Jay-Z moves court to dismiss sexual assault complaint
What's the story
Rapper Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, is looking to get the sexual assault allegations against him dismissed. The allegations are from a case in which he, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and an unnamed female celebrity are accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2000. On Tuesday (February 4), Alex Spiro—Jay-Z's lawyer—officially moved to dismiss the first amended complaint by Jane Doe, represented by Tony Buzbee. This comes after failed attempts to dismiss the case.
Legal maneuver
Jay-Z's lawyer withdrew sanctions against Buzbee
In a surprising turn of events, Spiro has withdrawn his request for sanctions against Buzbee. The request was initially made under the Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11. In a letter to Judge Analisa Torres, Spiro wrote, "We write on behalf of Defendant Shawn Carter to respectfully request that Mr. Carter's Motion for Sanctions...be withdrawn at this time, without prejudice."
Strategy shift
This withdrawal marks a significant shift in strategy
This withdrawal is a stark contrast to just two weeks ago when Spiro was seeking monetary sanctions against Buzbee. He had accused Buzbee of not investigating his own case or clients' tale, and apparently not even meeting with Jane Doe before taking her explosive case on. "Mr. Carter seeks only to hold Mr. Buzbee to the ethical standards that constrain any responsible attorney who would solemnly sign his name to allegations in court," Spiro said then.
Reputation risk
Jay-Z's lawyer criticized Buzbee for potential reputation damage
Notably, Spiro had earlier slammed Buzbee for the possible harm his allegations could do to Jay-Z's reputation. He had said, "Without such guardrails on litigation, there is obvious, worrisome risk: Someone in Mr. Buzbee's position could level reputation-destroying allegations indiscriminately in court." This abrupt withdrawal of sanctions takes the high-profile case into somewhat uncharted territory considering the open contempt between Spiro and Buzbee.
Upcoming trial
Meanwhile, Combs's criminal trial is set to begin in May
Meanwhile, Combs's criminal trial is scheduled to start on May 5. He is charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted in this high-profile trial, the 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder could spend the rest of his life in federal prison. Not a good sign for Jay-Z considering they are co-defendants in the ongoing sexual assault case.
Denial
Jay-Z has consistently denied involvement in the alleged assault
Jay-Z has always denied his involvement in the alleged sexual assault over 24 years ago. He has permitted Spiro to point out inconsistencies in Jane Doe's story from a mid-December NBC interview and more. He has also unsuccessfully tried to reveal the plaintiff's real name and sought punishment for Buzbee—also an unsuccessful endeavor.