Rapper Jay-Z has taken legal action against Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, accusing him of defamation, civil extortion, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit follows the dismissal of a r@pe case filed against Jay-Z and fellow music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs in October 2024.
The allegations, made by a plaintiff known as Jane Doe, claimed that Jay-Z and Diddy s£xually ass@ulted a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000. However, on February 14, 2025, the case was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled in the future.
Jay-Z claims that the false allegations resulted in severe personal and financial damage, including the loss of $20 million in business contracts. He alleges that the timing of the lawsuit was intentional and malicious, designed to force him into a no-win situation.
“The frivolous, fictitious, and appalling allegations have been dismissed,” Jay-Z stated. “The lawsuit was without merit and never going anywhere.”
Jay-Z insists that the lawsuit was strategically filed just hours before his daughter Blue Ivy’s premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King. As a proud father, he wanted to support his daughter’s milestone moment, but the allegations threatened to overshadow the event.
The scandal allegedly led to canceled business deals and endorsements, as companies distanced themselves amid the controversy. Jay-Z described the immense psychological strain he endured, stating that the lawsuit forced him into “hiding” to avoid the negative media attention.
The emotional distress, he claims, was a calculated attack on his character and legacy. Jay-Z’s lawsuit seeks financial damages and aims to set a precedent against attorneys who misuse the legal system for personal or professional gain.
“I felt that Mr. Buzbee was placing a gun to my head—that I either bow to his demands or endure personal and financial ruin,” Jay-Z said.
The lawsuit highlights the devastating consequences of false allegations and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. As Jay-Z seeks justice, his case serves as a reminder of the need for integrity and ethics in the legal profession.