and have been “so upset” about the recent civil lawsuit accusing the rapper of rape, multiple sources tell Us Weekly.
“His name has been pulled into the Diddy drama from the beginning, so they knew something was going to happen. They just didn’t know when,” a source exclusively tells Us. “Jay-Z professed to Beyoncé that he’s innocent and it’s a total money grab.”
has been accused of misconduct by multiple individuals since late 2023, denying all claims. He is currently incarcerated for charges pertaining to sex trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy, 55, was arrested in September and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
News broke on Sunday, December 8, that Diddy and Jay-Z, 55, were named in a newly filed civil lawsuit, in which an anonymous plaintiff accused the two rappers of raping her at age 13 in 2000. Both Diddy and Jay-Z denied the “heinous” allegations and the Roc Nation founder, for his part, has already filed to dismiss the court case.
The next day, Jay-Z (real name Shawn Carter) stepped out with Beyoncé, whom he married in 2008, and 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy at the world premiere of their new Disney movie Mufasa. Jay-Z, Beyoncé, 43, and Blue were joined on the red carpet by Beyoncé’s mother, . (Jay-Z and Beyoncé also share 8-year-old twins Sir and Rumi.)
A second insider, meanwhile, tells Us that Beyoncé is “putting on a brave face” for the kids’ sake.
“She is moving forward with her life, she is still committed to her scheduled performance in two weeks, and will be there for her family as much as she can,” the second source adds, referring to her upcoming Cowboy Carter Christmas special and halftime show at the Christmas Day NFL game. “She won’t let this bring her image down.”
A third source also reveals that Beyoncé believes in her husband’s innocence.
“Beyoncé does not believe a word of what they’re saying,” the insider asserts, adding that the Grammy winner and Jay-Z think the lawsuit is an alleged extortion attempt.
Jay-Z released a lengthy statement denying his involvement on Sunday, mentioning that his “only heartbreak” involves Beyoncé and their children.
“My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people,” Jay-Z wrote in his statement. “I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
