An anonymous woman identified only as Jane Doe filed a legal declaration in New York on Thursday, formally withdrawing the rape allegations she had previously made against rapper Shawn Carter, known professionally as Jay‑Z.
Declaration details
Doe stated, “My allegations that Shawn Carter raped me or otherwise sexually assaulted me were false. I have never met Mr. Carter.” She added that the false claims caused “immense pain, suffering, and damage that can never be fully undone” for Carter and his family, and she offered an unconditional apology.
Background of the case
The accusations first surfaced in a December 2024 lawsuit filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, which named both Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs as defendants. Doe claimed she was 13 at the time and that the alleged assault occurred at an after‑party following the MTV VMAs in 2000. The complaint described her becoming woozy after drinking, wandering into a bedroom, and being assaulted by Carter, followed by Combs.
Combs denied the allegations, and Carter has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims as “heinous in nature.” He is also pursuing a malicious prosecution suit against Buzbee’s firm, which remains pending in federal court.
Attorney’s response
Attorney J. Blair Newman, representing Doe, said his client maintains she was a victim of sexual assault but was “entirely mistaken” in identifying Carter. He reiterated that Carter did not rape or assault her and that she has never met him.
Issues with the original filing
Doe’s declaration alleges that the attorneys who took on her case did not properly vet her claims, conduct background checks, or request corroborating evidence before filing the lawsuit. She also said she never received a draft of the complaint prior to filing and was not threatened or offered money by Carter’s team.
According to the filing, Doe responded to a Facebook advertisement seeking individuals with potential sexual‑assault claims against Combs. She later signed with AVA Law Group, which referred her case to Buzbee’s firm. The declaration notes that the firm provided her with travel, lodging, and clothing for a televised interview and that she was coached on how to present herself.
Recent developments
After doubting her own allegations, Doe began questioning whether she ever attended the party or whether the celebrities were involved. She also reported receiving $1,000 in cash from Buzbee for herself and her family.
In February 2025, Doe dropped the lawsuit against Carter and Combs. With her recantation, Carter’s attorneys have moved to dismiss all claims against him, though the malicious prosecution case against Buzbee’s firm remains active.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
