Jay-Z Claps Back Against ‘Heinous’ Sexual Assault Allegations
The Brooklyn billionaire deems the lawsuit a 'blackmail attempt.'
After being accused of participating in the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in 2000, Brooklyn billionaire Jay-Z, in a social media post, deemed the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and promised to defend himself.
The hip-hop legend and media mogul came out swinging after Texas attorney Tony Buzbee refiled a previous lawsuit in the Southern District of New York on Dec. 8, against former Bad Boy CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In the refiled document, the attorney included Jay-Z (Shawn Carter).
“Jane Doe” claims she was drugged, raped, and left traumatized at a house party after the MTV Video Music Awards in New York in 2000.
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” Jay-Z wrote in a letter posted on Roc Nation’s social media accounts. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle.
“No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!” The accusation goes against the “very strict codes and honor” he had growing up, Jay-Z added.
On his X account, Buzbee accused the rapper of bully tactics and slammed the lawsuit Jay-Z previously filed against him.
Regarding the Jay Z case and his efforts to silence my clients: Mr. Carter previously denied being the one who sued me and my firm. He filed his frivolous case under a pseudonym. What he fails to say in his recent statement is my firm sent his lawyer a demand letter on behalf of…
The 2024 HOPE Global Forums (HGF) Annual Meeting heightens the crucial relationship between financial education, innovation and uplifting the community in hopes of providing solutions to the issues that suppress challenges around the world.
Hosted by Operation HOPE founder John Hope Bryant, alongside co-chairs, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, the forums, which will take place December 9-11 at the Signia Hotel, will celebrate 10 years by offering three days of engaging discussions, insights and forward-thinking presentations.
“For the past decade, we have assembled great minds with bold ideas, servant-leaders with voices of change and individuals committed to a new vision for the world as we know it. ‘The FUTURE’ is a clear call to action for leaders to help ensure prosperity reaches every corner of society,” he said.
The robust agenda includes heavy-hitting and high profile speakers that cater to business, philanthropy, government and civil society. Some of the confirmed speakers include USA Today’s White House correspondent Francesca Chambers, media contributor Van Jones, and President and CEO of BET Media Group, Scott M. Mills.
“John Hope Bryant and his team have been doing this for a decade and every year HGF keeps raising the bar,” Young said. “Discussions about ‘The FUTURE’ are not just important for civic dialogue; they are also essential to bridging the economic divide and addressing some of today’s most important issues.”
“I’ve long said that Atlanta is a group project and through our collaboration with HOPE Global Forums, we are inviting the world to join the conversation,” Dickens mentioned. “From homeownership and entrepreneurship to youth engagement and financial education, HGF will offer bold and innovative ideas to ensure the future is bright for all.”
Coinciding with the annual meeting, the organization launched another pathway of curating financial literacy with HOPE scholarships. Through three scholarship levels—HOPE Lite, HOPE Classic and HOPE Silver—clients will have access to free financial coaching and educational resources.
Stop Chasing Balance And Start Flowing: Tips To Thrive In Work And Life
How do you take care of yourself and manage boundaries?
Dear FairyGodMentor,
These days, life is lifing hard! What are your tips for work/life balance? I know you’re a busy professional – how do you take care of yourself and manage boundaries, and what advice do you have for others seeking balance?
Help me, Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed,
Yes, I’m a busy professional here! And I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t slow down, your body and mind will force you to. I’ve experienced burnout multiple times, both while working for others and running my own business.
The words we tell ourselves matter. I’ve stopped using the term “work/life balance” because it’s a myth. Life ebbs and flows, much like ocean waves. Embracing the concept of “work/life flow” has helped me manage life’s demands with greater ease.
After enduring two stress-related surgeries and too many ER visits to count, I realized something had to give — and it was me. So, as your FairyGodMentor, I adopted techniques to better care for myself, and I’d love to share them with you.
1. Start Your Day with Intention
Each morning, I dedicate at least five minutes to meditation to ground myself. During this time, I set an intention for the day. Lately, I focus on seeking joy. Yes, Joy seeking joy — it’s ironic, but it works. This practice helps me stay positive, even when life feels like a never-ending MMA fight.
2. Ask for Help
Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of strength. I have accountability buddies who check in on me throughout the day to ensure I’m meeting my basic needs — drinking water, eating, resting. Their support keeps me mindful and intentional.
