IRVING, Texas (AP) — A rape accusation against rapper Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation has produced some of the entertainment performances of the NFL, including the Super Bowl halftime show, will not affect the league’s relationship with the music mogul.
PUBLICIDAD
"We are aware of the civil accusations and Jay-Z's very strong response to that," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday after the conclusion of the league's winter meetings. "We know that litigation is now underway. From our perspective, our relationship with them will not change, including our preparations for the upcoming Super Bowl."
PUBLICIDAD
What are the accusations against Jay-Z?
A woman who previously sued Sean "Diddy" Combs, claiming she was raped at a post-awards show party in 2000 when she was 13, amended her lawsuit on Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and took part in the sexual assault.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, said that the rape accusation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The winner of 24 Grammy awards described the accusations as "idiotic" and "atrocious by nature" in a statement released by Roc Nation, one of his companies.
What is the NFL's association with Jay-Z?
The NFL partnered with Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism, particularly to reach out to minorities. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago.
Since Roc Nation took control of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, some of the most prominent figures to appear on the world's biggest stage have been Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, and Usher.
Kendrick Lamar will perform at the Super Bowl on February 9th in New Orleans.
Beyoncé, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at halftime during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans on Christmas.
"I think they are feeling incredibly comfortable not only with the Super Bowl but with other events where they have advised and helped us," Goodell said. "They have been very helpful in the area of social justice for us on many occasions. They have been great partners."