Jay-Z’s Relationship With the NFL ‘Not Changing’ Amid Rape Allegation

The NFL does not presently intend to sever its working relationship with Jay-Z amid recent misconduct accusations.

“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said during a Wednesday, December 11, press conference. “We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is one of the leading sponsors of the Apple Music Halftime Show at the annual Super Bowl matchup. Roc Nation and the NFL initially inked a partnership deal in 2019, extending it earlier this year. (Super Bowl LIX will feature a performance from Kendrick Lamar during the February 9, 2025 championship.)

“I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell, 65, added on Wednesday. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”

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

“My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people,” Jay-Z wrote in a lengthy statement released on Sunday. “I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.”

The next day, Jay-Z filed to dismiss the legal complaint hours before stepping out with wife Beyoncé at the world premiere of her movie Mufasa. The film also stars the couple’s 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, who joined them on the red carpet alongside Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles. (Jay-Z and Beyoncé, 43, also share 8-year-old twins Sir and Rumi.)

A source exclusively told Us Weekly that Beyoncé doesn’t believe the accusations and is “putting on a brave face” for her kids’ sake.

“She is moving forward with her life, she is still committed to her scheduled performance in two weeks, and will be there for her family as much as she can,” the insider said. “She won’t let this bring her image down.”

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

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).