Jay-Z’s lawyer dismisses rape allegation: ‘This is fabricated’
On Monday, Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, addressed the media in New York, asserting the baselessness of allegations made by a woman claiming that the hip-hop icon and Sean "Diddy" Combs sexually assaulted her back in 2000. . "This is pure fabrication," Spiro declared during a private briefing at Jay-Z's Roc Nation headquarters, also attended by CNN. . "We anticipate the case's dismissal and, failing that, expect it to unravel completely." .
Spiro presented a PowerPoint to a select group of journalists, dissecting the timeline of the accuser’s lawsuit, which he argued was patently false. . "The details are flawed because this event never transpired," Spiro explained. . "When something is fictitious, inaccuracies abound due to the absence of genuine experience." .
In an updated lawsuit filed under the pseudonym Jane Doe, the woman accused Jay-Z of raping her at a post-2000 MTV Video Music Awards gathering when she was 13. . Originally, Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, was not named in her initial legal action, which was lodged against Combs in October. . Carter immediately refuted these claims upon the amended filing. .
Doe later admitted to NBC News about inconsistencies in her initial narrative, including discrepancies in witness accounts, yet maintained her allegations against Carter. . "I've erred," Doe admitted. . "It's crucial to advocate for oneself, to be one's own voice. Never let another's actions dictate your life. My hope is to empower others to step forward as I have." .
Spiro reiterated on Monday, "This isn't about inconsistencies; it's pure fiction." . Doe's complaint detailed how she was allegedly taken to an afterparty by a limousine driver claiming association with Combs, outside Radio City Music Hall, the MTV event venue. . Spiro countered, stating police secured the limo line, preventing public access. .
He also presented photos of Carter, Combs, and other celebrities at a VMA afterparty in a New York City venue, arguing the timeline didn't support Doe's narrative due to travel constraints from city to suburb. .
Doe's attorney, Tony Buzbee, had previously faced accusations from Spiro of attempting to extort Carter before the amended complaint. . Buzbee dismissed Spiro's claims as "baseless," emphasizing that courts resolve such factual disputes. . He detailed his firm’s vetting process, involving multiple interviews and a background check on Doe, which was consistent with her account. . "Our client stands firm in her claims," Buzbee asserted. .
Spiro criticized Buzbee again, accusing him of exploiting celebrities financially. . "Such tactics aren't for justice, but for monetary gain," Spiro commented. . He informed CNN of plans to seek case dismissal and disciplinary actions against Buzbee’s team. . Spiro emphasized Carter's distress over these allegations, which he feels undermine genuine victims. . "He’s frustrated that his family must endure this ordeal," Spiro noted, adding that Carter's anger is justified. .
Before the amended complaint, Carter's legal team had filed an extortion lawsuit against Buzbee, alleging attempts to exploit high-profile figures with anonymous accusations. . Buzbee labeled Carter's extortion suit as "utterly frivolous." .
Combs' attorneys, who have denied all allegations, criticized Buzbee’s actions, describing them as a "shameful money grab." . Spiro clarified Carter's non-involvement in Combs' legal troubles, stressing their professional acquaintance was no more than typical industry connections. . "He knows nothing of the charges against Combs and is uninvolved in that case," Spiro concluded. .
