Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs Accused in Lawsuit of 2000 Sexual Assault
A federal lawsuit filed on Sunday accuses Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000, marking a significant legal development. The lawsuit was initially filed in October 2024, with Combs listed as the defendant, but was refiled on Sunday to include Jay-Z as a defendant in the case.
The plaintiff, referred to only as Jane Doe, alleges that the assault occurred after she attended an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in New York City. According to the lawsuit, the victim, who was 13 at the time, was driven to a private residence by a limousine driver who worked for Combs. The suit claims the driver told the victim she “fit what Diddy was looking for” and invited her to join the after-party.
The lawsuit further alleges that after being drugged, the victim was sexually assaulted by Combs and Jay-Z at the private party. The suit describes the assault in detail, claiming that Jay-Z held the victim down and raped her while Combs and a female celebrity allegedly witnessed. It also claims that Combs sexually assaulted the victim, though she managed to resist further assault by physically striking him.
In a statement issued Sunday, Jay-Z denied the allegations, describing them as “idiotic” and calling for the accuser’s legal team to pursue criminal charges. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!” Jay-Z said, adding that such accusations against a minor should be criminally investigated.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and is filed under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act. The case adds to the mounting legal challenges facing Sean Combs, who has been criminally charged in a separate federal case with racketeering, sex trafficking, and other offenses. Combs is currently in custody and has been denied bail, with his trial scheduled for May 2025.
The accuser’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, has previously filed similar lawsuits against Combs but has not commented publicly on the refiled case naming Jay-Z. Buzbee has represented several anonymous clients in allegations against Combs.
As the legal process continues, both Combs and Jay-Z are expected to vigorously defend themselves against the accusations.
