In a dramatic turn of events, the lawsuit against JAY-Z and Diddy, accusing them of raping a minor over two decades ago, has been dropped.
The woman who filed the lawsuit has decided to retract her claims amidst heightened scrutiny. On February 14, her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, submitted a notice to the federal court in New York, voluntarily dismissing the case without prejudice. This means she could potentially reopen the case in the future.
Representatives for JAY-Z and Diddy were involved in the discussions leading to the withdrawal of the suit, showing their consent to this decision. JAY-Z, who has denied the allegations from the start, expressed relief, labeling the allegations as ‘frivolous, fictitious, and appalling.’
He took to social media, describing the dismissal as a ‘victory,’ while lamenting the emotional toll it has taken on his loved ones. He criticized the system for allowing lawyers to file lawsuits under anonymity, causing distress with no repercussions.
JAY-Z’s attorney Alex Spiro praised his client for standing firm against these ‘heinous and false allegations.’ He emphasized that JAY-Z never settled and fiercely defended himself to clear his name. Meanwhile, Diddy and his legal team have stayed silent in the public eye.
Initially, the lawsuit alleged that JAY-Z and Diddy assaulted a 13-year-old girl at a party in 2000, soon after the MTV Video Music Awards. The suit was originally filed in October 2024, with Diddy named first, and JAY-Z added later.
JAY-Z responded to the allegations by dismissing them as an attempt at ‘blackmail’ by a ‘deplorable human,’ directed at Tony Buzbee. The plaintiff, in a TV interview, admitted to having made ‘some mistakes’ when recounting the incident.
This legal twist for JAY-Z, however, doesn’t mark the end of trouble for Diddy. He faces separate legal challenges, including charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, and is currently in custody awaiting trial. Additionally, he contends with over 40 civil suits alleging sexual misconduct.
While JAY-Z has managed to clear his name, Diddy still finds himself entangled in a web of legal woes, showcasing the ongoing saga in the world of hip-hop.