Stephen A's Take: Stephen A. comments on the civil lawsuit against rapper/entrepreneur Jay Z

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: Detailed Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Civil Lawsuit Against Jay Z"

Release Date: December 11, 2024

Overview

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the controversial civil lawsuit filed against renowned rapper and entrepreneur Jay Z (Shawn Carter) and Shawn "Diddy" Combs. The lawsuit alleges that Jay Z and Diddy Combs raped a 13-year-old girl over two decades ago during an afterparty following an awards show. Smith offers his personal insights, discusses the legal implications, and reflects on the broader societal impacts of such allegations.

1. Introduction to the Lawsuit

The episode opens with Stephen A. Smith addressing the recent lawsuit filed in the New York Southern District against Jay Z and Diddy Combs. Smith outlines the gravity of the allegations, stating:

• [01:06]: "A new lawsuit this week alleges Jay Z and Shawn Diddy Combs raped a 13-year-old girl more than 20 years ago after an awards show afterparty."

He highlights the concurrent legal troubles of Diddy Combs, who is currently incarcerated on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

2. Response from Jay Z

Smith conveys Jay Z's response to the allegations, emphasizing Jay Z's denial and frustration with the legal process:

• [02:09]: Jay Z is quoted saying, "These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one. Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away."

Smith questions the motives behind filing a civil suit, suggesting it might be an attempt to secure a quick settlement rather than seek truth and justice.

• [02:16]: "His attorneys want a dismissal of the suit or disclosure of the plaintiff's identity."

3. Personal Connection and Defense of Jay Z

Delving deeper, Smith shares his personal relationship with Jay Z, asserting his unwavering belief in Jay Z's character based on 25 years of acquaintance:

• [06:04]: "The Jay Z that I know is the Jay Z that I've seen around teenagers. And he doesn't even want us playing the kind of music we kind of listen to in hip hop."

Smith vehemently defends Jay Z against the allegations, stating:

• [07:00]: "I don't believe he [Jay Z] would be capable of such a thing."

He emphasizes the importance of personal interactions and experiences in shaping his opinion of Jay Z, rather than the accusations made by the plaintiff.

4. Legal Analysis and Broader Implications

Ryan Smith, a legal analyst, joins the conversation to provide a balanced perspective. He discusses the nature of the lawsuit and differentiates it from the current federal charges against Diddy Combs:

• [06:19]: "He has been accused by a plaintiff who's hired a lawyer in pursuit of civil retribution 20 years after the fact. That's not P. Diddy."

Ryan underscores the necessity of evidence in such serious allegations and cautions against forming judgments without concrete proof.

Smith further explores the societal context, linking the case to broader issues of the presumption of innocence and the impact of "woke culture" on due process:

• [07:15]: "When we talked about woke culture, it wasn't just about transgender or other issues... It was also about America being a society that once upon a time presumed you innocent until proven guilty..."

5. The Call for Justice and Open Dialogue

Smith reiterates the importance of justice for alleged victims while also advocating for fair treatment and thorough investigation:

• [08:10]: "Would you not agree these alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case?"

He balances his defense of Jay Z with a recognition of the severity of the allegations, emphasizing that the truth will ultimately prevail through the legal process.

6. Conclusion

Wrapping up the discussion, Stephen A. Smith maintains his stance on Jay Z's innocence based on personal knowledge and requests audiences to await the outcomes of the legal proceedings before forming definitive opinions:

• [13:15]: "But all I'm going to say is, I don't know what happened. I wasn't there. None of you were there... I can't imagine he would be guilty of such a thing."

Smith calls for a respectful and evidence-based approach to the allegations, highlighting the complexity of high-profile legal cases and the importance of separating personal beliefs from judicial outcomes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [01:06]: "A new lawsuit this week alleges Jay Z and Shawn Diddy Combs raped a 13-year-old girl more than 20 years ago after an awards show afterparty."
• [02:09]: "These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one."
• [06:04]: "The Jay Z that I know is the Jay Z that I've seen around teenagers."
• [07:00]: "I don't believe he [Jay Z] would be capable of such a thing."
• [07:15]: "When we talked about woke culture... it was also about America being a society that once upon a time presumed you innocent until proven guilty..."
• [13:15]: "I can't imagine he would be guilty of such a thing."

