American rapper Jay-Z has spoken out for the first time after being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2000.
The 55-year-old artist released a statement through his Roc Nation X account, firmly denying and denouncing the allegations.
The updated complaint in a civil lawsuit against Combs alleges that the two men assaulted the girl at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000.
Jay-Z was added to the lawsuit, which originally included several anonymous complaints filed in October by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee.
Some of the lawsuits were dismissed because the plaintiffs chose not to reveal their identities. However, the judge ruled that the victim, who was 13 at the time, had sufficient grounds to pursue the case while remaining anonymous.
In his statement, Jay-Z criticized Buzbee, questioning his legitimacy as a lawyer and labeling the r*pe allegations as an attempt at blackmail. He stated that the claims were “so heinous in nature” that they were simply “idiotic.”
In the letter, Jay-Z began: “My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, termed a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee.” He accused Buzbee of pursuing the case for “personal gain,” adding that he believed the nature of the allegations and the potential public scrutiny would pressure him to settle.
“On the contrary, it has motivated me to publicly expose you for the fraud you are,” he wrote. “So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!”
Jay-Z urged Buzbee to file a criminal complaint rather than a civil one, asserting, “Anyone who would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. Wouldn’t you agree? These alleged victims deserve real justice.”
He continued by expressing his disdain for Buzbee’s tactics, stating, “This lawyer, who I have researched, seems to have a pattern of theatrics! I have no idea how you’ve become such a deplorable human being, Mr. Buzbee, but I assure you I’ve encountered your type before. I am more than prepared to deal with you.”
He further commented, “You claim to be a Marine? Marines are known for their valor, but you show neither honor nor dignity.” Concluding his statement, Jay-Z asserted, “I look forward to proving just how different I am.”
