Jay-Z Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Former Rape Accuser and Lawyer

The rapper alleges false claims and extortion attempts caused significant financial and reputational damage.

Jay-Z has sued his former rape accuser, referred to as Jane Doe, and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, in Alabama for defamation and malicious prosecution.
The lawsuit claims Jane Doe admitted the allegations were false and that Buzbee encouraged her to pursue the claims for financial gain.
Jay-Z alleges the false accusations led to over $20 million in business losses and emotional harm, including damage to his reputation.
The initial rape lawsuit, filed in 2024 and dismissed in February 2025, accused Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs of assaulting Doe at a 2000 MTV VMA afterparty, which both artists denied.
Buzbee has denied the allegations in Jay-Z's lawsuit, asserting that Doe stands by her claims and accusing Jay-Z's representatives of harassment.