Final Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith's in-depth analysis offers listeners a personal and nuanced perspective on the serious allegations against Jay Z and Diddy Combs. By intertwining personal anecdotes with legal insights, Smith fosters a dialogue that encourages critical thinking and underscores the importance of due process in high-stakes legal battles.

Transcript

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energyline with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Gotta get started in the world of music and entertainment, where a new lawsuit this week alleges Jay Z and Shawn Diddy combs raped a 13 year old girl more than 20 years ago after an awards show afterparty. The suit was filed in New York Southern District. That's the same jurisdiction currently holding Sean Combs in a federal jail on sex trafficking and racketeering charges until his trial this upcoming spring. As for Jay Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, he's denied the allegations, calling them idiotic to say the least. He went on to say the plaintiff's attorney named Tony Busby tried to blackmail him in a demand letter sent before the suit was actually filed.

[Ryan Smith]

Busby appeared on this show in October.

[Stephen A. Smith]

If y'all would recall, and told us about a number of alleged victims that approached his office. Take a listen to Mr. Busby back then. Are these alleged co conspirators, Are they public figures? Are they well known people in Hollywood, in the music industry? Are they people who worked for P. Diddy Combs? Could you be specific in that regard?

[Tony Busby]

I would say yes to all. All the above. Yeah. People.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes to all of the above.

[Tony Busby]

All the above. People that names that you would know. Some people's names you wouldn't know. But are people that are in management or executive positions, people that were benefiting this culture that was created, people that were there knowing that this was going to happen. People that actually participated.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now, here's a portion of Jay Z's statement issued in the aftermath of news of the suit breaking on Sunday. Quote, these allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one. Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. Would you not agree these alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case? End quote. In addition to the statement, Jay Z didn't stop there on Monday. Yesterday, his legal team asked the judge to deny a request for the plaintiff to remain anonymous. Jay Z's lawyer argued that the accused's decision to file a lawsuit against his client under the name Jane Doe was, quote, inconsistent with a genuine effort to determine the truth or falsity of these allegations as opposed to an effort to procure a quick settlement. His attorneys want a dismissal of the suit or disclosure of the plaintiff's identity. Basically, that's it. Ladies and gentlemen, let me say this, a couple of things. I don't know Sean Diddy Combs. I've met him on a few occasions. I've spoken to him on a few occasions. I don't know whatever truth or falsehood is associated with his name. I haven't cast any guilt or innocence upon Sean Diddy. I simply reported it had. Ryan Smith, legal analyst on one minute, Eli Honink, CNN analyst on another. Ellie, I'm sorry. Ellie Honink, a CNN analyst, on another occasion, dissecting and analyzing the case against Sean Diddy. The reason why I broached that was because his homes were raided in both Los Angeles and Miami by Homeland Security. News had been percolated and it was clearly evident that an indictment would be forthcoming and that clearly they were going to go after Sean Diddy Combs. That is the United States government. Mr. Busby is not that he is a lawyer. I am not going to sit here and dismiss or excoriate Mr. Busby or his client, who's anonymous at this particular moment in time, and the allegations that she has leveled against Jay Z. Here's what I will say. I'm broaching this story right now because we're talking about a friend of mine who is Jay Z, somebody that I've known now for 25 years. And I'm going to state for the record, not calling anybody any names, not challenging Mr. Busby or the accuser, whomever. I'm telling you, I've known this man for 25 years. And I'm saying for me, Stephen A. Smith, there is no way in hell. I believe this about him. The Jay Z that I know is the Jay Z that I've seen around teenagers. And he doesn't even want us playing the kind of music we kind of listen to in hip hop. He made us turn it off. That dude who was in concert in.

[Ryan Smith]

2004, performing alongside R. Kelly, who he grew to dislike a lot, particularly because of the allegations that were leveled against him, who found things like that despicable and abhorrent. Anybody that's been around Jay Z and knows him has seen him come to.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The defense of the most helpless amongst us, which are the children.

[Ryan Smith]

I can't believe for one second that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He would ever be associated with an allegation like this.

