NEW YORK, USA – A woman alleging she was sexually assaulted by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has amended her civil lawsuit to include allegations against Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z, accusing both men of raping her at the same party in 2000.
The amended complaint, filed on Sunday, December 8, 2024, adds a new dimension to the high-profile case, as Carter becomes the first celebrity other than Combs to be directly implicated.
Allegations Against Combs and Carter
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was 13 years old at the time of the assault, which she claims took place at an afterparty following the 2000 Video Music Awards.
According to the lawsuit, she began to feel unwell after consuming a drink at the party, wandered into a bedroom, and was sexually assaulted by Jay-Z first, followed by Combs.
Doe alleges she hit Combs and fled the scene. The initial lawsuit, filed in October, identified Carter only as “Celebrity A.”
In a statement addressed to Doe’s attorney, Carter called the allegations “heinous” and suggested filing a criminal complaint rather than pursuing a civil suit.
“Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away,” he said.
Combs’ Legal Challenges
Combs is already facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and abuse.
He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to separate charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and prostitution-related offences.
Combs has maintained his innocence in approximately 30 civil lawsuits filed against him in recent months.
Carter’s Response and Counterclaims
In his statement, Carter accused Doe’s attorneys of attempting to “blackmail” him through a request for mediation to resolve the case.
He characterised the legal action as a “frivolous lawsuit” and claimed the plaintiff’s legal team engaged in “harassment, bullying, and intimidation” against his lawyers, family, and associates.
“The cruelty and greed of people in this situation are heartbreaking,” Carter said, adding that his family is deeply affected by the allegations.
“My wife and I will have to explain to our children the nature of these claims and the impact of such baseless accusations.”
Plaintiff’s Attorney Denies Extortion Allegations
Tony Buzbee, the Houston-based attorney representing Doe, has denied accusations of extortion, asserting that the lawsuit aims to hold powerful individuals accountable.
In a social media post, Buzbee wrote, “The pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.”
Buzbee also rejected Carter’s claim of blackmail, stating that Doe never demanded money but sought confidential mediation.
“She is emboldened. I’m very proud of her resolve,” Buzbee said in a public statement.
Broader Legal and Social Implications
The amended lawsuit comes amidst broader legal battles involving high-profile figures.
Last month, an anonymous male celebrity had filed a lawsuit against Buzbee, accusing the attorney of orchestrating an extortion scheme involving fabricated allegations.
Buzbee denied the claims, stating that his firm is committed to protecting survivors of sexual assault.
“We won’t allow the powerful and their high-dollar lawyers to intimidate or silence sexual assault survivors,” Buzbee said.
The allegations against Diddy and Jay-Z, both hip-hop moguls, further highlight the ongoing reckoning over power dynamics and accountability within the entertainment industry.
Both men deny any wrongdoing, and the case is expected to proceed through litigation in the coming months.
Next Steps
As the lawsuit moves forward, it remains to be seen whether criminal charges will be pursued in addition to the civil case.
Both Carter and Combs have vowed to defend their reputations, while Doe’s legal team insists on uncovering the truth.
This case marks another high-profile moment in the continued efforts to address allegations of abuse in powerful industries, with its outcome likely to have significant ramifications for all parties involved.
