Jay-Z has broken his silence on the intense backlash he and his family have faced due to what he calls “malicious and fictitious” claims that he r*ped a 13-year-old girl in 2000.
In a legal declaration, the rap mogul stated that ever since he was accused alongside embattled music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs, he has been subjected to violent threats online, with people saying they want to “‘kill’ or ‘execute’ us.”
According to reports, the 55-year-old rapper—whose real name is Shawn Carter—has been called a “satanist,” “trafficker,” and “terrorist,” while others have urged for his imprisonment.
The lawsuit against Jay-Z was abruptly dropped last Friday by attorney Tony Buzbee, who Carter previously sued for extortion, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, Jay-Z claims the damage has already been done.
He accused Buzbee of deliberately timing the allegations to overshadow the premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King, a film featuring his wife, Beyoncé, and their 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy. The rapper said he was forced to choose between attending the event or avoiding public scrutiny.
Beyond personal distress, Jay-Z claims he has lost $20 million in business deals as companies distanced themselves from the scandalous accusations.
“I felt that Mr. Buzbee was placing a gun to my head—that I either bow to his demands or endure personal financial ruin,” Carter’s legal filing reads.
Despite attempts to have his accuser reveal her identity, a judge denied Jay-Z’s request in December.
Buzbee is also behind multiple lawsuits against Diddy, who faces over 40 allegations of sexual misconduct. While Diddy remains behind bars awaiting trial on s*x-trafficking charges, he has pleaded not guilty.
