Jay-Z is under the microscope following allegations that became public in December 2024. According to the plaintiff, Jay-Z raped them at 13 years old in 2000 with Sean “Diddy” Combs and another female celebrity present. The rapper vehemently denied the allegations, though the public wondered if his partnership between the NFL and his company, Roc Nation, was at stake. Here’s what NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in response.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke out about Jay-Z following the allegations
Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, denied that he raped a 13-year-old in 2000 with Sean “Diddy” Combs. In a public statement against the anonymous plaintiff, Jay-Z called the allegations “heinous” and encouraged them to file criminal charges if they were to be believed.
“Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?” Jay-Z wrote. “These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
While Jay-Z hopes the public believes in his innocence, the allegations could put his partnerships in jeopardy. His company, Roc Nation, partnered with the NFL in 2019 to serve as the NFL’s “live music entertainment strategist.” The company produces the Super Bowl halftime shows. In October 2024, the NFL and Roc Nation extended their partnership.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL’s relationship with Jay-Z remains unchanged.
“We are aware of the civil allegations and Jay Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell said at a press conference, according to NBC News. “We know obviously that litigation is happening. But from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
Goodell added that Roc Nation has become “incredibly comfortable” with producing the Super Bowl and other events. “They’ve been helpful in the social justice area to us on many occasions,” Goodell continued. “They’ve been great partners that have provided a lot of value to us.”
An NFL employee alleged that the NFL could distance themselves from Jay-Z
Roger Goodell, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy Carter attend Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on Feb. 12, 2023. Goodell is turned toward Blue Ivy and talking to her on the field.
Roger Goodell, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy Carter attend Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on Feb. 12, 2023 | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Jay-Z and his company are still welcome to do work with the league. However, an NFL employee told The U.S. Sun that this could change. According to the anonymous source, the NFL discussed using less of Jay-Z’s music and possibly removing the rapper’s name.
“If the case goes to court and he is declared guilty, the collaboration with him will be immediately cut off,” the source alleged.
A Roc Nation employee also told the publication that the workforce was “shocked” by the allegations. “This is super bad publicity for the company and the group, as sponsors and clients are in the right to ask for clarity on this kind of situation,” the employee said. “The justice system will do its job, and hopefully, this story is just a bad storm, and we will move forward.”
Roger Goodell called Jay-Z ‘the best’ when they initially partnered
Roger Goodell was impressed with Jay-Z before Roc Nation signed on to help with the NFL’s entertainment.
“I really think we should partner with the best,” Goodell said with Jay-Z by his side in a clip shared on YouTube. “That’s why we’re sitting here. We’re partnering with the best. And so, his perspective is gonna drive us. I’m not going to sit here and talk to him about entertainers. … What we have to do is figure out how do we support that and how do we bring that to another level.”
“I don’t think either one of us expected that this relationship wouldn’t have its critics,” the NFL commissioner continued. “I think we’re both — I’m used to more critics than he is. But, you know what? The critics and the negativity overwhelm the chance to do something really positive.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
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