Photo Credit: Getty Images
A civil lawsuit filed by an unnamed woman, identified only as Jane Doe, has implicated hip-hop moguls Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs in a harrowing sexual assault case from 2000. The allegations comesy from an afterparty following the MTV Video Music Awards, where the woman, then 13 years old, claims she was drugged and raped by both artists.
The amended complaint, initially filed in October 2024 with names redacted, alleges Doe was approached by a limousine driver outside Radio City Music Hall. The driver, claiming to work for Combs, reportedly told her she "fit what Diddy was looking for." Later invited to an exclusive afterparty, Doe says she was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before being given a drink she alleges was spiked.
The suit further details how she was assaulted by an unnamed male celebrity while another female celebrity observed, before being raped by Combs and Jay-Z. "Defendant Sean Combs, along with his longtime friend and collaborator Shawn Carter, drugged and raped a 13-year-old girl," reads the complaint. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and marks the latest in a series of sexual assault claims against Combs.
Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, vehemently denied the allegations in a statement released via his Roc Nation account. Referring to the claims as "heinous" and a "blackmail attempt," Carter accused the plaintiff's attorney, Tony Buzbee, of leveraging false accusations to force settlements. "These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one," he wrote.
Carter also addressed his upbringing and values, stating, "I'm not from your world. I'm a young man who made it out of the projects of Brooklyn. We don't play these types of games. We protect children." He further asserted his intention to expose what he called fraudulent claims, vowing, "I look forward to showing you just how different I am."
Similarly, Sean Combs' legal team dismissed the lawsuit as part of a pattern of "shameless publicity stunts." A statement from his attorneys emphasized confidence in the judicial process, saying, "The truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone."
Tony Buzbee, representing Jane Doe, maintained that the case's seriousness warranted thorough litigation. "The pleading speaks for itself," he said, suggesting a broader pattern of alleged misconduct involving high-profile figures.
Critics have pointed to the timing and public nature of the accusations as potentially damaging to the reputations of both artists. However, survivors' advocacy groups argue that cases like this highlight systemic failures in holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions.
For those affected by sexual assault, resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) remain available for support.
