse. “My heart and support goes out to real victims in the world, who have to watch their life story being dressed up for profit by this ambulance chaser in a cheap suit,” she continued.
Conspiracy theory talk and controversy between fans should not be the answer to victims coming forward about the abuse they have suffered.
In response, Buzbee took over Instagramsharing a picture of him serving as a “Weapons Platoon Commander, Alpha Company, First Battalion, Fourth Marines,” accompanied by a caption that claims he and his family are being harassed. He claims that several people, including colleagues, associates and acquaintances, have contacted him in an attempt to defame him and silence his client.
“Despite a concerted and aggressive effort that included harassing my children, contacting my clients and former clients to encourage them to sue me, contacting my co-workers or former employees asking if I have “mistreated,” I was appearing to my current employees.” houses to harass them, filing frivolous cases against me and my law firm, defaming me with outrageous claims to anyone who will listen, and following mysterious people me and my family, I’m still HIM.”
Buzbee’s caption further stated, “I will not be bullied or intimidated. The world will see through this attempt to discredit me and my clients and the truth will come out. I also will not allow anyone to scare my clients into silence.”
Jay-Z is the first celebrity to be accused of sexual assault allegations involving Combs, and he likely won’t be the last. While all eyes are on these two high-profile individuals, it is important not to forget the victims affected by the ongoing debate. In situations involving sexual misconduct or domestic violence, public response tends to be desensitized to the victims’ allegations and insensitive to the gravity of these allegedly cruel actions.
Conspiracy theory talk and controversy between fans should not be the answer to victims coming forward about the abuse they have suffered. As the case continues to unfold, it is imperative that people lead with empathy against the conspiracy and create a space for survivors to continue to present their stories.
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