Jay-Z, internationally renowned rapper and entrepreneur, has been accused in a federal lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2000. The anonymous accuser, identified as “Jane Doe,” claims the assault occurred after an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.

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Originally filed in October against Combs, the lawsuit was amended on Sunday to include Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter. The plaintiff alleges that she was driven to the party before being assaulted by the two men.

In response, Carter issued a strong denial, labelling the accusations "idiotic" and calling on the plaintiff to file a criminal complaint if the allegations are true. "Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away," he said, stressing his belief in pursuing justice for real victims.

Combs, currently detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centre, faces unrelated charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, with a trial set for May 2024. Federal prosecutors have suggested that additional charges may be forthcoming.

The legal team representing Combs dismissed the lawsuit as a "shameless publicity stunt," designed to extract money from high-profile celebrities. “The truth will prevail: Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone,” they stated.

This is the latest in a series of allegations filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, known for representing multiple accusers against Combs. However, this is the first case where Jay-Z has been implicated.

Both men have refuted the claims, and Carter's statement further accused Buzbee of unprofessional behaviour. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on whether it would investigate the allegations.

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