Roger Goodell says NFL is aware of allegations vs. Jay-Z: 'But from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing'

LAS COLINAS, Texas — The NFL is aware of allegations against rapper Jay-Z, and the league, which partners with Jay-Z's Roc Nation on music and social justice initiatives, does not plan to change its deal in response to a lawsuit alleging he raped a 13-year-old girl at an awards show after-party in 2000.

“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday afternoon at the league’s annual winter meeting. “We know, obviously, the litigation is happening now. But from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing, including our preparations with the next Super Bowl.”

The civil lawsuit was originally filed in October against Sean “Diddy” Combs, before attorney Tony Buzbee added Jay-Z as a defendant on Sunday.

Jay-Z released a statement that day blasting Buzbee as a “deplorable human” who wants “to exploit people for personal gain” in pursuit of a settlement.

“No sir, it had the opposite effect!” Jay-Z wrote. “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 should commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”

Jay-Z added that Buzbee “seems to have a pattern of these type of theatrics.” Buzbee also represented more than 20 women who sued Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for sexual misconduct.

Producing the halftime show is the most high-profile responsibility on which Jay-Z and the NFL partner. The league hired Roc Nation in 2019 as its live music entertainment strategist, Roc Nation helping to select performers for key acts including the Super Bowl halftime show.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar will perform at this season’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. Beyoncé, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game on Christmas Day.

Roc Nation also works with the NFL on its Inspire Change social justice initiative.

Goodell praised both elements of the partnership.

“On how the relationship is evolving, I think they're getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events that they’ve advised us on, helped us on,” Goodell said. "They’ve been helpful in the social justice area to us.

“They've been great partners.”