Entertainment
Jay-Z Accused Of Raping 13-Year-Old Girl In Civil Suit Linked To Diddy Case
Music mogul Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2000, according to an updated lawsuit filed on Sunday.
The civil complaint alleges that the assault occurred at an afterparty following the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000.
READ MORE: Like America, Like Ghana: Opposition Defeats Ruling Party In Presidential Election
The plaintiff, whose identity remains undisclosed, claims that both Carter and Combs sexually assaulted her in the presence of other individuals, who allegedly did nothing to intervene.
The lawsuit states, “Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor. Many others were present at the afterparty but did nothing to stop the assault.”
Jay-Z, now 55, was initially identified as “Celebrity A” in the original filing. The updated complaint directly names him and accuses him of collaborating with Combs in other alleged incidents of sexual misconduct.
Carter has vehemently denied the allegations, releasing a statement through his label Roc Nation on X (formerly Twitter).
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
The statement further accused the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, of attempting to extort Carter.
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was 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,” Carter wrote.
Buzbee, known for representing victims in high-profile cases, defended the lawsuit, stating, “The pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.”
The case also intensifies scrutiny on Sean Combs, who is facing separate criminal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs coerced women into drug-fueled sex parties through threats and violence.
Combs has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for May 2025.
Combs has also been hit with a wave of civil suits from over 100 alleged victims, spearheaded by attorneys including Buzbee.
Jay-Z, a billionaire entrepreneur and husband of pop superstar Beyoncé, has built his career as a rap artist and record producer.
He denies any involvement in the alleged incidents and has not been charged criminally in connection with the claims.
Entertainment
Funke Akindele Projects N5bn Revenue For New Movie
Nollywood superstar and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has set a bold target for her upcoming film, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa,’ predicting it will generate N5 billion in revenue by the end of 2024.
Akindele made this announcement during a viral video alongside some members of the movie’s cast. Expressing her optimism, she confidently declared, “We are making N5 billion this year.”
If the ambitious projection becomes a reality, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ will surpass the record set by another of Akindele’s blockbuster hits, A Tribe Called Judah, which holds the title of being the first Nigerian film to gross over one billion naira.
READ MORE: Funke Akindele Premieres Star-Studded Movie, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’
The highly anticipated film premiered on Sunday night in Lagos, drawing a host of Nigerian celebrities, including Akindele’s estranged friend, Eniola Badmus, whose appearance at the event sparked curiosity among fans and media.
Akindele’s bold statement has ignited excitement and discussions within the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many eager to see if the film will live up to its lofty expectations. Given her history of success with major productions, her confidence has fueled expectations that the film could become one of Nollywood’s most significant box office hits.
Fans and industry stakeholders are now counting down to the movie’s official release, as they anticipate whether Everybody Loves Jenifa will indeed reach the record-breaking N5 billion mark and cement Funke Akindele’s status as one of Nollywood’s most bankable filmmakers.
Entertainment
Actor John Dumelo Makes Political Debut, Wins Parliamentary Seat
Ghanaian actor-turned-politician, John Dumelo has secured a victory in the 2024 general elections, winning the parliamentary seat for Ayawaso West Wuogon.
Running on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dumelo triumphed with 40,561 votes, defeating incumbent Lydia Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 27,377 votes.
Dumelo’s victory follows a narrow loss to Alhassan in the 2020 elections, making this win a significant political milestone.
READ ALSO: Yinka Alaseyori Shines At The Experience 2024 With Soulful Performance
Speaking after his victory, the 40-year-old expressed deep gratitude to his supporters and reflected on the lessons learned from his past defeat.
“The people of Ghana have been calling for change, and they’ve shown that if you don’t perform well or if you’re arrogant, they will vote you out,” Dumelo stated.
“This is a valuable lesson for everyone. It’s not about money; it’s about the development of the people and addressing their needs.”
Dumelo, who began his acting career in 1991 with the film Baby Thief, is well-known for his roles in popular Ghollywood and Nollywood productions such as Away Bus, The Game, Black Men Rock, One Night In Vegas, The King is Mine, and Four Play.
His transition from actor to politician has garnered significant attention, with many hoping he will bring a fresh perspective to parliamentary work.
In his victory speech, Dumelo pledged to work tirelessly over the next four years to address the needs of his constituents and help steer the country in the right direction.
Entertainment
How Male Celebrities Shine At Funke Akindele’s Movie Premiere
The much-anticipated movie premiere by Nollywood star and filmmaker Funke Akindele turned into a dazzling showcase of style and flair as some of the industry’s leading male celebrities stepped out in grand fashion.
Themed Lagos Afterparty, the event was nothing short of a spectacle. Attendees embraced the vibrant, nightlife-inspired dress code, bringing an electrifying energy to the red carpet. From bold suits to statement accessories, the stars proved they were ready to own the night.
As the cameras flashed, fans online couldn’t stop raving about the impressive ensembles. One post captured the moment perfectly: “Take a look at how some of your favorite male celebrities brought their A-game!”
Funke Akindele, known for her creativity and ability to host unforgettable events, once again demonstrated why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her premiere wasn’t just about the movie but also a celebration of Lagos’s vibrant culture, reflected in the theme that inspired the night’s looks.
With the mix of star power, fashion-forward statements, and Funke Akindele’s magic touch, this premiere undoubtedly sets the tone for events to come.