What's New
Lawyers for rapper Jay-Z cited in their most recent challenge to a rape lawsuit his accuser's recent interview on television.
In a court filing Wednesday, Jay-Z's attorneys pointed to a recent television interview where the woman admitted to inconsistencies in her story.
The Context
The filing came ahead of a pretrial hearing for Sean "Diddy" Combs in his criminal case. Following discussions on evidentiary deadlines, prosecutors informed Judge Arun Subramanian that any additional charges brought against the hip-hop mogul before the May trial would require only minimal new evidence to be exchanged between legal teams.
Last Friday, NBC aired an interview in which the woman claimed she spoke with musicians Benji Madden and his brother at the party and said her father picked her up following the alleged assault. However, NBC also reported that a representative for the Maddens stated they were touring the Midwest during the VMAs, and her father said he does not recall making what would have been a more than five-hour drive home.
Jay-Z has argued that the article demonstrates Houston personal injury lawyer Tony Buzbee filed a false complaint against him for financial gain and publicity. Teny R. Geragos, attorney for Combs, described the television interview as the "beginning of the end of this shameful money grab."
What To Know
The unidentified woman recently added Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, to her lawsuit against Combs in Manhattan federal court. She alleges that the singers assaulted her in 2000 after Combs' limo driver offered her a ride to an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.
In the criminal case, Combs has pleaded not guilty to allegations that the Bad Boy Records founder coerced and abused women for years with the assistance of associates and employees. Combs, who has been held without bail for three months, embraced his lawyers and placed a hand on his heart as he acknowledged his children in the courtroom audience.
In the civil case—one of several brought against him—the woman initially claimed she was raped by Combs at the after-party but did not include Jay-Z in her allegations.
In a statement released through his Roc Nation social media account and representative Jana Fleishman earlier this month, Jay-Z called the lawsuit a "blackmail attempt" and criticized Buzbee directly.
"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," the Grammy winner stated.
What People Are Saying
Lawyers for Jay-Z said in the recent court filing that the rape allegations "have caused incalculable harm to Mr. Carter, his family, his businesses, his employees, and his legacy."
Tony Buzbee told the Associated Press via email that the plaintiffs' legal team intends to address the latest filing in court.
"They continue to file meritless motions that are contrary to the rules and which have absolutely no merit," Buzzbee said.
What's Next
In October, Buzbee announced that he represents approximately 120 individuals—both men and women—alleging sexual misconduct by Combs.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
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