3. Schedule “You Time”
I block off “Client X” time in my calendar, and guess what? Client X is me. During this time, I focus on whatever I want — reading, relaxing, or simply breathing. Treat yourself as a priority; you’re worth it.
4. Create Digital Boundaries
I’ve set up controls on my phone to turn off social media and work emails after certain hours. This helps me stay present and focused on real life (IRL).
5. Stay Connected and Active
I make it a point to check in with friends and family, creating a break from video calls and work-related tasks. I also aim to move my body daily. Whether it’s a walk or a workout, I forgive myself if it’s not a high-intensity session every time.
6. Take Full Advantage of Benefits
If you have vacation time — use it. Don’t be a vacation squirrel hoarding days you never enjoy. Remember, there’s no prize for perfect attendance. Also, keep up with your medical and therapy appointments. Listening to your body and seeking support when needed is critical for both mental and physical healing.
7. Embrace the Power of a Single Breath
Feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath. Now let it out. That simple act can be grounding — a reminder that you’re here, you’re valuable, and you still have important work to do in this world.
Overwhelmed, you’ve got this. You are enough. Keep going.
Yours truly, Your FairyGodMentor®
About Joyel Crawford
(Image courtesy of Kirsten White Photography)
Joyel Crawford, The FairyGodMentor, is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She is the author of the best-selling book and audiobook, Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.
Have a question about navigating a micromanager, workplace stress, coaching poor performance, or negotiating a job offer? Need career and leadership advice?
NC A&T Hires Shawn Gibbs As Head Football Coach, After Parting With Vincent Brown
Gibbs spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach with the North Carolina A&T Aggies
North Carolina A&T University wasted no time in hiring its next head football coach, acquiring its former assistant coach Shawn Gibbs on Dec. 6, less than a week after parting ways with former head coach Vincent Brown.
Earl M. Hilton, the director of athletics at North Carolina A&T, said in a press release that his new hire has an impressive reputation and record as a coach.
“I want to welcome back Coach Gibbs to North Carolina A&T State University,” Hilton said. “We are excited for his return. A&T fans certainly have fond memories of the outstanding job he did coaching some of the best players in our school’s history while also maintaining a high level of respect from those same players. Shawn’s coaching history is very impressive.”
Hilton continued, “It is obvious he finds a way to get the best out of his players. Coach Gibbs understands the challenge ahead and has great enthusiasm and passion for North Carolina A&T. I know he can’t wait to get started.”
During Gibbs’ last stint at North Carolina A&T, when he served as a running back coach and special teams coach, he was a big part of the reason the university earned the moniker of Running Back U.
Gibbs coached the most prolific running back in program history, former All-Pro Tarik Cohen, who set the conference record for the most rushing yards in a season en route to a fourth round selection by the Chicago Bears.
According to the press release, Gibbs called his hiring as the head coach of the program a dream come true.
“It is a dream come true for me to accept the position as head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University,” Gibbs said. “My family and I are thrilled to return home to Greensboro, a community with such a special place in our hearts.”
Gibbs continued, “Thank you to Chancellor James R. Martin II, Director of Athletics Earl Hilton and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to lead this prestigious and historic university’s football program. It is an opportunity I do not take for granted and a challenge I eagerly accept.”
Gibbs was the head coach of Division II Fort Valley State for the past three years, compiling a 22-9 record overall, and a 17-6 record in conference play, both markers of his potential to turn around a team that went 1-11 overall last season, and posted an 0-8 mark in MEAC play.
Unemployment Rate For Black Women Continues To Rise
Black women had the most significant increase in joblessness compared to other groups.
According to concerning new statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Black women sharply increased in November.
The Dec. 6 report from the Bureau revealed that overall unemployment has been on the rise slightly, moving from 4.1% in October to 4.2% in November, but this change has been disproportionately felt by communities of color — particularly Black women. They experienced the most significant increase in joblessness compared to other groups, with the jobless rate soaring to 6% from 4.9% in October. This change is steep compared to the unemployment rate of white women for example, which only shifted slightly up to 3.4% from 3.3% in October — which better reflects the trend in the United States.
As reported by CNBC, senior fellow and research advisor at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, Kevin Rinz, pointed out, “The increase for Black women has been more pronounced than for white women.”
