Jay-Z has filed a defamation lawsuit against a woman who previously accused him of rape but later withdrew her claims.
The rapper alleges that she admitted to fabricating the accusations under pressure as part of an “evil conspiracy” to extort money and ruin his reputation.
The woman, who remains anonymous, initially filed legal action in October before refiling in December, accusing Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Both artists denied the allegations.
In February, she withdrew the claims, and now Jay-Z is taking legal action against her, as well as her attorneys, Tony Buzbee and David Fortney, accusing them of orchestrating the lawsuit.
Buzbee has gained international attention for representing multiple individuals in lawsuits against Diddy, who is currently facing federal sex-trafficking and racketeering charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Jay-Z’s lawsuit states that the woman told his legal team she was coerced into making false allegations, with Buzbee allegedly pushing her forward to strengthen the case and increase financial demands.
The lawsuit also highlights inconsistencies in the woman’s claims, including an interview she gave to NBC News, where she named a celebrity as present at the MTV party, despite that person being in a different city at the time.
Additionally, her father allegedly contradicted her statement that he had picked her up after the alleged assault.
Jay-Z’s legal team argues that Buzbee and his firm failed to properly investigate the woman’s background, which they claim includes a history of mental health issues and an assault charge.
Buzbee has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Jay-Z’s legal team has harassed and intimidated the woman in an attempt to make her retract her accusations.
In a statement to BBC News, Buzbee dismissed the lawsuit as having “no legal merit” and insisted that his client stands by her claims.
Jay-Z, who is married to Beyoncé, asserts that the false allegations have caused significant personal and professional harm.
He claims that his company, Roc Nation, has lost approximately $20 million annually in business contracts and that the ordeal has taken an emotional toll on his family, particularly his children.
The case now moves to court as Jay-Z seeks to clear his name and hold those responsible for the alleged defamation accountable.
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