A Jane Doe who initially filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs for sexual assault has amended her case to include allegations against Shawn Carter, widely known as Jay-Z. The revised lawsuit claims the assault took place during the same 2000 party following the Video Music Awards, where the plaintiff, then 13 years old, alleges she was drugged and assaulted by both celebrities.
The original lawsuit, filed in October, named Diddy as the only defendant. However, on Sunday, he was added, marking him as the first celebrity implicated alongside Combs. According to the lawsuit, the woman felt disoriented after consuming a drink at the party, wandered into a bedroom, and was allegedly assaulted first by Jay-Z and then by Combs. The plaintiff claims she struck Combs and fled the party.
Legal Troubles for Diddy and Jay-Z’s Denial
Diddy faces multiple legal issues, including charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Over 30 civil lawsuits have been filed against him, and the plaintiff’s case now includes allegations against Jay-Z.
Z has denied the allegations, calling them “horrific” and urging the plaintiff to pursue criminal charges if her claims are true. He labeled the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and criticized the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, for alleged “theatrics” and extortion tactics.
Mediation Efforts and Harassment Allegations
The lawsuit accuses Z of rejecting a request for mediation and instead initiating a campaign of harassment against the plaintiff’s legal team. Despite this, Jane Doe chose to expand her lawsuit to include Z.
Tony Buzbee, a Houston-based attorney representing the plaintiff, dismissed claims of extortion. He emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and reiterated his firm’s commitment to supporting sexual assault survivors. Jay-Z, however, has consistently maintained his innocence.
Public Reactions and Implications
Jay-Z expressed concern over the impact of the allegations on his family, particularly his children. He noted that his family must now endure public scrutiny and explain the claims to their children.
In related developments, another celebrity previously accused Buzbee of attempting extortion, alleging his firm threatened to file fabricated allegations unless financial demands were met. Jay-Z’s involvement in this case has garnered significant attention as the lawsuit against Combs and Carter continues to unfold, with both parties defending their positions.