50 Cent has expressed his support for the NFL’s decision to stand by JAY-Z during the ongoing sexual assault lawsuit against him. Despite lighthearted jabs directed at Hov since the lawsuit surfaced earlier this week, 50 Cent labeled the NFL’s commitment to their partnership with Roc Nation as “good news.”
In an Instagram post featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, 50 Cent wrote, “This good news the NFL is gonna hold it down [football emoji]. Super Bowl is gonna be popping.”
Goodell addressed the lawsuit during a press conference on December 11, stating, “We’re aware of the civil allegations and JAY-Z’s really strong response to that. We know the litigation is happening now, so from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
He further noted the positive impact of Roc Nation on the league, saying, “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. They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”
Just two months ago, the NFL renewed its partnership with JAY-Z and Roc Nation, with Goodell describing it as “a mutually positive relationship.” The initial deal, made in 2019, was valued at $25 million over five years, although the specifics of the recent extension remain undisclosed.
The lawsuit against JAY-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, alleges that he sexually assaulted a teenager at an afterparty following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Initially filed in October with Diddy named as a defendant and JAY-Z referred to as “Celebrity A,” the suit was refiled on December 8, officially naming JAY-Z.
In a rare public statement, Roc Nation vehemently denied the allegations, with JAY-Z referring to the plaintiff’s lawyer as a “fraud” and claiming that he attempted to “blackmail” him.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
