NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that the recent rape allegation against Jay-Z, whose entertainment company Roc Nation has produced the Super Bowl halftime show since 2019, will not affect their professional relationship.
“We are aware of the civil allegation and Jay-Z’s very strong response to it,” Goodell said this during a press conference in Irving, Texas, according to several media channels. “And we know that there are clearly lawsuits going on right now.”
“But from our standpoint, our relationship with them doesn’t change, including our preparation for the next Super Bowl,” he continued, referring to the expected event in New Orleans in February, where the halftime show will be headlined by rapper Kendrick Lamar.
The comments came three days after Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, was accused in an amended civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl along with Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2000. Carter strongly denied the allegation in a statement Monday . via Roc Nation.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil complaint!” Carter wrote in response to the news. “Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked up, don’t you agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
His company formed a long-term partnership with the NFL in 2019, prompting criticism from social justice activists who cited the league’s controversial history with former player Colin Kaepernick, as the deal was signed at the height of the Black Lives Matter -movement.
Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
On Wednesday, Goodell praised Roc Nation for its support of the NFL’s social justice initiative, Inspire Change.
“I think they feel incredibly comfortable, not just with the Super Bowl, but with other events that they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell said, per ESPN. “They have been a great help to us so many times in the field of social justice. They have been great partners.”
Roc nation chooses Super Bowl halftime artists have collaborated with the NFL and Apple Music, previously tapping Rihanna, Usher and The Weeknd as headliners. The company extended its contract with the NFL in October. USA today reported.
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