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NFL stands by Jay-Z amid rape allegation: ‘Our relationship is not changing,’ Roger Goodell says

BBG News

As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of immersion in the vibrant world of entertainment, I have witnessed the rise and fall, the triumphs and tribulations, of countless artists and industry titans. The recent developments surrounding Jay-Z and the NFL partnership are indeed intriguing, to say the least.

Regardless of allegations made against Jay-Z regarding an incident that took place when he was accused of rape by a young woman when she was 13, the alliance between the NFL and his entertainment company, Roc Nation, remains unaltered, as stated by league commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was added as a defendant Sunday to a civil lawsuit filed against fellow hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs in U.S. District Court in New York. The complaint, originally filed in October, now alleges that the two men raped the 13-year-old at a party after the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000.

Both Combs and Jay-Z have refuted the allegations, with the former making a detailed statement on Sunday, promising to challenge the “preposterous” claims.

— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 9, 2024

After the NFL owners’ gatherings ended in Irving, Texas, Goodell spoke about the matter with the press.

Goodell acknowledged the ongoing legal issues and Jay-Z’s forceful reaction. He also emphasized that the situation isn’t affecting our partnership with them, even as we continue to prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl.

California

After several weeks of private legal negotiations, Jay-Z was publicly identified as the high-profile individual implicated in a confidential civil lawsuit alleging rape of a 13-year-old girl, with Sean “Diddy” Combs also named. This revelation followed the intense backstage legal clash between Jay-Z’s attorney and the Texas lawyer representing the woman.

2019 saw Roc Nation enter into an agreement with the NFL for advice on live music entertainment and social justice matters. This collaboration has led to a series of popular Super Bowl half-time shows, such as the ones headlined by The Weeknd, Shakira, and Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna’s performance, and a West Coast hip-hop lineup comprising Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and others. This partnership was extended in October.

2024 saw Kendrick Lamar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper with three Billboard No. 1 hits, announced as the Super Bowl LIX halftime performer, scheduled for February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Beyoncé, a renowned music icon and wife of Jay-Z, was selected to perform during halftime at the Baltimore Ravens versus Houston Texans game airing on Netflix this Christmas Day.

Goodell stated that Roc Nation has become exceptionally adept at not only the Super Bowl but also other events they’ve consulted us on, assisting us effectively. On numerous occasions, they’ve been instrumental in our social justice initiatives. They’ve proven to be excellent collaborators who have brought significant value to our organization.

Federal authorities have accused Combs of committing offenses such as sex trafficking and racketeering. At this point, no accomplices have been identified, but investigations are continuing.

Entertainment & Arts

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was taken into custody in New York following an indictment by a grand jury. Currently, Combs is dealing with numerous lawsuits and is under investigation for alleged involvement in a wide-ranging case concerning sex trafficking.

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2024-12-13 00:32

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