THE NFL is considering scaling back their $125 million, multi-year deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company after the rapper was named in a sickening sexual assault lawsuit.
A well-placed NFL source has told The U.S. Sun that the organization might distance itself from billionaire Jay-Z amid fears of “negative publicity” following the shock revelations over the weekend.
In 2019, his Roc Nation company signed a five-year, $25 million deal following the Colin Kaepernick scandal as Commissioner Roger Goodell desperately needed help with the League’s growing social justice issues.
He also wanted the New York-born superstar to help remodel the Super Bowl halftime show and produce music for use throughout the season.
But following his alleged involvement in a sexual attack on a 13-year-old with the already disgraced Sean ‘Diddy ‘ Combs after the MTV VMAs in 2000, the NFL is apparently weighing up their options.
Rapper Diddy is currently in jail in New York, awaiting a trial next May on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
In recent months, he has faced multiple rape and assault allegations. This, however, is the first time Jay-Z has been publicly linked to any of their close pal Combs’ alleged offenses.
The employee, who spoke to The U.S Sun on the condition of anonymity, says there have already been discussions about using less of his music and possibly removing Jay-Z’s name from communications after the scandal.
The allegations could also cast doubt on wife Beyoncé’s Christmas Day performance between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens during the NFL game.
“If the case goes to court and he is declared guilty, the collaboration with him will be immediately cut off,” the insider predicted.
Per an ESPN report, NFL executives believe Roc Nation has elevated the Super Bowl halftime shows in recent years.
The partnership with Jay-Z has also reportedly helped the league enhance its image of race among fans.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the NFL and Roc Nation but both refused to comment.
The allegations, brought by an unnamed Jane Doe, are part of a federal lawsuit initially filed against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in October and amended on Sunday to include Jay-Z.
The lawsuit accuses Combs of decades of abuse, including molestation, rape, assault, threats, and coercion targeting women and minors.
It also claims Jay-Z, described as Combs’ close friend, witnessed many of these alleged crimes.
Jay-Z has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “blackmail.”
Nevertheless, the 55-year-old’s inclusion in the lawsuit has rocked Roc Nation.
One employee told The U.S. Sun that the news hit the company “like an earthquake,” leaving the workforce “shocked.”
“This is super bad publicity for the company and the group, as sponsors and clients are in the right to ask for clarity on this kind of situation,” he said.
“The justice system will do its job, and hopefully, this story is just a bad storm, and we will move forward.”
The source, however, admitted that many fear for the company’s future—and their own jobs—if Jay-Z is found liable.
He said the rapper, who has been married to Beyonce since 2008, is the “pillar” of the entertainment company founded in the same year.
“This is the hardest moment since I joined,” added the insider, who works in the marketing department and also spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The lawsuit claims that during the party, Jane Doe witnessed widespread drug use, including marijuana and cocaine.
She was reportedly offered a drink by a waitress, which tasted bitter. After consuming it, she felt woozy and lightheaded, prompting her to find an empty bedroom to lie down.
According to the suit, Diddy, Jay-Z, and an unidentified female celebrity referred to as “Celebrity B” entered the room.
Diddy allegedly approached her aggressively, grabbed her, and said, “You are ready to party!”
He then allegedly threw her against a wall and onto the bed.
The suit further claims that Jay-Z removed her clothes and held her down before sexually assaulting her.
Afterward, he allegedly stepped aside, allowing Diddy to assault her as well.
The filing reads: “His [Diddy’s] close friend Shawn Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice.
“Combs and Carter were not simply occasional collaborators in the music industry.
“The two men developed a close friendship that has been well-documented from the late 1990s to the present.”
Jay-Z strongly denied the accusations, calling the lawsuit “blackmail.”
He insisted the allegations were false and expressed being heartbroken for his family.
In a statement to The Sun, he said, “My only heartbreak is for my family.”
“My wife and I will have to explain to our children, especially one at an age where her friends will likely see the press and ask questions about these claims, the cruelty and greed of people.”
The U.S. Sun contacted Jay-Z’s attorney, but is yet to hear back.
