Jay-Z’s lawyer Alex Spiro has publicly clarified the nature of his client’s relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, asserting that the two music moguls only know each other professionally.
According to new reports, “Mr. Carter has nothing to do with Mr. Combs or Mr. Combs’ case.”
“They have known each other professionally for many years,” Spiro continued. “Like in all professions, everyone knows each other. … At music awards, they support each other. If you go to the NBA All-Star game, they support each other. That’s just how the professions work. There is no strong connection between any of these which are also fiction.”
The comments come as both Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) and Diddy face scrutiny over a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault against a minor at an MTV Video Awards afterparty Music Awards 2000.
Jay-Z and Sean Combs attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony for DJ Khaled on April 11, 2022 in Hollywood, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Diddy, who has been embroiled in multiple legal battles since his arrest in September on charges including sex trafficking and fraud, has denied all allegations. Meanwhile, Jay-Z has officially asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, according to BBC, on the grounds that the plaintiff lacks standing.
Spiro highlighted what he called inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, saying, “It’s clear to everyone that Mr. Carter did not do this. To be clear, Jay-Z did not rape a child. What I want to do today is walk you through some of this so you can see the truth and understand what happened.”
Spiro also denied any connection between Jay-Z and Diddy’s ongoing legal problems, saying that Jay-Z “had no knowledge of the allegations or counter-allegations”. [Diddy]. He had nothing to do with it and there’s nothing more to say.”
The accuser’s lawyer responded
said Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the accuser, standing by his client Us weekly in her report at the roundtable, “Our client remains fiercely adamant that what she has stated is true, to the best of her recollection. We will continue to review the her statement and collect corroborating data to the extent it exists.”
Jay-Z, Sean Combs and NBA Player Chris Paul attend Roc Nation’s 2017 Pre-Grammy Luncheon at Owlwood Estate on February 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Ari Perilstein/Getty Images
As the case developed, Spiro maintained his client’s innocence, viewing the lawsuit as an attack on Jay-Z’s character. “This lawsuit attacks a man of Mr. Carter’s integrity,” Spiro said. “Now you can see that this is starting to unravel and the truth is coming out.”
Jay-Z and Diddy’s legal entanglements have attracted significant public attention, but Spiro insists the two have no connection beyond professional interactions. It remains unclear whether the lawsuit will proceed or be dismissed at the request of Jay-Z’s legal team.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Statement
Last week, Jay-Z released a statement through Roc Nation vehemently denying the allegations against him, saying in part via a December 8 post, “My lawyer received an extortion, known as a letter of demand, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee. What he has calculated is that the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny will make me want to settle.”
He added, “No sir, it has the opposite effect! It makes me want to expose your fraud VERY publicly. So no, I won’t give you ONE RED PENNY!! ” Read the rest below.
Tags Jay-Z, Diddy