Judge Grants Jay-Z’s Request to File for Dismissal in Rape Claim Case. What Does It Mean?

(Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

After months of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs making news for accusations of sexual assault, his former friend, Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z, has been named as an accomplice.

What has Jay-Z been accused of doing, and why does it mean that a judge has granted his request to file for a dismissal in the case?

An After-Party and an Amended Lawsuit

In October 2024, an anonymous woman, known as Jane Doe in the court documents, filed a civil lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs in federal court in New York’s Southern District. The lawsuit accuses Combs of raping Jane Doe more than twenty years ago, per reporting by NBC News.

The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff, who was 13 at the time, visited the location of the 2000 MTV Music Video Awards at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. After trying unsuccessfully to get into the show, the girl began talking to limo drivers. According to her story, she encountered Combs’ driver who told her she “fit what Diddy was looking for” and took her to a location for an after-party.

At the after-party, the girl said she was told to sign a document which she thought was a non-disclosure. Later, she was given a drink that made her “woozy,” so she said she laid down in a bedroom. At some point, Combs entered the bedroom with two other celebrities, and one of the unnamed celebrities raped her while Combs watched.

In December 2024, the lawsuit was amended to reveal the unnamed celebrity. The man was revealed to be Shawn Carter, known as Jay-Z.

Related: What Does It Take to Be an Attorney for a High-Profile Case? 

P Diddy’s Long List of Accusations

The amended lawsuit claims that it was Carter who raped the girl while Combs stood by and watched.

Combs has been accused by over 100 men and women of sexual assault in the last year. Combs is currently facing federal criminal charges for racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution and is facing at least two dozen civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct.

This is the first Combs case that has named Carter.

Related: Breaking Down The Federal Criminal Charges Against Sean “Diddy” Combs

Jay-Z Fights Back

Carter denies the claims made in the civil lawsuit and called it a “shameless publicity stunt.” In a statement to NBC News, Carter said, “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?”

Carter claims the attorney leading the case filed the suit in an effort to blackmail him. He points to a demand letter sent by the attorney prior to the legal filing. The attorney for the plaintiff says the letter could not be perceived as blackmail since it sought a mediation, not money.

Carter’s first official response to the lawsuit was filing a motion to reveal the name of the plaintiff. As reported by E! News, Carter’s legal team argued that it was not “consistent with justice, fairness, or the rules governing federal proceedings” for the plaintiff to name Carter but not to share her name.

The judge denied Carter’s motion and said the plaintiff could remain anonymous.

Carter’s team then asked the judge for permission to file a motion to dismiss the case, and it was approved.

A Motion to Dismiss Isn’t a Dismissal

On January 2, 2025, the judge in the case approved Carter’s request to file a motion to dismiss. This approval doesn’t mean the case is dismissed or will be dismissed. It means Carter’s team can argue why they think it should be.

The basis for the dismissal is not that Carter did not engage in the acts outlined in the lawsuit. It is based on an argument that the case should not move forward due to a procedural error.

The case was filed using New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act (GMVPA). The GMVPA is a local New York City’s law that allows victims to file a civil lawsuit against anyone who “directed, enabled, participated, or conspired in the commission of gender-motivated violence.” Carter’s team argues that the plaintiff cannot file a claim under GMVPA because the law was enacted after the alleged assault took place.

The judge has granted Carter’s team an opportunity to argue for dismissal of the case. They must file their motion on or before February 6, 2025. At that time, the plaintiff can file an opposition to the motion by February 28, 2025, and Carter will have an opportunity to issue a response before the judge makes the ruling.

If the judge grants Carter’s motion, the case will be dismissed. If the judge does not grant the motion, the case will continue to go through the legal system.

Talk to a Trusted Attorney

If you have a pending civil or criminal case, talk to an experienced attorney right away. Schedule a free consultation with attorney TJ Grimaldi. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.