Jane Doe Drops Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Jay-Z and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Rape case dismissed with prejudice as Jay-Z celebrates legal victory, while Combs continues to face multiple lawsuits and federal charges.

A woman who accused hip-hop moguls Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her 25 years ago has voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit, bringing an end to a high-profile case that drew intense scrutiny.

In a court filing submitted on Friday, Feb. 14, attorneys for the Jane Doe plaintiff withdrew the lawsuit “with prejudice,” preventing it from being refiled in the future. The decision comes after months of legal battles and challenges to the credibility of the allegations.

Jay-Z Declares ‘Victory’ as Case Is Dismissed

The lawsuit, initially filed against Combs in October 2024, accused the Bad Boy Records founder of drugging and raping Doe at an afterparty following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, when she was 13 years old. In December, the complaint was amended to include Jay-Z (legal name Shawn Carter) as a defendant, alleging his involvement in the assault.

Carter and his legal team fiercely denied the claims, calling them false and meritless. Following the dismissal, Carter’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a statement celebrating the outcome:

“The false case against Jay-Z, that never should have been brought, has been dismissed with prejudice. By standing up in the face of heinous and false allegations, Jay has done what few can – he pushed back, he never settled, he never paid one red penny, he triumphed and cleared his name.”

Carter himself had been vocal in his defense, previously calling the accusations “so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one.” His legal team repeatedly sought to have the case dismissed before Doe’s attorneys ultimately withdrew the suit.

Legal Battle Intensifies Before Withdrawal

Throughout the case, Carter’s lawyers aggressively challenged the allegations, citing inconsistencies in Doe’s statements. In December, a judge allowed Doe to remain anonymous despite objections from Carter’s team, while also criticizing his attorneys for their “relentless filing of combative motions.”

By January, Carter’s legal team sought to have the lawsuit dismissed again, citing discrepancies in Doe’s account. Doe herself acknowledged inconsistencies in an interview with NBC News but maintained that she was raped. Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, defended her position, stating:

“Our client remains fiercely adamant that what she has stated is true, to the best of her memory.”

However, the mounting challenges ultimately led Doe’s legal team to drop the case.

Diddy’s Legal Woes Continue

While the lawsuit against Jay-Z has been dismissed, Combs remains embroiled in a wave of legal troubles. The music mogul is currently facing over 40 sexual assault lawsuits, as well as a federal indictment on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following the dismissal of Doe’s case, Combs’ attorneys issued a statement denouncing the lawsuit:

“Today’s complete dismissal without a settlement by the 1-800 attorney is yet another confirmation that these lawsuits are built on falsehoods, not facts. Case after case has been filed by individuals hiding behind anonymity, pushed forward by an attorney more focused on media headlines than legal merit.”

Combs, who has denied all allegations against him, remains in legal jeopardy as his trial is set to begin in May 2025.

The Larger Conversation on False Accusations and Victims’ Rights

The dismissal of this lawsuit highlights the complexities of sexual assault allegations in high-profile cases. While Jay-Z claims vindication, the case has reignited discussions about the impact of false accusations on public figures, as well as the necessity of supporting genuine victims of abuse.

In his statement, Carter called for a more balanced legal system:

“The system has failed. The court must protect victims, OF COURSE, while with the same ethical responsibility, the courts must protect the innocent from being accused without a shred of evidence. May the truth prevail for all victims and those falsely accused equally.”

As the dust settles on this case, Combs’ legal battles continue, ensuring that the conversation around power, accountability, and justice in the entertainment industry is far from over.