Table of Contents
Key Points
- The NFL reaffirms partnership with Roc Nation, despite assault allegations against Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs in a federal lawsuit.
- Jay-Z denies the allegations, calling them “heinous” and condemns the lawsuit's lawyer as a "deplorable human."
- Roc Nation’s NFL partnership continues, with plans for the next Super Bowl and ongoing support for social justice initiatives.
The NFL has reaffirmed its partnership with Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, despite allegations in a federal lawsuit accusing the billionaire rapper of assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2000.
The lawsuit also implicates Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces separate sexual assault lawsuits.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the allegations during a press briefing, stating, “We are aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that. Our relationship is not changing, including our preparation for the next Super Bowl.”
Jay-Z Responds to assault allegations
The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims the plaintiff, an unnamed Alabama woman, was drugged and raped at a Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000 by Combs, Jay-Z, and another male celebrity.
Jay-Z, who is worth $2.5 billion according to Forbes, making him one of the world’s richest individuals, denied the allegations, calling them “heinous” and condemning the lawyer who filed the suit as a “deplorable human.”
“My only heartbreak is for my family,” Carter said in a statement. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down and explain the cruelty and greed of people. I mourn yet another loss of innocence.”
Partnership unshaken
While the allegations have cast a shadow over Jay-Z, Roc Nation’s NFL partnership appears unaffected. Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to moving forward with its plans for the next Super Bowl and broader social impact initiatives.
Roc Nation first partnered with the NFL in 2019, taking on the role of live music entertainment strategist and producing high-profile Super Bowl halftime shows featuring artists like Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Shakira. The company has also supported the league's Inspire Change initiative, which has distributed $375 million in grants for social justice causes.
Roc Nation deepens NFL ties
In October, the partnership was extended, solidifying Roc Nation's influence in the league's entertainment and social justice efforts. The financial terms of the new deal remain undisclosed, though the previous agreement was valued at $25 million over five years.
The upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans will feature Kendrick Lamar as the halftime performer, continuing the collaboration’s trend of spotlighting top-tier artists.
