Jay-Z denies rape allegation from 2000 MTV VMA afterparty

In December 2024, the music industry was rocked by a lawsuit filed against Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, alleging that they raped a girl when she was just 13 years old during an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000. The original lawsuit named only Combs but was amended to include Jay-Z's name, bringing renewed scrutiny to both artists. The claims included that the victim was provided with drugs that left her incapacitated and that a well-known female celebrity was present during the alleged assault, standing by without intervening. Jay-Z's legal team has dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting they stem from an extortion attempt led by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, who they accuse of exploiting the serious nature of the accusations for financial gain. In response to media calls for action against alleged criminal behavior, Jay-Z highlighted the impact such False claims have on genuine victims of sexual violence, arguing that they distract from real issues. In a public appearance following the allegations, Jay-Z, alongside his wife Beyoncé and their daughter, maintained a united family front, emphasizing his determination to clear his name and the emotional toll the lawsuit has taken on his family, particularly their children who must navigate public scrutiny around the claims. The rapper indicated that the claims made against him are not just damaging to his reputation but are also a source of deep pain for his family, whom he feels compelled to protect from the fallout of unfounded allegations.