A judge has decided not to dismiss a lawsuit accusing famous rapper Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl over 20 years ago.
The lawsuit, initially filed in October, claims that Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, raped a girl identified only as “Jane Doe” at a party after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Recently, on December 8, the case was updated to include allegations against Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, accusing him of also being involved in the assault.
Jay-Z has strongly denied these allegations. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, argued for the case to be dismissed, highlighting inconsistencies in the woman’s statements reported by media earlier this month. Spiro even commented publicly outside Roc Nation’s New York office, saying Jay-Z is upset about the lawsuit and insisting he has no connection to Diddy’s alleged actions.
However, Judge Analisa Torres decided on Thursday that the lawsuit will move forward. She also ruled that the woman could keep her identity private for now but might have to reveal it later if the case progresses.
The judge took issue with the way Jay-Z’s lawyer handled the case, criticizing his “combative motions” and harsh language against the plaintiff’s legal team. She called the behavior a waste of the court’s time and warned that such tactics wouldn’t help his client.
Meanwhile, Sean Combs is currently in jail in New York, facing federal sex trafficking charges, along with several other sexual assault lawsuits.
The woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, addressed the situation in a statement to the media, saying he typically doesn’t comment on court rulings but felt that attempts to discredit him and his work were not succeeding.
This case, centered around events in New York City more than two decades ago, has captured public attention as both Jay-Z and Diddy continue to deny the allegations against them.