Jay-Z countersues accuser in defamation case amid rape allegation fallout

Jay-Z has filed a defamation lawsuit against a woman who accused him of rape, claiming her allegations were part of an « evil conspiracy » to extort money and tarnish his reputation. The woman, who remains anonymous, initially filed a lawsuit in October 2023, accusing Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) and Sean « Diddy » Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. She withdrew her claims in February but now faces legal action from the rapper.

Jay-Z’s lawsuit, filed in Alabama federal court, alleges the woman admitted to being pressured by her lawyers, Tony Buzbee and David Fortney, to fabricate the story.

The suit claims Buzbee, known for representing multiple accusers against Combs, orchestrated the false allegations to strengthen his case and demand higher settlements.

It also highlights inconsistencies in the woman’s account, including her claim of being at a party with a celebrity who was performing elsewhere that night.

Buzbee denies any wrongdoing, accusing Jay-Z’s team of intimidating the woman into retracting her statements. He maintains she stands by her claims.

Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation reportedly lost $20 million in contracts due to the allegations, says the accusations have caused significant emotional distress for his family, particularly his children.

The case underscores the high-stakes legal battles surrounding high-profile sexual misconduct allegations and their far-reaching consequences.