Jay-Z is pushing forward with an extortion claim against attorney Tony Buzbee, alleging that the lawyer knowingly filed false sexual assault allegations against him. The rapper was initially accused of assaulting Buzbee’s client alongside disgraced mogul Diddy, but the case has since unraveled. Now, Jay-Z claims to have evidence proving that Buzbee pursued the lawsuit despite knowing the allegations were baseless.
For a moment, it seemed Jay-Z might not get the chance to proceed with his claim. A judge had signaled he was close to dismissing the case against Buzbee, but has since changed course. According to Rolling Stone, the judge is now leaning toward allowing Jay-Z to proceed with his extortion allegations, citing significant evidence compiled by the rapper’s legal team.
Jay-Z reportedly hired investigators who spoke with the accuser, who claimed Buzbee pressured her into naming the rapper in the lawsuit. “It was more Diddy, but Buzbee brought Jay-Z into it,” she allegedly stated.
Judge Mark Epstein, who is presiding over the case, clarified his stance in a written statement on Wednesday. “The court believes it can be considered for this motion,” he wrote. “It supports not only the defamation cause of action but also the extortion cause of action.” He further noted that Jay-Z has a strong case, adding, “Without a present intent to bring a lawsuit, the litigation privilege will fail.”
Jay-Z has been vocal about his issues with Buzbee, an unusual move for the typically private mogul. He has issued multiple public statements criticizing the Houston attorney for what he sees as an attempt to damage his reputation.
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter,” Jay-Z wrote. “What he had calculated was that the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion.”
True to his word, Jay-Z appears determined to see the case through.