Jay-Z Seeks Dismissal of Sexual Assault Lawsuit, Denounces ‘Unethical’ Claims

The hip-hop world was shaken last month by allegations against Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, and rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The two were sued for an alleged sexual assault that occurred in 2000 when the plaintiff was just 13 years old.

While Combs faces federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering with a trial scheduled for May, Carter has vehemently denied the accusations and distanced himself from Combs.

Jay-Z’s legal team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, recently filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing “inconsistencies” in the plaintiff’s account, particularly regarding the alleged events following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, reported The Guardian.

Carter is also seeking sanctions against the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, accusing him of filing baseless claims without proper investigation. “To sign a pleading accusing someone of such a horrific crime without adequately vetting the allegation – particularly when the defendant’s prominence means that the allegation will be repeated in headlines across the world – is deeply wrong and unethical,” Carter’s lawyers argued.

The plaintiff, who remains anonymous, claimed her father picked her up from an afterparty where the alleged assault occurred. However, her father reportedly does not recall doing so, a key inconsistency Carter’s legal team has highlighted in their defense.

Carter has denied any connection to Combs, describing the lawsuit as an extortion attempt. “This case is riddled with falsehoods and opportunism,” his legal team stated. Meanwhile, Buzbee has dismissed Carter’s legal filings as “reeking of desperation,” signaling an intense legal battle ahead.

Jay-Z’s reputation as a business mogul and cultural icon adds significant stakes to the lawsuit. Since founding Roc Nation in 2008, Carter has become a billionaire and an influential figure in music, entertainment, and philanthropy.

The allegations have sparked widespread media attention, but Carter’s legal team is confident in their ability to dismantle the case. With Combs’ separate legal troubles casting a shadow over the proceedings, the high-profile case is set to become a defining moment for all parties involved as it unfolds in 2025.