Rapper Jay-Z has asked a California appeals court to reconsider its recent decision refusing to revive his extortion and defamation lawsuit against attorney Tony Buzbee.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, filed a petition for rehearing after a former client of Buzbee, identified as Jane Doe, recently recanted allegations that she had been sexually assaulted by the rapper.
In her recent declaration, the woman said she had never met or spoken with Jay-Z and that there was no truth to her allegations against him. Her current lawyer said she maintains that she was sexually assaulted but had mistakenly identified Carter as the perpetrator.
Jay-Z’s lawyers described the new declaration as significant evidence that should allow his claims against Buzbee and his law firm to proceed.
The lawsuit stems from demand letters Buzbee sent to Carter’s lawyers in connection with allegations involving Carter and another person. Carter had accused Buzbee of using the allegations to extort and defame him.
However, a California appeals court earlier this month upheld the dismissal of Carter’s lawsuit, finding that the evidence did not show Buzbee knowingly made false accusations or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Jay-Z is now asking the appellate court to reconsider that decision in light of the former accuser’s new statement. The court has yet to rule on his latest petition.
