Hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has filed a lawsuit against prominent Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, accusing him of defamation, civil extortion, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The legal action follows the dismissal of a rape case filed against Jay-Z and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in October 2024.
In the lawsuit, Jay-Z claims that the false allegations, which were made public just hours before his daughter Blue Ivy’s high-profile premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King, caused significant damage to his reputation and business.
The rapper alleges he lost $20 million in contracts, including business deals and endorsements, which were canceled in the wake of the scandal.
The allegations, brought by a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, claimed that Jay-Z and Diddy sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000.
The accusations were shocking, drawing widespread media attention and putting Jay-Z’s public image on the line.
READ ALSO: Lil Wayne Shines on SNL 50th Anniversary After Super Bowl Snub
However, on February 14, 2025, the case was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled in the future.
In response to the dismissal, Jay-Z expressed relief, calling the lawsuit “frivolous” and without merit. He added, “The allegations were never going anywhere.”
Jay-Z further emphasized that the timing of the case was no accident. He claims Buzbee strategically filed the lawsuit to create a crisis, forcing him to either comply with demands or suffer financial ruin.
The rap mogul described the incident as an attempt to ruin his character, with the false allegations resulting in severe emotional distress.
The lawsuit seeks financial damages and aims to set a legal precedent against the misuse of the legal system for personal gain. Jay-Z’s legal team is pushing for accountability and justice in this high-profile case.