This isn’t the first time the Black unemployment rate has been concerning to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Black workers also had the highest unemployment rate last month, rising to 6.4% from a still-high 5.7%. For Black men, the jobless rate settled at 6%, while it continued to remain steady through October and November at 3.5% for white men.
Rinz continued to explain, “This is a broader picture of a gradually cooling labor market that is still relatively strong by recent historical standards, but less able to deliver the gains for more marginalized workers that we saw immediately after the pandemic.”
He recognized that the data between months is volatile, but that the changes seem to be felt more steeply in communities of color. The general participation in the labor force — which is a designation reserved for those in the population who are employed or also actively seeking work — fell in November. While the general statistic fell to 62.5%, for Black women, the number hit 62.3% in November, compared to 62.6% in October. The rate also tanked for Black men, hitting 68.7% last month as opposed to 69.3% in October for the demographic.
The publication’s annual list recognizes the “best of the best” within industry-leading companies, including technology, business, finance, health care, and retail. Inc. listed OneUnited as an institution that has achieved groundbreaking milestones, levitating business wins, customer expansion, progressive product launches, increased market share, and industry-defining accomplishments.
By being in business for over 50 years, OneUnited honed in on fostering better financial wellness within the communities it serves. Being added to this list proves the bank’s commitment to withstanding that level of service. “We are incredibly proud to have been recognized by INC Magazine for our accomplishments in the financial services industry. Every day, we witness the transformative power of financial empowerment and the difference it makes in people’s lives,” OneUnited’s Chairman and CEO, Kevin Cohee, said.
“This drives our passion and commitment to continue our mission.”
The bank labels banking as not just a service but more of a personalized experience that helps customers make informed financial decisions. Its robust technology offering includes an impressive use of artificial intelligence and data aggregation to increase financial literacy, improve users’ financial health, payday loan alternatives offering, and bridge the economic and opportunity gaps that customers experience every day.
It’s the clear vision and mission that OneUnited possesses that made it easy for Inc. to add them to the list. “For over 40 years, Inc. has been committed to recognizing America’s most dynamic businesses and honoring the great work they do,” Inc.’s editor-in-chief Mike Hofman said.
“These businesses have had a profound impact on their industries, solving important problems and shaping the future of business in ways that will have lasting effects.”
Being added to the list comes just a few weeks after the bank received the prestigious Talent Maximization Award for Financial Literacy Innovation during the 2024 Investment Diversity Advisory Council (iDAC) Global Finance Summit, according to Yahoo Finance. The summit’s theme, “The iDAC Global Finance Summit on Talent Maximization,” was inspired by the Renaissance era, which was known for transformative scientific, artistic, and cultural advancements through inclusive and diverse perspectives.
OneUnited’s Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Robert Patrick Cooper, says the award came as the organization reflects on a “relentless pursuit of innovative solutions for communities of color.” “We believe that through cutting-edge technology, we can redefine financial literacy and create opportunities for those who have often been sidelined,” Cooper said.
Working Women Are Stressed More Than Men ‘A Lot Of The Day’ Study Finds
A major factor is the high percentage of working women who are also parents or caregivers.
A new Gallup report is unveiling how much more stressed working women feel, compared to men.
Approximately half of working women reported feeling stressed “a lot of the day,” compared to around 40% of men, a Gallup study published this week found. Seventeen percent of women overall reported needing to handle personal or family responsibilities at work “daily” or “several times a day,” compared to 11% of men overall, The Associated Press reported.
A major factor is the high percentage of working women who are also parents or caregivers. They are more likely than working men with children to report delaying or declining a promotion due to personal or family responsibilities. Additionally, mothers are more likely than fathers to “strongly agree” that they are the primary responders to unexpected childcare needs.
Conducted between February 2023 and October 2024, the study was based on four separate surveys of nearly 20,000 adults working full-time or part-time. Gallup Managing Director Ilana Ron Levey shared the findings at an event on Dec. 4, highlighting how the results challenge corporate narratives promoting wellness initiatives.
“There’s been much attention and discussion about promoting women’s well-being and helping women succeed as leaders in the workplace,” Levey said. “But at the same time, we’re seeing record levels of stress, of worry, of burnout for women.”
Karen Guggenheim, founder of the World Happiness Summit and CEO of WOHASU, the organization behind the event and other wellness initiatives, suggests that shifting workplace culture and prioritizing employee well-being can help address the issue.
