A woman who accused hip-hop mogul Jay-Z of sexual assault has recanted her allegations in a new federal court declaration, saying she never met or spoke with the rapper.
Jane Doe filed the 12-page declaration Thursday in Manhattan federal court, reversing claims that Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter sexually assaulted her after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards when she was 13.
“Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter never raped me,” Doe wrote. “I have never met or spoken to Mr. Carter.”
“Mr. Carter never engaged in any inappropriate conduct toward me whatsoever,” she added.
Doe also stated there was “no truth” to her allegations against Carter and said they caused him significant harm. She claimed attorneys filed allegations against Carter without conducting an independent investigation.
Her new attorney, James Blair Newman Jr., said Doe maintains she was sexually assaulted but was “entirely mistaken” in identifying Carter.
Jane Doe Recants Sexual Assault Claims Against Hip-Hop Mogul Jay-Z
“Mr. Carter did not rape her, sexually assault her, engage in any inappropriate conduct towards her, and she has never met him,” Newman said.
Doe initially accused Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault. An amended complaint later identified Carter as the second alleged assailant.
Carter denied the allegations and later sued Doe and her attorneys, including Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee. His federal suit alleges malicious prosecution and related claims.
Doe withdrew her underlying lawsuit with prejudice in February 2025 after acknowledging inconsistencies in her account.
Buzbee has disputed claims that he pressured Doe to accuse Carter. He has said multiple attorneys interviewed Doe before his involvement and that his firm believed her account at the time.
Carter’s litigation against Buzbee continues despite Doe’s dismissal as a defendant.
The recantation comes as Carter marks the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and promotes the eight-part documentary series JAŸ-Z IN 8. Carter has not publicly commented on Doe’s latest declaration.
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