Stephen A. Smith Defends Jay-Z Against Rape Allegations, Dismisses Comparisons to Diddy

Stephen A. Smith has spoken out in defense of Jay-Z following allegations that the rapper raped and drugged a minor in 2000. On the December 10 episode of his show, Smith dismissed the accusations and addressed comparisons between Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Smith, a long-time friend of Jay-Z, firmly denied the claims, stating, “Anyone who knows Jay-Z has seen him defend the most vulnerable, especially children.” He added, “I can't believe for a second that Jay-Z would be associated with something like this… R*pe? A 13-year-old? No.”

Smith contrasted Jay-Z’s situation with that of Diddy, emphasizing that Jay-Z’s case involves a civil lawsuit filed 20 years after the alleged incident. He pointed out that, unlike Diddy, Jay-Z has not faced criminal charges or a raid by Homeland Security.

“This isn’t Diddy,” Smith said, referencing the disgraced music mogul who is currently in custody facing multiple felony charges.

Although Smith revealed he has not spoken with Jay-Z since the allegations surfaced, he expressed unwavering support, noting their two-decade-long friendship.

Jay-Z has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in a lawsuit that also implicates Diddy, who remains behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center.