Jay-Z’s Attorney Refutes Rape Accusation as False “`
NEW YORK — Jay-Z’s lawyer presented evidence on Monday refuting a rape accusation made against the rapper last week by an anonymous woman, asserting the account is demonstrably false.
The woman alleged to NBC News that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted her in 2000 at an MTV Music Awards after-party when she was 13 years old. She has since acknowledged inconsistencies in her statement.
Speaking at Roc Nation’s New York headquarters, Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, stated the woman’s claim is based on an impossible timeline and a non-existent location. The lawsuit described a “large white residence with a U-shaped driveway,” but photographic evidence places both Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) and Combs at a nightclub after the awards show.
The lawsuit claims the woman snuck out of her Rochester home, received a ride to the awards ceremony from a deceased friend, watched the event on an outdoor jumbotron, and then was driven to the party by a limousine driver, where the assault allegedly occurred.
Afterward, she reportedly fled and called her father for a ride home from a nearby gas station.
Spiro described the allegation as lacking credibility, noting the five-hour drive from Rochester would have required her departure by 3 p.m. He cited permits and photographs indicating no outdoor jumbotron existed at the 2000 VMAs. Furthermore, the woman’s father denies picking her up in New York City.
“The claim isn’t merely untrue; it’s provably, demonstrably false,” Spiro stated. “This never happened.”
The lawsuit surfaces amidst multiple sexual assault lawsuits against Combs, who is currently in New York custody awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in May.
These lawsuits were filed just before the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which provides a one-year window for sexual abuse victims to file civil actions regardless of the statute of limitations.
Initially suing Combs alone, the woman’s complaint was amended to include Jay-Z, alleging his participation in the assault alongside an unnamed third celebrity.
The case was filed by Tony Buzbee, a Houston personal injury attorney whose firm established a hotline for accusers. In October, Buzbee reported representing approximately 120 individuals with sexual misconduct allegations against Combs.
Last month, Jay-Z anonymously sued Buzbee, alleging attempted blackmail through the public release of the rape allegation unless a legal settlement was reached. Buzbee maintains the letter aimed to arrange confidential mediation.
In a statement, Jay-Z expressed his support for genuine victims of sexual assault.
On Monday, Spiro accused Buzbee of exploiting the woman and silencing the voices of true victims.
In an emailed statement, Buzbee stated the woman was referred by another law firm and vetted by four of his firm’s attorneys.
“Courts exist to resolve factual disputes,” Buzbee added. “Our client maintains her claim.”