IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL’s partnership with rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation remains unchanged despite recent civil allegations of rape against him. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday, following the league’s winter meetings, “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that. We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
Earlier this week, a woman who had previously accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of rape during a 2000 awards show after-party—when she was only 13—updated her lawsuit to allege that Jay-Z was also present at the event and participated in the assault. In response, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, characterizes the allegation as an extortion attempt, rejecting it as “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement released by his company, Roc Nation.
Jay-Z has collaborated with the NFL since 2019, spearheading initiatives related to social activism and entertainment. Recently, the league extended this partnership, which includes involvement in some of the NFL’s major events, such as the Super Bowl halftime show. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell remarked. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”
Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on February 9 at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins serving as co-executive producers. Additionally, Beyoncé, Jay-Z’s wife, will perform during halftime at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game on Christmas Day.
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