By Abiola Olawale
Popular musician and producer, Shawan Carter, also known as Jay-Z, is currently battling with a huge legal action after his name was joined in a civil case lawsuit.
Jay-Z was accused in the lawsuit submitted on Sunday of raping a 13-year-old with hip-hop star Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy in 2000.
According to the lawsuit, Jay-Z and Diddy allegedly raped the said girl at an after-party at the end of a MTV Video Music Awards in September of 2000.
Part of the lawsuit reads: “Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor. Many others were present at the after-party but did nothing to stop the assault.
“Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice.”
Reacting to the development, Jay-Z, in a statement published by his label Roc Nation, denied the allegation, describing them as false.
The popular musician said the lawsuit is an alleged attempt to blackmail him.
He said: “My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are.
“These allegations are so heinous that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
The New Diplomat reports that this comes as Diddy is facing a standing trial over several charges bordering on sex trafficking and racketeering.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Diddy sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.
However, he pleaded not guilty when all the charges were read to him.