A rape allegation against rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation collaborates with the NFL on events such as the Super Bowl halftime show, will not alter the league’s relationship with him, according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s strong response to them,” Goodell stated Wednesday following the NFL’s winter meetings. “Litigation is ongoing, but from our perspective, our partnership remains unchanged, including preparations for the upcoming Super Bowl.”
The allegations emerged after a woman, who had previously accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping her at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13, amended her lawsuit to claim that Jay-Z was also involved in the assault.
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “idiotic” and part of an extortion attempt. In a statement from Roc Nation, the 24-time Grammy winner called the claims “heinous” and reaffirmed his innocence.
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The NFL first partnered with Roc Nation in 2019 to enhance its entertainment programming and social justice initiatives. That partnership was recently renewed, underscoring the league’s confidence in the collaboration.
Roc Nation is co-producing the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by Kendrick Lamar, at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9. Additionally, Beyoncé, Jay-Z’s wife, is set to perform during halftime at the Ravens-Texans game on Christmas Day.
“Roc Nation has been an invaluable partner, not only for the Super Bowl but for various events and social justice efforts,” Goodell remarked. “Their contributions have consistently strengthened our initiatives.”
