Carmen Bryan is accusing hip-hop star N.O.R.E. of sexually assaulting her at a Manhattan nightclub in 1999.
Bryan, the former partner of hip-hop star Nas, filed a lawsuit against N.O.R.E., whose legal name is Victor Santiago. Rolling Stone obtained a copy of the complaint.
According to the lawsuit, the alleged incident occurred in May 1999. Santiago was reportedly promoting an upcoming album at the Manhattan club.
Bryan alleges Santiago approached her while visibly intoxicated. She claims he then committed “an act of nonconsensual digital penetration” in front of her friends.
Bryan says she immediately left the nightclub. She alleges Santiago followed her outside before recognizing her as Nas’ partner.
“Carm, I didn’t know it was you,” Santiago allegedly said, according to the complaint. “You’re always doing something different with your hair.”
Bryan says she later told Jay-Z about the alleged encounter. She described the rapper as a trusted confidante during their yearslong relationship.
Hip-Hop Star N.O.R.E. Sued By Nas’ Baby Mama Carmen Bryan For Sexual Assault
The lawsuit also claims the culture surrounding hip-hop in the 1990s contributed to Bryan remaining silent. She specifically cites “pervasive sexism, sexual objectification and misogynoir.”
Bryan says those factors influenced her decision not to pursue legal action for more than 25 years.
She now says a high-profile lawsuit filed by Casandra Ventura against Sean “Diddy” Combs prompted her to revisit the alleged assault. Ventura filed her complaint in 2023.
Bryan and Nas dated during the 1990s and share a daughter, Destiny Jones. Destiny was born in 1994.
Bryan later detailed her experiences in hip-hop culture in her 2006 memoir, “It’s No Secret: A Memoir.”
The allegations against Santiago remain unproven. He has not been found liable in connection with Bryan’s claims.
The lawsuit offers Bryan’s account of an alleged encounter more than two decades ago. The case will now proceed through the civil legal process.
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