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Jay-Z's lawyer, Alex Spiro, has firmly distanced the rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, from Sean "Diddy" Combs following allegations involving the rape of a then-13-year-old girl. Addressing reporters at Roc Nation's New York headquarters, Spiro clarified that Jay-Z had no involvement in the accusations.
"Mr. Carter has nothing to do with Mr. Combs' case or Mr. Combs. They knew each other professionally for a number of years," Spiro stated, as reported by Page Six. He emphasized that their relationship was strictly professional, explaining, "Just like in all professions, people know each other. At music awards, they support each other. They go to the NBA All-Star Game, they support each other. That's just how professions work." Spiro further insisted, "There is no closer association between" the two music moguls.
The lawsuit, initially filed in October, accused Sean Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at a house party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. In December, the plaintiff amended the suit to include Jay-Z, alleging he was the unnamed male celebrity involved. Jay-Z vehemently denied the claims and moved to dismiss the case, arguing that the accuser's attorney, Tony Buzbee, was attempting to "blackmail" him.
On Monday, Spiro scrutinized the inconsistencies in the accuser's story, stating they were "not minor" and indicative of fabrication. "When something isn't real, when something doesn't happen, you're going to get the details wrong because you weren't really there," he said. Spiro detailed the accuser's timeline, which he described as implausible, noting that photographs placed both Jay-Z and Combs in different locations during the alleged incident.
Spiro further pointed out that the accuser's claims about the house party and other events lacked corroboration. According to the attorney, "The home where she says the assault occurred does not exist, and Jay-Z was photographed at a club after the VMAs." Additionally, Sean Combs and Jennifer Lopez, who were allegedly present, were photographed at separate commercial clubs that evening.
On Friday, the plaintiff admitted to NBC News that there were inconsistencies in her story, including her father's inability to recall picking her up and discrepancies regarding the crime's location. "There are a lot of things... something he said or did back in New York around that time period he just doesn't remember," she stated.
Spiro remained adamant that the accusations were false. "Obviously Jay-Z did not rape a child," he asserted, predicting that the case would eventually be dismissed. "You don't even need witnesses because the time doesn't work... This never happened."
Jay-Z and Sean Combs have both denied all allegations, with Combs awaiting trial next year. Spiro concluded, "Mr. Carter has nothing to do with the charges or allegations against him. There's nothing more to say."
