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BREAKING NEWS: Jay-Z announces plans to sit down with Beyoncé to discuss how to address the assault accusations with their children Despite Their…See More
The pair, who reportedly knew each other before the alleged event, got married in 2008 and are parents to three children: 12-year-old Blue Ivy and 7-year-old twins, Rumi and Sir.
The plaintiff, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, alleges the assault occurred at a party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
Initially filed in October in New York’s Southern District against Combs, the lawsuit was refiled on Sunday, naming the 55-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Shawn Carter.
The woman claims the incident took place at an afterparty following the awards ceremony held on September 7, 2000, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Jay-Z provided an extensive statement to DailyMail.com on Sunday, firmly denying the allegations in the refiled lawsuit. Beyoncé’s representative has also been contacted for a response.
In his statement, he expressed concern about the impact of the allegations on his family, particularly mentioning how his children might react to the claims.
He stated: “My only heartbreak is for my family. My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people.”
He added: “I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.”
Jay-Z described the allegations as a blatant extortion attempt, harshly criticizing the attorney representing Jane Doe: “My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” he said. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle.”
“No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!”
The rapper also challenged the nature of the claims, stating: “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”