NFL Affirms Jay-Z Partnership Remains Unchanged Amid Rape Allegation

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated that the active rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z will not affect the league’s partnership with Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by the artist.

Jay-Z, legally known as Shawn Carter, was recently accused in a civil lawsuit of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2000 alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs. Carter has strongly denied the accusations, which were brought forward by attorney Tony Buzbee, who added his name to an already existing lawsuit.

Carter’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and has also accused Buzbee of attempting to coerce an individual into linking an unrelated sex trafficking case to Combs.

They have requested that the ‘Jane Doe’ plaintiff reveal her identity to ensure a transparent legal process, allowing Carter to adequately defend himself against what they claim to be a false allegation.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Goodell expressed confidence in the league’s collaboration with Roc Nation, emphasizing that the situation would not interfere with their professional relationship.

During a press conference in Irving, Texas on Wednesday, December 11, Goodell said the league’s relationship with Carter and Roc Nation “is not changing… including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”

“We are aware of the civil allegations and Jay Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell said. “We know obviously that litigation is happening. But from our standpoint our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”

Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Godell continued, “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events that they have advised us on and helped us with. They’ve been helpful in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners that have provided a lot of value to us.”