Jay-Z, accused of assault, files counter-suit

Jay-Z, recognized as a key figure in the music world, has taken legal steps against a woman who earlier accused him of sexual misconduct. The woman’s identity is undisclosed. She first brought these claims in October, modifying them in December 2024, alleging she was assaulted by Jay-Z and music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs at the age of 13. She asserted the incident occurred after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Both Jay-Z, also known as Shawn Carter, and Combs strongly refuted the allegations.

In February 2025, the woman suddenly retracted her lawsuit, leading to speculation about her motives. Shortly thereafter, Jay-Z initiated a defamation case in an Alabama federal court, asserting that the woman confessed to inventing the allegations due to her attorneys’ influence. The suit charges her lawyers, Tony Buzbee and David Fortney, with planning what Jay-Z’s team describes as a “vindictive plot” intended to damage his reputation and extract money.

Jay-Z’s legal representatives claim that the woman admitted her lawyers were the main instigators of the false charges. The lawsuit alleges that Tony Buzbee pushed her to advance with the case, even after she supposedly acknowledged that Jay-Z did not assault her. The defamation suit also highlights contradictions in her accounts, such as her assertion that a celebrity witnessed the event, which was contradicted by evidence showing that the person in question was performing elsewhere that night.

Jay-Z’s attorneys also emphasized testimony from the woman’s father, who refuted her story by stating he did not retrieve her following the alleged incident. The defamation case also underscores that the law firm representing her did not conduct a thorough investigation into her allegations, which Jay-Z’s team finds especially concerning, considering her known mental health issues and a previous assault charge.

The lawsuit underscores the emotional strain and career impact the allegations have had on Jay-Z, along with the financial consequences. Roc Nation, his company, is said to have lost contracts valued at about $20 million per year because of reputational harm. Additionally, Jay-Z pointed out the severe effect on his family, notably his children, who have also experienced the repercussions of the public controversy following the accusations.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney implicated in these allegations, refuted any misconduct. In his statement, he accused Jay-Z’s legal team of employing intimidation methods to coerce the woman into withdrawing her claims. Buzbee asserted that his client remains firm in her allegations and argued that the defamation case is unfounded.

Tony Buzbee, the lawyer at the center of these claims, has denied all wrongdoing. In a statement, he accused Jay-Z’s team of using intimidation tactics to pressure the woman into retracting her allegations. Buzbee maintained that his client stands by her claims and insisted that the defamation lawsuit lacks merit.

This legal battle comes amid a broader context of scrutiny for Sean Combs, who is also facing federal charges for sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty to these allegations, while Buzbee has gained significant attention for representing multiple individuals accusing Combs of various forms of misconduct.

The case has reignited conversations surrounding the ethical responsibilities of legal representatives and the potential misuse of allegations to harm reputations. For Jay-Z, this lawsuit represents a fight to restore his image and hold accountable those he believes wronged him. The outcome of this case could have significant implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader discourse on justice, accountability, and the consequences of false allegations.