A legal filing submitted on Friday in New York reveals that a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z, which accused them of the rape of a 13-year-old girl in 2000, has been dismissed.
Court records indicate that the attorney for the anonymous plaintiff, known as Jane Doe, has voluntarily withdrawn the case.
Attorney Tony Buzbee has submitted the filing, representing a group of plaintiffs in lawsuits that accuse Mr. Combs of sexual misconduct.
The document indicates that the plaintiff “hereby gives notice that the… action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice”.
The lawsuit has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled in its current form.
Roc Nation, the entertainment firm established by Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, released a statement attributed to him, characterising the dismissal as a “victory”.
He stated that the allegations, which he described as frivolous, fictitious, and appalling, have been dismissed.
The civil suit in question lacked merit and was unlikely to progress further. The narrative they constructed was absurd were it not for the gravity of the allegations made.
“The trauma experienced by my wife, my children, our loved ones, and myself is something that cannot be overlooked,” stated the rapper, who is married to singer Beyoncé.
He emphasised, “The courts must safeguard the innocent from accusations lacking evidence.” Justice must be served for all victims and those who have been wrongfully accused.
In a distinct statement, Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, underscored that the case “never should have been brought”.
In a statement to the BBC, he remarked, “By confronting these egregious and unfounded accusations, Jay has accomplished what many cannot – he resisted, he refused to concede, he did not pay a single cent, and ultimately, he emerged victorious and vindicated his reputation.”
Jane Doe initiated legal action against Mr. Combs in October, including Jay-Z in the lawsuit in December. She claimed that both men attacked her in 2000 following an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty.
Jay-Z has categorically rejected the allegations, asserting that his attorney received “blackmail” aimed at coercing a settlement. He stated that the effort had the “opposite effect,” ultimately prompting him to confront the allegations publicly.
In December, Jane Doe participated in an interview that sparked enquiries regarding her credibility. She acknowledged that “not all the facts are clear” and remarked, “I have made some mistakes.” In a significant legal move last month, Jay-Z formally requested the court dismiss the lawsuit, pointing to discrepancies in the accuser’s narrative. United States District Judge Analisa Torres has approved, resulting in the dismissal of the lawsuit.
Although Jay-Z has resolved his legal issues in this matter, Mr. Combs remains embroiled in a struggle involving more than thirty civil lawsuits.
Following the dismissal on Friday, Mr Combs’ legal representatives released a statement asserting his innocence.
In recent months, a series of cases have emerged, with individuals opting for anonymity. These cases are seemingly driven by an attorney whose priorities appear to lean more towards garnering media attention than upholding legal principles. “This claim, like the others, will ultimately disintegrate due to a lack of truth,” the statement asserts.
The statement emphasised, “This is the first of numerous cases that are unlikely to withstand scrutiny in a court of law.”
Mr. Combs has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, since September 2024, facing federal criminal charges linked to racketeering and sex trafficking.
He has faced three bail denials and will remain in custody until his trial, scheduled for May 5, 2025.
