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Jay-Z’s Defamation and Extortion Lawsuit Against Tony Buzbee Thrown Out in L.A. Court
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUN 30 – Judge Mark Epstein ruled that Tony Buzbee's demand letters were lawful settlement negotiations, not extortion, and Jay-Z failed to prove actual malice in defamation claims, with an appeal planned.
- Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark Epstein dismissed Jay-Z's defamation and extortion lawsuit against Tony Buzbee on June 30, 2025, in Los Angeles court.
- The dismissal followed Judge Epstein's finding that Jay-Z failed to meet the 'actual malice' standard and that Buzbee's demand letters did not constitute extortion.
- The ruling, based on a 65-page order, noted that key evidence from private investigators about Doe’s recantation was inadmissible, which significantly affected the verdict.
- Jay-Z’s attorney Alex Spiro expressed surprise and disappointment, calling the ruling a misapplication of California law, and Jay-Z filed an appeal on July 1, 2025.
- The court’s decision invites further review by the Court of Appeal, meaning the lawsuit may proceed if the appeal succeeds, reflecting ongoing legal contention between the parties.
19 Articles
19 Articles
The Source |Jay-Z's Defamation Lawsuit Against Attorney Tony Buzbee Dismissed
A defamation and extortion lawsuit filed by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter against Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee has been dismissed by a Superior Court judge on First Amendment grounds. The ruling comes… The post Jay-Z’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Attorney Tony Buzbee Dismissed appeared first on .
Judge dismisses Jay-Z’s defamation lawsuit against Houston attorney Tony Buzbee
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has filed an appeal to the California judge's ruling. Carter filed the lawsuit in November, just a few weeks before Buzbee filed a federal lawsuit in New York accusing Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old in 2000. That case was dismissed in February after the alleged victim withdrew her lawsuit.
Judge Tosses Jay-Z’s Defamation & Extortion Suit Against Attorney Tony Buzbee
A judge has thrown out Jay-Z’s extortion and defamation lawsuit against Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee, who filed r*pe allegations against the rapper. Buzbee’s client alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs raped her when she was just 13 years old at an after-party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Jay-Z denied those allegations, and the lawsuit was subsequently dismissed; however, he then sued Buzbee for extortion and defamation.…
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