Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, has described the rape allegations against the music mogul as “provably demonstrably false,” presenting evidence to challenge the credibility of the claims. Speaking at Roc Nation’s New York headquarters on Monday, Spiro asserted that the lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, is driven by financial motives rather than truth and justice.
The lawsuit, brought by a woman referred to as Jane Doe, alleges that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs raped her at a party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Spiro dismissed the claims, citing significant inconsistencies in the woman’s story, which she partially acknowledged in a recent NBC News report.
“These are not minor inconsistencies,” Spiro emphasized. “If you examine the timeline, it’s clear this event could not have happened. When someone fabricates a story, they may repeat the core narrative, but they inevitably get the details wrong because they weren’t really there.”
Key Inconsistencies Highlighted
- Father’s Memory: The woman alleged her father picked her up after the assault, but he stated he has no memory of doing so.
- Witness Account: She claimed to have spoken to Benji Madden of Good Charlotte at the afterparty, but Madden confirmed he was on tour in the Midwest and not in New York at the time.
- Nonexistent House: Spiro argued the location where the alleged assault occurred does not exist, suggesting the lawsuit may have fabricated the venue to establish jurisdiction in New York.
- Contradictory Timeline: Jay-Z was reportedly at a different event during the alleged incident, with photographic evidence to corroborate his alibi.
- Fabricated Details: The woman claimed to have watched the VMAs on a jumbotron outside Radio City Music Hall, but Spiro noted there was no jumbotron at the event that year. Additionally, she said she attempted to reach Combs’ limousine, but heavy street blockades due to Eminem’s performance made this unlikely.
Lawyer’s Criticism of the Allegations
Spiro played a six-minute clip of the NBC News report for reporters and described the claims as a “narrative” constructed by Buzbee. “This case will crumble,” he predicted. He also pointed out the implausibility of Jane Doe’s description of the party, where she claimed to be alone at age 13 and allegedly witnessed by a female celebrity who stood by while the assault occurred.
“Think about how unnatural that is,” Spiro remarked. “A 13-year-old girl, alone in a room with the most famous people at the party? And this alleged adult female witness supposedly watched without intervening. Then, after the assault, she claims she ran out naked, unnoticed by anyone. For 24 years, not one of them has said anything? It doesn’t make sense.”
Jay-Z’s Response
Spiro noted that Jay-Z is deeply upset by the accusations, stating, “He’s angry that someone can exploit the legal system this way, distracting from real victims. He’s angry that his family and children are subjected to this. And he should be angry.”
When asked about Jay-Z’s association with Sean “Diddy” Combs, Spiro clarified, “Mr. Carter has nothing to do with Mr. Combs or the allegations against him. They knew each other professionally, like colleagues in any industry, but there is no closer connection. That’s fiction.”
Spiro concluded by reiterating his confidence in the case’s dismissal, asserting that the claims lack evidence and credibility.