It’s business as usual for the NFL when it comes to Jay-Z.
Commissioner Roger Goodell told media members Wednesday that the league’s relationship with the rapper, accused of rape in an amended lawsuit this week, has not changed.
“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell said at the league’s winter meetings. “We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
A woman suing Sean “Diddy” Combs for an alleged rape in 2000, added Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, to the suit on Sunday, claiming he was at the party she was assaulted at as a 13-year-old, and participated.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company has produced events and activism for the NFL since 2019, with their deal recently having been extended.
“I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”
Beyoncé, Jay-Z’s wife, will perform at halftime of the Ravens-Texans matchup on Christmas.
The rapper called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement, adding that they’re part of an extortion attempt.
His lawyer filed a motion asking to dismiss the claim and to make the accuser’s identity public.
“These claims are not about justice for victims. Nor are they about giving victims of sexual violence a voice,” the filing said.
“Instead, they are merely the next chapter in Attorney [Tony] Buzbee’s sprawling extortion saga — a saga whose aim is base and measured in dollars.”