A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by Sean “Diddy” Combs has revised her lawsuit to include allegations that Jay-Z also assaulted her at the same event.
Originally filed against Combs in October, the lawsuit was amended on Sunday to add Shawn Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, as a defendant. This marks the first instance where Carter has been accused in connection with Combs.
In a statement to CNN, Carter called the claims “heinous” and urged the accuser to file a criminal complaint instead of a civil lawsuit. “Anyone committing such a crime against a minor deserves to be imprisoned. Would you not agree?” he said.
Combs, meanwhile, faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related offences. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing despite facing approximately 30 civil lawsuits alleging misconduct.
The accuser, identified only as Jane Doe, states she was 13 years old when Combs and Carter allegedly assaulted her at an after-party following the 2000 Video Music Awards. She claims she felt disoriented after consuming a drink, wandered into a bedroom, and was assaulted by Carter first, followed by Combs. According to the lawsuit, she managed to hit Combs and flee the scene.
In the initial filing, Carter was listed anonymously as “Celebrity A.” NBC was the first to report on the amended lawsuit.
The lawsuit also alleges that Doe’s attorneys reached out to Carter for mediation to resolve the matter. According to the claim, Carter responded by filing a “frivolous” countersuit and orchestrating a campaign of harassment against Doe’s legal team, their families, and associates. This, the lawsuit says, led to the decision to include Carter in the case.
Carter dismissed the mediation request as an act of “blackmail,” alleging that Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, had a history of using “theatrics” in similar cases.
In a statement, Buzbee countered, “The pleading speaks for itself. This is a serious matter that will be resolved in court.”
Carter expressed concern about the impact on his family, stating, “My wife and I now face the difficult task of explaining these cruel and baseless allegations to our children. The loss of innocence they may experience due to this ordeal is heartbreaking.”
In a related development, an unnamed male celebrity filed a lawsuit in November against Buzbee, accusing him of extortion. The celebrity alleged Buzbee threatened to fabricate horrific allegations, including rape of minors, unless his demands were met. Buzbee has denied these claims, asserting that his firm is committed to protecting sexual assault survivors.
On Sunday, Buzbee addressed Carter’s statement, asserting that the alleged victim never sought monetary compensation from Carter and instead pursued confidentiality. He reiterated his firm’s stance against intimidation and their intent to fight for justice.
Buzbee added, “She is emboldened. I’m very proud of her resolve.”
