Jay-Z’s Relationship With NFL ‘Not Altering’ Amid Rape Declare: Commissioner

The NFL doesn’t presently intend to sever its working relationship with Jay-Z amid current misconduct accusations.

“We’re conscious of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s actually sturdy response to that,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated throughout a Wednesday, December 11, press convention. “We all know the litigation is going on now. From our standpoint, our relationship is just not altering with them, together with our preparations for the following Tremendous Bowl.”

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is among the main sponsors of the Apple Music Halftime Present on the annual Super Bowl matchup. Roc Nation and the NFL initially inked a partnership deal in 2019, extending it earlier this 12 months. (Tremendous Bowl LIX will function a performance from Kendrick Lamar through the February 9, 2025 championship.)

“I believe they’re getting extremely comfy with not simply with the Tremendous Bowl however different occasions they’ve suggested us on and helped us with,” Goodell, 65, added on Wednesday. “They’ve been a giant assist in the social justice space to us on many events. They’ve been nice companions.”

Information broke on Sunday, December 8, that Jay-Z, 55, had been accused of rape in a civil lawsuit. An nameless plaintiff claimed that Jay-Z (actual title Shawn Carter) and Sean “Diddy” Combs raped her in 2000 when she was 13. Each Diddy and Jay-Z denied the “heinous” accusations.

“My spouse and I should sit our youngsters down, considered one of whom is on the age the place her pals will certainly see the press and ask questions concerning the nature of those claims, and clarify the cruelty and greed of individuals,” Jay-Z wrote in a lengthy statement launched on Sunday. “I mourn yet one more lack of innocence. Kids mustn’t should endure such at their younger age. It’s unfair to should attempt to perceive inexplicable levels of malice meant to destroy households and human spirit.”

The subsequent day, Jay-Z filed to dismiss the authorized criticism hours earlier than stepping out with spouse Beyoncé at the world premiere of her movie Mufasa. The movie additionally stars the couple’s 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, who joined them on the crimson carpet alongside Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles. (Jay-Z and Beyoncé, 43, additionally share 8-year-old twins Sir and Rumi.)

A supply exclusively told Us Weekly that Beyoncé doesn’t consider the accusations and is “placing on a courageous face” for her youngsters’ sake.

“She is shifting ahead together with her life, she remains to be dedicated to her scheduled efficiency in two weeks, and can be there for her household as a lot as she will,” the insider stated. “She gained’t let this convey her picture down.”

Beyoncé is subsequent scheduled to headline the halftime show of the upcoming Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans recreation on Christmas Day. The NFL matchup will stream dwell on Netflix.

Should you or somebody has been sexually assaulted, contact the Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).