A lady who accused rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 at an awards present after-party has acknowledged sure inconsistencies in her story, whereas her lawyer mentioned he’ll proceed to vet her claims.
The unnamed lady described being pushed from Rochester, New York, to New York Metropolis for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000 after which Combs’ limo driver providing her a trip to an after-party, NBC Information reported on Friday (Dec 13). She claimed she spoke with musicians Benji Madden and his brother on the occasion, and her father picked her up after the alleged assault.
However a consultant of the Maddens confirmed to NBC that they have been on tour within the Midwest throughout the VMAs, whereas her father mentioned he doesn’t bear in mind the drive house of greater than 5 hours. The girl’s buddy, who reportedly drove her to the awards has since died, NBC reported.
The girl had first sued Combs, alleging she was raped at an after-party, after which amended the lawsuit Sunday to incorporate a brand new allegation that Jay-Z, whose authorized identify is Shawn Carter, additionally was on the occasion and took part within the sexual assault.
Jay-Z mentioned in an announcement that the article proves Tony Buzbee, a private damage lawyer in Houston, filed a false criticism towards him for cash and fame.
“This incident didn’t occur and but he filed it in court docket and doubled down within the press,” he mentioned. “True Justice is coming. We combat FROM victory, not FOR victory. This was over earlier than it started. This 1-800 lawyer doesn’t realise it but, however, quickly.”
Buzbee instructed The Related in an e-mail that if somebody raises a brand new difficulty which didn’t beforehand exist, her authorized staff’s job is to proceed amassing details and proof.
Jay-Z’s legal professional, Alex Spiro, requested the court docket to dismiss the case, saying in an announcement, “It’s gorgeous {that a} lawyer wouldn’t solely file such a severe criticism with out correct vetting, however would make issues worse by additional peddling this false story within the press”.
The girl admitted to creating “some errors” when recalling that evening, however mentioned she stands by her allegations.
The litigation is a part of a wave of sexual assault lawsuits levied towards Combs because the hip-hop mogul stays in custody in New York awaiting trial on federal intercourse trafficking costs.
The unnamed lady mentioned that whereas she was within the limousine, she was requested to signal a nondisclosure doc. As soon as on the occasion, the lawsuit mentioned, she took a drink that made her really feel “woozy and lightheaded” and went right into a bed room to lie down.
She mentioned Combs and Jay-Z then barged into the room, together with one other unnamed superstar, and raped her. The girl mentioned she ultimately escaped the room, fled the home and referred to as for a trip from a close-by gasoline station.
Jay-Z, a 24-time Grammy award profitable rapper, producer and music mogul, anonymously sued Buzbee final month, alleging he was trying to blackmail the rapper by threatening to make the rape allegation public if he didn’t conform to a authorized settlement. Jay-Z mentioned Buzbee despatched a letter to his lawyer showing to hunt a settlement, which had the “reverse impact” on him.
Buzbee beforehand mentioned the notion that he was attempting to blackmail Jay-Z is “silly and laughable” and his letter merely sought confidential mediation within the litigation.
Buzbee introduced at a information convention in October that he represents some 120 folks, women and men, with allegations of sexual misconduct towards Combs.
His agency, which has arrange a toll-free telephone line for accusers, started submitting a wave of lawsuits towards the hip-hop mogul just a few weeks later.
Combs was denied bail a 3rd time final month. He has pleaded not responsible to costs he coerced and abused girls for years and faces trial in Could.
Attorneys for Combs didn’t instantly reply to emails looking for remark.
Jay-Z and Combs are a part of a technology of hip-hop titans, who rose to prominence within the 2000s, rising as wide-ranging entrepreneurs and two of the world’s wealthiest rappers. Earlier this 12 months, Forbes estimated Jay-Z’s web value to be US$2.5 billion (S$3.4 billion).
The artists have collaborated over time, with Jay-Z featured on Combs’ debut album, No Means Out, and Combs showing on Jay-Z’s sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.
Whereas continuously photographed collectively at occasions, additionally they have been enterprise rivals. Diddy launched his Unhealthy Boy Data across the identical time Jay-Z launched his Roc-A-Fella document label.
