American rapper and businessman, Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, has filed his first response in court to a complaint alleging he raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000 with Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Billboard reported that the 55-year-old rapper's lawyers referred to the claims as manifestly untrue and part of an extortion effort by lawyer Tony Buzbee.
"Mr Carter should not have to defend himself in the brightest of spotlights against an accuser who hides in complete darkness," Jay-Z's lawyer Alex Spiro was quoted as saying.
"Mr Carter deserves to know the identity of the person who is effectively accusing him in sensationalised, publicity-hunting fashion of criminal conduct, demanding massive financial compensation, and tarnishing a reputation earned over decades."
Jay-Z's lawyers also supposedly requested that the judge order the accuser's lawyers to divulge her identify or dismiss the case outright in their filing.
"Mr. Carter now is entitled to defend himself against these allegations with benefit of all the protections and mechanisms available to defendants," Spiro told Billboard.
"To be sure, attorney Buzbees game has been to prevent Mr Carter from defending himself while punching below the belt. Today, that game is at an end and Mr Carters defense has begun starting with plaintiff's unmasking."
Reactions to Jay-Z's request has not been received well on social media. On X (Twitter), he is accused of wanting the woman to be harassed by his stans (obsessed fans) if her identity is revealed.
"He just wants the girl to be harassed by his supporters to the point that she drops the charges because she's scared for her life.... Jay Z you ain't slick," an individual posted.
IOL
He just wants the girl to be harassed by his supporters to the point that she drops the charges because she's scared for her life....Jay Z you ain't slick https://t.co/53mvl54fAE pic.twitter.com/56fvSykMaP