In a significant legal development, renowned rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has initiated a defamation lawsuit against attorney Tony Buzbee, lawyer David Fortney, and their client, identified as Jane Doe. This action follows the voluntary dismissal of a previous sexual assault lawsuit filed against Jay-Z.
In October 2024, Jane Doe, represented by Buzbee and Fortney, accused Jay-Z and fellow rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000, when she was 13 years old. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as a blackmail attempt. He emphasized the lack of credible evidence and pointed out inconsistencies in the accuser’s narrative. Subsequently, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed on February 14, 2025.
Jay-Z’s Defamation Lawsuit
On March 3, 2025, Jay-Z filed a defamation lawsuit in Alabama, accusing Jane Doe, Buzbee, and Fortney of malicious prosecution, abuse of process, civil conspiracy, and defamation. He asserts that the initial allegations were knowingly false and strategically timed to inflict maximum harm on his reputation and personal life. The lawsuit also claims that Jane Doe admitted to his representatives that the assault did not occur and that Buzbee had coerced her into pursuing the false narrative for financial gain.
Jay-Z alleges that the false accusations have caused significant damage, including the loss of at least $20 million in business contracts and severe emotional distress. He also reports receiving death threats targeting him and his family, exacerbating the trauma experienced during this period.
Responses from the Accused Parties
Attorney Tony Buzbee has dismissed Jay-Z’s lawsuit as lacking legal merit, asserting that his client stands by her original claims. He further alleges that Jay-Z’s legal team has engaged in harassment and intimidation tactics against Jane Doe to pressure her into recanting her allegations.
This lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal battles between Jay-Z and Buzbee. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently ruled that Jay-Z’s defamation case against Buzbee has sufficient merit to proceed to trial, particularly concerning Buzbee’s public statements and social media posts that could be considered defamatory. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 26, 2025.
As these legal proceedings unfold, they continue to attract public attention, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in high-profile defamation and sexual assault cases.
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