A woman who accused rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 at an awards show after-party has acknowledged certain inconsistencies in her story. Her lawyer stated that he will continue to vet her claims.
The woman claimed she was driven from Rochester, New York, to New York City for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000. She alleged that Combs’ limo driver offered her a ride to an after-party where she interacted with musicians Benji Madden and his brother. However, representatives of the Maddens confirmed they were on tour in the Midwest during the VMAs, casting doubt on her account. Additionally, her father does not recall the drive home of over five hours, and her friend who reportedly drove her to the awards has passed away.
The woman initially sued Combs, alleging rape at an after-party, and later included Jay-Z in the lawsuit, accusing him of participating in the assault. Jay-Z vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the claims were false and filed for monetary gain and fame.
Despite admitting to some mistakes in recalling the events of that night, the woman stands by her allegations. The ongoing litigation is part of a series of sexual assault lawsuits against Combs, who is currently in custody awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
The woman claimed that while in the limousine, she was asked to sign a nondisclosure document. She alleged that she was drugged at the party and assaulted by Combs and Jay-Z in a bedroom. The woman said she managed to escape, flee the house, and seek help from a nearby gas station.
Jay-Z, a highly acclaimed rapper and music mogul, filed a lawsuit against the woman's lawyer, accusing him of attempting to blackmail him by threatening to make the rape allegation public unless a settlement was reached. The lawyer denied these allegations, stating that he sought confidential mediation in the litigation.
Combs, a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry, has been denied bail multiple times and faces trial in May. Both Jay-Z and Combs, known for their entrepreneurial ventures and music careers, have collaborated in the past despite occasional business competition.