“Why do we have to choose? Why are we creating environments where people have to make a choice between being the most amazing parent, partner, friend, daughter, sister, whatever, and also thriving at work?” she said, adding, “Investing in women’s well-being isn’t just good business — it’s a blueprint for societal progress.”
Researchers found that employers can greatly enhance well-being by supporting work-life balance. According to the report, women who feel they can maintain a healthy balance between work and personal commitments are more likely to be engaged at work and less likely to actively seek a new job.
Organizations can take action by implementing well-informed policies, programs, and resources, empowering managers to be the support system employees need, and fostering a culture focused on well-being, explained Kristin Barry, director of hiring analytics at Gallup.
With women making up nearly half of the workforce and the gender gap in workforce participation at its narrowest in U.S. history, Barry emphasized that “ignoring the challenges women face means we won’t achieve our goals.”
Jay-Z Named In Federal Lawsuit Alleging 2000 Sexual Assault Of 13-Year-Old Girl
Carter strongly denied the accusations, calling them “idiotic.”
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was named in a federal lawsuit Sunday, alleging that he and fellow music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Filed in the Southern District of New York, the suit initially listed Combs as a defendant but was refiled to include Carter, according to NBC News.
The anonymous accuser, identified as “Jane Doe,” claims the alleged rape occurred at a house party following the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. The lawsuit, brought by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, alleges Doe was lured to the party by a limousine driver who told her she “fit what Diddy was looking for.” After arriving, she claims she was drugged, raped, and left traumatized.
Buzbee declined to comment on the case, according to NBC News.
Carter Denies Allegations
In a statement provided to NBC News, Jay-Z vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “idiotic.” He suggested the accuser pursue criminal charges if the sexual assault claims were genuine.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!” Carter said. He criticized Buzbee’s approach as unprofessional and emphasized his commitment to protecting children.
Carter expressed personal anguish over the situation, noting the impact on his family. “My only heartbreak is for my family… I mourn yet another loss of innocence,” he stated.
Combs Faces Multiple Legal Challenges
Combs’ legal team also denied the claims, dismissing the lawsuit as a “shameless publicity stunt.” In a statement, his representatives expressed confidence in the judicial process, asserting that Combs never engaged in sexual misconduct. The lawsuit comes amid significant legal challenges for Combs, who is facing federal charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. He remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, with his trial scheduled for May 5. Prosecutors have hinted at additional charges in a superseding indictment.
Allegations in Detail
The lawsuit alleged the 13-year-old Jane Doe was dropped off near Radio City Music Hall during the 2000 MTV VMAs, where she sought access to the event or an after-party. A limousine driver reportedly offered her a ride to a party hosted by Combs.
Upon arrival at the party, described as filled with celebrities and drug use, the teen claimed she was given a drink that made her feel disoriented. She alleges Carter and Combs assaulted her in a private room while an unnamed female celebrity watched.
Afterward, Doe said she fled the house and called her father from a gas station.
Seeking Justice
The 13-year-old accuser is seeking unspecified damages under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.
“This lawsuit represents the courage of a survivor seeking accountability,” Buzbee wrote in the filing.
Both Carter and Combs remain adamant in their denials as the high-profile rape case unfolds.
Florida Prosecutor Aims To Clear Records Of Those Charged With Buying Police-Made Crack In 1980s
In 1993, the Florida Supreme Court ruled it was unlawful to charge individuals in cases where the sheriff’s office made crack cocaine and undercover deputies sold it before arrests.
Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor wants to overturn up to 2,600 convictions tied to crack cocaine sales orchestrated by the the county’s Sheriff’s Office during sting operations from 1988 to 1990.
In 1993, the Florida Supreme Court ruled it was unlawful to charge individuals in cases where the sheriff’s office manufactured the crack cocaine and undercover deputies sold it before making arrests, according to The Associated Press.
“It is never too late to do the right thing,” Pryor said in a Dec. 6 press release. “The methods used by law enforcement and society to combat drug dealing in our community have evolved since that era. These records may be a dim memory or an unfortunate part of history to many, but they have had a long-lasting and severe impact on the lives of the people who were arrested—as well as their families and the wider community.”
Pryor also wrote a letter to Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony on Dec. 5 of his intention to clear the records of people who never should have been charged or arrested.
