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, won’t affect their professional relationship.
“We’re aware of the civil allegation, and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell said during a press conference in Irving, Texas, according to multiple media outlets. “And we know that obviously litigation is happening now.”
“But from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparation for the next Super Bowl,” he continued in reference to February’s anticipated event in New Orleans, where the halftime show will be headlined by rapper Kendrick Lamar.
The comments arrived three days after Jay-Z, who was born Shawn Carter, was accused in an amended civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2000. Carter vehemently denied the allegation Monday in a statement through Roc Nation.
“These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!” Carter wrote in response to the news. “Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not 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 inked at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
On Wednesday, Goodell praised Roc Nation for assisting the NFL’s social justice initiative, Inspire Change.
“I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” said Goodell, per ESPN. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on so many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”
Roc Nation chooses Super Bowl halftime artists together with the NFL and Apple Music, and previously tapped Rihanna, Usher and The Weeknd as headliners. The company extended its contract with the NFL in October, USA Today reported.
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