The NFL has commented on Jay-Z being accused of rape and its stance on their relationship with him – see what the sports league had to say below.
Jay-Z – who serves as the NFL’s music strategist via his label Roc Nation’s partnership with the league – last week was accused in a lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000 with Diddy, who has faced a litany of allegations in recent months.
The rapper has since denied the allegations, calling them “heinous in nature”, and implored the co-filer (and lawyer) Tony Buzbee to file the lawsuit as a “criminal complaint, not a civil one”.
Now, the NFL has commented on the state of its relationship with Jay-Z and Roc Nation amid the allegations. While attending the NFL Christmas game press conference – which will see Beyoncé perform during the Halftime Show – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked about Jay-Z’s role in the league moving forward.
He replied, per Billboard: “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that. We know that litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship’s not changing with [Roc Nation], including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
Roger Goodell on the civil lawsuit against Jay-Z and the NFL’s relationship with Roc Nation. pic.twitter.com/ZX5MJHLDUS
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 11, 2024
The lawsuit against Jay-Z was first hinted at in October, when cases against Diddy were being compiled. At the time, the lawsuit claimed that Diddy and an unnamed male celebrity raped a 13-year-old girl at a VMAs after-party in 2000. Per the new lawsuit, it is suggested that Jay-Z was the unnamed celebrity.
The rapper has since filed a court letter seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit while maintaining his innocence. For his part, Diddy has also denied all allegations against him.
Last weekend (December 9), Jay-Z made a surprise appearance at the LA premiere of Mufasa alongside Beyoncé and their daughter Blue Ivy Carter – both of whom star in the film.
In his written response to the allegations, Jay-Z questioned the authenticity of the lawsuit and why it was being filed as a civil lawsuit instead of a criminal lawsuit: “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
He continued: “My only heartbreak is for my family. My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people.
“I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.”
Jay-Z and Roc Nation have partnered with the NFL since 2019 to produce musical performances for keystone sporting events. Next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, who previously made an appearance during Dr. Dre’s Halftime show in 2022.
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.