Jay-Z Seeks Dismissal and Sanctions in Sexual Assault Case, Citing 'Reputation Destruction Attempt'
Jay-Z is seeking dismissal of a sexual assault lawsuit and sanctions against attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents a Jane Doe plaintiff claiming assault at a 2000 VMAs afterparty.
Jay-Z performing onstage
The lawsuit faces significant challenges due to alleged inconsistencies uncovered during an NBC News interview with the anonymous accuser:
- Photos show Jay-Z at a nightclub, not the private residence described in the complaint
- The accuser's father has no recollection of picking up his daughter that evening
- A celebrity the accuser claims to have met was performing in another state at the time
Jay-Z's legal team argues these inconsistencies warrant dismissal and sanctions against Buzbee, stating: "Attorneys should not be permitted to destroy a person's reputation by alleging facts without a sufficient investigation or by failing to withdraw those allegations once it is clear that they are false."
Buzbee defends his client's claims by:
- Asserting a thorough vetting process was conducted
- Clarifying the nightclub wasn't cited as the assault location
- Explaining the father's memory lapse due to "personal issues"
Jay-Z wearing camo hat
The case continues to develop as Buzbee, who represents over 200 alleged victims in related cases, has promised to respond to Jay-Z's latest filing.
Jay-Z in legal case photo
The federal judge has granted Jay-Z's request to file a dismissal motion, while temporarily allowing the accuser to maintain anonymity as the case proceeds.