Jay-Z has spoken out about the 'false and heinous' accusation that he raped a 13-year-old girl with Diddy.
The 55-year-old American rapper has hit back at a lawsuit which alleges that he and Sean 'Diddy' Combs raped the girl in 2000.
The lawsuit originally only named Combs, but was refiled over the weekend in New York to add Jay-Z.
In the statement, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, dismissed the legal action which was filed by Texas-based lawyer, Tony Buzbee, as a 'blackmail attempt'.
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The statement reads: "My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a 'lawyer' named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle.
"No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!
"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?"
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"These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case."
It continued: "This lawyer, who I have done a bit of research on, seems to have a pattern of these type of theatrics!
"I have no idea how you have come to be such a deplorable human Mr. Buzbee, but I promise you I have seen your kind many times over. I'm more than prepared to deal with your type.
"You claim to be a marine?! Marines are known for their valor, you have neither honor nor dignity."
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Jay-Z, who shares 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy and twins Rumi and Sir, seven, with his wife Beyoncé, went on to say his 'only heartbreak is for [his] family', adding: "My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people.
"I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit."
The statement carried on: "My heart and support goes out to true victims in the world, who have to watch how their life story is dressed in costume for profitability by this ambulance chaser in a cheap suit.
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"You have made a terrible error in judgement thinking that all 'celebrities' are the same. I'm not from your world.
"I'm a young man who made it out of the project of Brooklyn. We don't play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children, you seem to exploit people for personal gain.
"Only your network of conspiracy theorists, fake physics, will believe the idiotic claims you have levied against me that, if not for the seriousness surrounding harm to kids, would be laughable."
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Jay-Z concluded: "I look forward to showing you just how different I am."
Tyla has reached out to Jay-Z's lawyer, Alex Spiro, for further comment.
Diddy, 54, was arrested in September on suspicion of numerous sex crimes, including rape and trafficking.
Combs' attorney said: "Mr Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors.
"He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Rhiannon Ingle