Judge Rejects Jay-Z's Attempt to Dismiss Rape Case Involving Then-13-Year-Old Accuser

A judge has denied Jay-Z's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old in 2000. The accuser, referred to as "Jane Doe," is allowed to remain anonymous for now, despite the rapper's legal team's push for her to reveal her identity. Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has consistently rejected the allegations.

Judge Analisa Torres issued a scathing ruling against Carter's legal counsel, criticizing their aggressive attempts to dismiss the case. The judge remarked, "Carter’s lawyer’s aggressive motions, filled with inflammatory language, are inappropriate and inefficient." She emphasized that the court would not expedite the process at the counsel's insistence.

Doe's lawsuit, initially filed in October, was expanded to include claims against Sean "Diddy" Combs and another unnamed celebrity, alleging they assaulted her post the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Jay-Z was identified as the first accused celebrity in this context. Combs has denied three federal charges and is awaiting trial. Doe claims she was drugged and assaulted by both men.

Carter has highlighted inconsistencies in Doe's account, which she acknowledged during an interview while maintaining her accusations. Citing these discrepancies, Carter's lawyer sought a swift dismissal, labeling the case as baseless.

Houston-based lawyer Tony Buzbee, representing Doe and over 120 others against Combs, has faced accusations from Carter’s attorney, Alex Spiro, of extortion. The judge reprimanded Spiro for his accusations, noting his failure to follow court rules despite his criticisms of Buzbee.

Buzbee dismissed the attacks on his credibility, calling them ineffective attempts to undermine him. CNN has reached out to both Spiro and Carter's representatives for comments.

The judge allowed Doe to continue anonymously, citing the sensitive nature of the allegations. However, she indicated this decision might be reassessed as the case progresses, particularly during discovery.

Combs' representatives declined to comment on the judge's order, but previously dismissed Doe's claims as publicity stunts. They stated that the lawsuits aim to force settlements from celebrities fearing false allegations, denying Combs ever assaulted anyone.

Carter's attorney described Doe's claims as fictitious, expressing confidence in the case's dismissal or eventual collapse.