According to the press release, there is no indication that those cases had been formally vacated.
“These matters were well before our tenures. However, I am of the opinion that the State has an ethical duty and obligation to correct this injustice before destruction [of old records] is initiated,” Pryor wrote to Tony, who said he supports Pryor’s initiative.
Ed Hoeg, a defense attorney and former public defender for Leon Williams—whose appeal prompted the Florida Supreme Court to ban the sting operations—revealed that some arrests were constructed to elicit harsher punishments.
“They were arresting people not for selling, but for purchasing, Hoeg told the Sun-Sentinel. “They had detention deputies posing as dealers. They would sell it, and these poor people who were addicts were buying it. And they were selling it within 1,000 feet of schools, so the penalties would be greater.”
According to the press release, Pryor’s office anticipates reviewing the paper files will take a considerable amount of time.
In 2022, the United States Justice Department issued updated guidelines calling for prosecutors to treat crack and powder cocaine as equals when sentencing people for drug-related offenses.
“The crack/powder disparity in sentencing has no basis in science, furthers no law enforcement purposes, and drives unwarranted racial disparities in our criminal justice system,” Attorney General Merrick Garland wrote in the Justice Department memo.
Minneapolis City Council Slammed For Delaying Decision On Creation Of George Floyd Square
Murals of Floyd still remain up on business walls, five years after Floyd's death.
After reports suggested the Minneapolis City Council was considering two proposals for George Floyd Square, a community-run memorial site created after his murder by Minneapolis police, the council voted on Dec. 5 to return the plans to a planning committee.
According to NPR, murals of Floyd still remain up on business walls, five years after Floyd’s death, in contrast to the continual walking back of numerous DEI pledges from corporations that also sprang up in the wake of Floyd’s death.
The wishes of the city, according to their reporting, are to revitalize the area, and to create a new memorial and new city streets in the area, a plan that some in the community-run space, like Dwight Alexander, are behind.
“We want the best for this neighborhood. You know what I’m saying? We want to see the new development. You know, anytime you get something new in the city, everybody will come see it,” Alexander, the co-owner of a barbecue shop in the area, told NPR.
JUST NOW: By an 8-5 vote, the Minneapolis City Council has voted to throw the brakes on a plan to rebuild the streets through George Floyd Square.
They've directed city staff to instead explore building a pedestrian mall at the site of Floyd's murder. pic.twitter.com/hJmgSKwOx6
"Delaying further is unacceptable … We have the opportunity to affirm our residents’ voices and bring to life a space that honors the legacy of George Floyd, uplifts small businesses in the area, and becomes a place of remembrance and healing."
However, another plan, put forth by Councilmember Jason Chavez threatens to stall the city’s desire for progress in the area.
Chavez’s proposal to create a pedestrian plaza closed to traffic has been labeled a “delay” by Andrea Jenkins, the councilmember representing the area where George Floyd Square is located.
“It would take years of community engagement, of designing a pedestrian mall. So it is a delay,” Jenkins told NPR.
She continued, “It completely disregards thousands of hours of community engagement, of staff time, of staff recommendation.”
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey seems to agree with Jenkins’ take on the proposal spearheaded by Chavez.
Although Frey indicated that he could support a pedestrian mall, he said he cannot support what he called the council’s “continuous indecision” and its choices that Frey told the outlet “continues to kick the can down the road” because “We need to make a decision. It’s been years (since Floyd’s police killing).”
In a city council meeting in November, Jenkins, who has long advocated for investment into the area well before Floyd was killed, reiterated her calls for investment.
“It’s really important that we invest in this community to demonstrate that we do recognize the disinvestments that created the conditions that led to that murder, but also to lay a foundation so that we can create a place of social justice,” Jenkins said. “I think this intersection has an opportunity to do just that.”
“This resolution is supporting a pathway forward,” Chavez said. “I am saying that we will be building a pedestrian mall moving forward, but we will also be hearing from community to address the concerns that they have about livability, about housing, about economic development.”
Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the operations officer for Minneapolis, told the outlet that the area does need to incorporate feedback from residents when it is designed.
“George Floyd Square needs to be re-envisioned…both to honor the memory of George Floyd and to really have the area that people live in be vibrant and also respectful of the events of the murder of George Floyd,” Kelliher said.
