The rapper Jay-Z has denied a rape allegation made against him, stating that it is part of an extortion attempt. The allegation was made by a woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs, claiming she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13. The lawsuit was amended to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also involved in the assault.
In a statement released by one of his companies, Jay-Z called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” and revealed that he had anonymously sued the woman's lawyer for attempting to blackmail him by threatening to make the rape allegation public if he didn't agree to a legal settlement.
The woman, who is not named in the suit, claims she was drugged at a party attended by Combs and Jay-Z and was then raped by them. The lawsuit is part of a wave of sexual assault lawsuits against Combs as he remains in custody awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Tony Buzbee, the woman's lawyer, denied the allegations of blackmail and stated that his letter simply sought confidential mediation in the litigation. He also expressed pride in his client's resolve in the face of Jay-Z's legal actions.
Both Jay-Z and Combs have denied the allegations against them and criticized the lawsuits as attempts to extract payments through false claims. The legal battle continues as the two artists, who have collaborated in the past, navigate the serious accusations brought against them. The case remains ongoing as both sides present their arguments in court.