Jay-Z accused of raping 13-year-old alongside Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Celebrated rapper and record producer Jay-Z has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl, allegedly alongside Sean "Diddy" Combs. 

The accuser, who is identified as "Jane Doe", said the assault happened at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards in September of 2000. 

A federal lawsuit, which originally only named Combs, was refiled on Sunday in New York to add Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter. 

The lawsuit claims that Doe was went to the VMAs at Radio City Music Hall without a ticket and approached various limousine drivers to try to gain access to the show or after party. According to NBC News, one driver allegedly told Doe he worked for Combs and she "fit what Diddy was looking for".  

The driver dropped her off at a white house with a u-shaped driveway, where the girl was made to sign a document she believed to be a non-disclosure agreement.

She was allegedly offered a drink that made her feel "woozy, lightheaded and felt [like] she needed to lie down". 

The suit goes on to say that both Combs and Carter entered the room. She alleges that the latter removed her clothes, held her down and raped her while Combs and an unnamed female celebrity watched. She says Combs also raped her as Carter and the woman looked on. 

"Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor. Many others were present at the after party, but did nothing to stop the assault," the complaint reads. "Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice." 

Jay-Z has denied the claims, stating on X via his label Roc Nation: "My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a 'lawyer' named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are." 

In a statement to NBC News, Jay-Z added: "These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case." 

"My heart and support goes out to true victims in the world, who have to watch how their life story is dressed in costume for profitability by this ambulance chaser in a cheap suit," he added.  

Buzbee previously announced on 1 October that he was representing 120 accusers in cases against Combs, who has separately been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.  

Federal prosecutors allege that Combs sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence. His criminal trial is currently slated to begin on 5 May 2025.