On March 5, 2025, private investigator Charlotte Henderson filed an affidavit stating she met with the Jane Doe who accused Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping her at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards after-party when she was 13 in late February in Alabama. During this meeting, Doe allegedly admitted fabricating the story against JAY-Z at the behest of her attorney, Tony Buzbee. According to Henderson, Doe said Buzbee “pushed” her to implicate Carter in the lawsuit that initially only included Combs. Henderson recalled Doe stating that while Carter was present at the party, he was not involved in the alleged assault.
Legal Counteractions
In response to these developments, JAY-Z filed a defamation lawsuit on March 3, 2025, against Jane Doe, Tony Buzbee, and attorney David Fortney. The lawsuit accuses them of engaging in a conspiracy to extort him with fabricated allegations. JAY-Z claims the false accusations have caused significant reputational damage and financial losses exceeding $20 million.
Buzbee responded to the lawsuit, asserting that the claims are baseless. He stated, “Each assertion is flat-out false and made up.” Buzbee maintains that Jane Doe stands by her original allegations and accuses JAY-Z’s team of attempting to intimidate her into recanting her story.
Ongoing Legal Battles
This case highlights the complexities involved in high-profile defamation lawsuits, especially when they intersect with serious allegations like sexual assault. Legal experts note that such defamation cases are challenging to win, as the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted with actual malice—knowing the statements were false or showing reckless disregard for the truth.
As the legal proceedings continue, the court’s findings will play a crucial role in determining the veracity of the claims and the potential consequences for those involved. The outcome may also influence how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly concerning the balance between protecting individuals from false accusations and ensuring that genuine victims can come forward without fear of retaliation.