- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the civil lawsuit accusing Jay-Z of rape, affirming that it does not affect the NFL’s partnership with his Roc Nation label.
- The lawsuit, filed on Sunday, also implicates Sean “Diddy” Combs, but both men have denied the allegations.
- Goodell confirmed that Roc Nation’s role in producing the Super Bowl halftime show remains unaffected.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the ongoing civil lawsuit against musician Jay-Z on Wednesday, confirming that the league is aware of the legal proceedings but emphasized that it will not alter the NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation. The lawsuit, which also involves Sean “Diddy” Combs, accuses the two men of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000.
The Lawsuit
An amended civil lawsuit filed on Sunday in federal court alleges that Jay-Z and Combs raped a 13-year-old girl at a party in New York following the 2000 MTV Music Awards. While the lawsuit initially did not name Jay-Z as a defendant, the amended version identifies him as “Celebrity A.”
Both Jay-Z and Combs have strongly denied the allegations. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, labeled the lawsuit as a “blackmail attempt,” dismissing it as part of a scheme to extort him.
NFL’s Response
Goodell addressed the issue during the NFL’s winter meetings in Texas, saying:
“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that. We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
Roc Nation has produced the halftime show for the past five Super Bowls and continues to play a significant role in the NFL’s entertainment operations, including the upcoming Christmas Day game between the Ravens and Texans, where Beyoncé, Jay-Z’s wife, will perform.
Legal Context and Allegations
The lawsuit alleges that the unnamed girl was drugged and raped by both Jay-Z and Combs during the 2000 party hosted by Combs. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, has represented other clients in sexual misconduct cases involving Combs. Buzbee reiterated that his focus is on representing his clients ethically, regardless of Jay-Z’s connection to the NFL.
Combs, who faces separate federal sex trafficking charges, has denied all allegations related to this lawsuit.
Despite the serious allegations against Jay-Z and Combs, Goodell and the NFL have affirmed their commitment to their partnership with Roc Nation, with plans for continued collaboration, including the Super Bowl halftime shows. The legal proceedings surrounding the lawsuit remain ongoing, with both Jay-Z and Combs vigorously denying the claims.