[Ryan Smith]

And I felt it was important to bring that up because you got people out there. Stephen A. You had something to say about Diddy. Why aren't you gonna have something to say about Jay Z?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I don't know Diddy. I don't know Diddy.

[Ryan Smith]

I've met him a few times, talked.

[Stephen A. Smith]

To him a few times. Absolutely. But I've known jay Z for 25 years. I don't believe it.

[Ryan Smith]

Now, that's as far as I can go.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Because, again, if you can't provide eyewitness.

[Ryan Smith]

Evidence to refute the allegations that have.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Been levied against anyone, it's irresponsible to.

[Ryan Smith]

Go over the airwaves and go any further than that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It is not irresponsible to point out who a friend of mine is, somebody that I've come to know and love.

[Ryan Smith]

And don't believe for one second would.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Be capable of such a thing. That's not irresponsible. That's love right there. Because of what you know about a person based on your personal interactions with them along with the people that have been around them. I don't believe it.

[Ryan Smith]

And I tell you what also made.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Me comfortable enough to come on the.

[Ryan Smith]

Camera and say this to all of y'all.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That quote that Jay Z gave, put.

[Ryan Smith]

It up there again because I want the audience to see it again. I want to read the quote to you, okay? These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one. Bam. What he's saying is, let's go. Let's go to court. Who is she? I got children at home. Beyonce's my wife. You think I'm gonna let you talk about me like that when I got to explain to my children, your dad is not a rapist? You think that's a conversation that I want. You think I'm gonna let that slide? That's what Jay Z is saying. I have not spoken to him since this is. Since these allegations have come down again.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I was in Dubai, in Abu Dhabi. Not that the phones don't work there.

[Ryan Smith]

I just haven't spoken to him about it. But I'm telling you what my personal belief is.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Rape. First of all, I wouldn't believe that.

[Ryan Smith]

Secondly, a 13 year old.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No.

[Ryan Smith]

And I understand that everybody in this day and age got to be careful about where you go and what I got that I understand it. We weren't eyewitnesses. We can't castigate the accuser. We can look at the. At the lawyer as an ambulance chaser because he's pursuing a civil suit which involves money as opposed to a conviction that'll send you to jail. I get that. But I'll be damned if you could be friends with somebody for over 20 years with a platform like I have and various others have and not at least acknowledge the person that you know and the person that you've been around and the person that you've spoken to that you've come to love. You don't believe is capable of something like that. I don't think that's a crime. It's not a crime to say that now. Again, we'll find out more and the story probably won't go away, but the number one reason I felt comfortable enough to come out and say what I said is because of that quote. Put it up there one last time. These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one. Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. Would you not agree these alleged victims would deserve real justice if that was the case. And then after that, the brother is pursuing her identity. Let's go. It happened more than 20 years ago. Allegedly. You weren't an adult then. You're clearly an adult now. If it happened over 20 years ago, that would leave you in your 30s.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't know.

[Ryan Smith]

I'm saying to you again, the allegation is about what happened to a child.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But that child, once upon a time, allegedly, has now come forward as an adult. I'm a go right or left, whatever way you want to take it. By getting a little bit political here. When you think about the election that has transpired and some of the things that have transpired in our society. When we talked about woke culture, it wasn't just about transgender or other issues involving Whether it's the LGBTQ community or whomever. It was also about America being a society that once upon a time presumed you innocent until proven guilty, and how that has now changed. Careers and livelihoods have been compromised over sheer accusations.

[Ryan Smith]

And so you're going to have people.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Who are salacious enough to point the finger at Jay Z, and then you're going to have others that will go in the opposite direction. But be clear, this ain't P. Diddy. Homeland Security didn't raid Jay Z's home. He wasn't charged with multiple felony accounts that can land him in jail for the rest of his natural life. He has been accused by a plaintiff who's hired a lawyer in pursuit of civil retribution 20 years after the fact. That's not P. Diddy. This is different. And all I'm going to say is, I don't know what happened. I wasn't there. None of you were there, or whatever. But if people can look at this and say, hey, I think he's guilty, then we also have the freedom for some of us to look at it and say, you got to prove that to me. Cause I can't imagine he would be guilty of such a thing. And that's where I'm coming from. Period.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julius Rippinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week, we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.