Jay-Z seeks to dismiss rape case, citing procedural failure

The rapper is accused of sexual assault, but is trying to close the case based on legal arguments.

In early 2025, rapper Jay-Z found himself embroiled in controversy involving serious child rape allegations.

The woman, identified only as Jane Doeclaims she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean “P.Diddy” Combs in 2000, after an MTV Video Music Awards party, when she was just 13 years old.

The accusation is one of the most serious faced by the artist, but he, through his lawyer, Alex Spiro, asked Judge Analisa Torres, of the Southern District of New York, to dismiss the case for procedural reasons.

According to the document, Spiro claims that New York legislation offering legal protection to victims of gender violence only went into effect in December 2000, three months after the alleged crime.

He therefore argues that the law cannot be applied retroactively, that is, Jane Doe’s prosecution cannot be based on legislation that came into force after the fact. As a result, Jay-Z’s lawyer asks the judge to dismiss the case, which would generate a victory for the rapper in legal terms.

Judge Torres has thus far granted Spiro permission to file a formal motion to dismiss the lawsuit, marking the beginning of a new chapter in this long legal battle. The final decision is still pending and the parties involved continue to present their arguments.

Jay-Z: Jane Doe defense and legal disputes

On the other hand, Jane Doe’s legal team disagrees with this argument and argues that the intent of the law is precisely to protect victims of sexual assault, regardless of the date of the crime.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, argues that allowing the case to be dismissed based on the law’s effective date would distort the primary purpose of the legislation, which is to guarantee the rights of abuse victims. Buzbee believes the law should be applied retroactively, as its purpose is to ensure justice for people who suffered attacks, regardless of when the crime occurred.

In addition to this main dispute, Jay-Z and Tony Buzbee are also engaged in a parallel legal battle. Jay-Z accuses the lawyer of extortion and defamation, claiming that Buzbee attempted to damage his image. In turn, Buzbee claims that Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s company, bribed its clients to pressure him legally.

While the case continues in court, Judge Torres has not yet made a final decision on the motion to dismiss. Follow the developments of this legal battle, which has divided opinion, both in the legal community and in the media.

Djenifer Henz – Supervised by Marcelo de Assis

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.