In September 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested for sex trafficking and racketeering. These arrests followed raids of Combs's properties and multiple lawsuits accusing the rap star and record producer of such crimes as sexual assault and rape.

Now, another star with ties to Combs faces similar accusations. A civil lawsuit filed in December 2024 accuses Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter of raping a minor with Combs during a 2000 Music Video Awards afterparty.

You may not be a major celebrity facing the significant charges Carter and Combs are now facing. Regardless, if you've been accused of a sex crime, you need a proper defense. Our Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is prepared to offer just that. Learn more about what we can do for you by submitting your information through our online contact form or calling our offices at 888-535-3686 for your consultation.

Timeline of Combs's Legal Issues

The following is a general summary of the legal issues Combs has faced in recent months:

• Combs settled a sexual abuse and assault lawsuit in 2023. His former partner, Cassie Ventura, filed the lawsuit. After the settlement, numerous other parties came forward filing lawsuits and alleging similar acts and misconduct. Some of the lawsuits address alleged sexual abuse and misconduct dating back to 1991.
• The Department of Homeland Security raided several of Combs's properties in March 2024. The following September, Combs was charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.

Combs is currently detained at New York's Metropolitan Detention Center. As he has been denied bail three times, he is likely to remain there until his trial begins. The trial is set to begin in May 2025.

The Carter Accusations

The plaintiff who filed the lawsuit alleging Carter and Combs raped her when she was a minor has been allowed to remain anonymous thus far. The victim's age at the time of the alleged incident was 13. As such, the court has allowed her to preserve her anonymity, at least for the time being.

The plaintiff alleges the following:

• A limousine driver initially spotted her and invited her to the afterparty following the 2000 Music Video Awards.
• During the party, Combs and Carter took turns raping the plaintiff. According to the lawsuit, another currently unnamed celebrity stood by and watched while this occurred.

Texas attorney Tony Buzbee filed the initial complaint on their client's behalf. Carter has accused Buzbee of sending a demand letter to his lawyer, stating this essentially constitutes blackmail. Carter denies the allegations and argues that he's being targeted for a settlement.

Civil Lawsuits Can Lead to Criminal Trouble

The case against Carter is currently only a civil one. However, as the Combs case indicates, civil lawsuits can draw attention to alleged crimes, potentially resulting in criminal charges.

The criminal penalties for such charges can be very significant. If you've been accused of any sex crime, having the right defense can make a significant difference in your case's outcome—and your future. Find out how we can help by contacting the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team via our online contact form or by calling our offices at 888-535-3686.