California appeals court blocks Jay-Z defamation lawsuit

A California appeals court has ruled that rapper Jay-Z, legally known as Shawn Carter, cannot proceed with a defamation and extortion lawsuit against attorney Tony Buzbee. The ruling comes from the California Second Appellate District regarding allegations stemming from a 2024 lawsuit.

The original case involving Buzbee alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs were involved in the rape of a 13-year-old girl at a 2000 MTV Music Awards afterparty. While that initial case was dismissed with prejudice, Jay-Z sought to sue Buzbee for filing the claims.

The appellate court stated there was no evidence that Buzbee made the accusations knowing they were false or with reckless disregard for the truth. Instead, the court noted that Buzbee provided declarations indicating his firm’s investigations led him to believe the accusations were true. Following the decision, Buzbee expressed that he feels vindicated and intends to seek his legal fees and costs.