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 stated 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. She claimed she spoke with musicians Benji Madden and his brother on the get together, 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 through the VMAs, whereas her father stated he doesn’t keep in mind the drive dwelling of greater than 5 hours. The lady’s pal who reportedly drove her to the awards has since died, NBC reported.
The lady 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 get together and took part within the sexual assault.
Jay-Z stated in a press release that the article proves Tony Buzbee, a private damage lawyer in Houston, filed a false criticism in opposition to 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 stated. “True Justice is coming. We combat FROM victory, not FOR victory. This was over earlier than it started. This 1-800 lawyer doesn’t notice it but, however, quickly.”
Buzbee advised The Related in an e mail that if somebody raises a brand new concern which didn’t beforehand exist, her authorized staff’s job is to proceed accumulating info and proof.
Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, requested the court docket to dismiss the case, saying in a press release, “It’s beautiful {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 lady admitted to creating “some errors” when recalling that evening, however stated she stands by her allegations.
The litigation is a part of a wave of sexual assault lawsuits levied in opposition to Combs because the hip-hop mogul stays in custody in New York awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
The unnamed lady stated that whereas she was within the limousine, she was requested to signal a nondisclosure doc. As soon as on the get together, the lawsuit stated, she took a drink that made her really feel “woozy and lightheaded” and went right into a bed room to lie down.
She stated Combs and Jay-Z then barged into the room, together with one other unnamed celeb, and raped her. The lady stated she ultimately escaped the room, fled the home and known as for a trip from a close-by fuel station.
Jay-Z, a 24-time Grammy award profitable rapper, producer and music mogul, anonymously sued Buzbee final month, alleging he was making an attempt to blackmail the rapper by threatening to make the rape allegation public if he didn’t comply with a authorized settlement. Jay-Z stated Buzbee despatched a letter to his lawyer showing to hunt a settlement, which had the “reverse impact” on him.
Buzbee beforehand stated 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 people, women and men, with allegations of sexual misconduct in opposition to Combs.
His agency, which has arrange a toll-free telephone line for accusers, began filing a wave of lawsuits in opposition to the hip-hop mogul a number of weeks later.
Combs was denied bail a 3rd time final month. He has pleaded not responsible to charges he coerced and abused women for years and faces trial in Could.
Legal professionals for Combs didn’t instantly reply to emails searching for remark.
Jay-Z and Combs are a part of a era 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 internet price to be $2.5 billion.
The artists have collaborated through the years, with Jay-Z featured on Combs’ debut album, “No Manner Out,” and Combs showing on Jay-Z’s sophomore album, “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.”
Whereas ceaselessly photographed collectively at occasions, in addition they have been enterprise rivals. Diddy launched his Unhealthy Boy Information across the similar time Jay-Z launched his Roc-A-Fella document label.
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