Jay-Z Speaks Out on Dropped Lawsuit: “I Felt Uncontrollable Anger”

By Alexus Mosley

Photo Credit/Getty Images

Jay-Z is finally speaking out. In a new interview with GQ, the rapper opened up about the 2024 lawsuit that accused him (alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs) of sexually assaulting a minor. The lawsuit was later dropped in February 2025. Still, the impact lingered.

“That whole thing took a lot out of me,” Jay-Z said. “I was angry. I haven’t been that angry in a long time—uncontrollable anger.” He emphasized how serious he views accusations like these, calling them something you should be “super sure” about before putting on someone.

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, also reflected on the personal values he’s carried since his early years. “There was a line: no women, no kids,” he said. “That meant a lot to me.” Throughout the ordeal, he maintained his innocence and leaned on faith. “I knew we were going to get through that because it’s not true,” he said. “The truth still reigns supreme.”

Beyond his own experience, Jay-Z shared that the situation deeply affected his family, especially his children with Beyoncé. “My only heartbreak is for my family,” he previously said, noting the emotional toll of having to explain the allegations to his kids. Now, he’s shifting his mindset.

“2026 is all offense,” he said, signaling a new chapter after what he described as a difficult period.

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