Rapper and music industry mogul Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was accused late on Sunday of raping a 13-year-old with his disgraced contemporary Sean Combs, also known as Diddy.

What do we know about the accusations against Jay-Z?

A lawsuit, originally filed in Texas in October, alleged that Combs had assaulted the girl at a party in September 2000 following the MTV Video Music Awards.

Now the lawsuit has been amended to include Carter.

"Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor. Many others were present at the after party, but did nothing to stop the assault," the complaint reads.

"Carter has been with Combs during many such instances described herein. Both perpetrators must face justice."

The complaint goes on to suggest that Carter had actually already been named in the suit as "Celebrity A" and accused him of trying to file a "frivolous" countersuit.

Carter: Charges are 'idiotic'

In a statement to US news outlet NBC, Carter called the charges "idiotic." He added: "These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?"

It is famously difficult to get a criminal conviction in a sexual assault case, especially if a long period of time has passed. 

Carter called the Texas-based attorney representing the alleged victim, Tony Buzbee, a "deplorable human" who was trying to make a name for himself.

Sean Combs is accused of numerous crimes including beating his former partner and sex trafficking. His criminal trial is due to start in May 2025.

es/rm (AFP, Reuters)