Rapper and business mogul Jay-Z has been accused in a refiled civil lawsuit of drugging and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at an afterparty in 2000, an allegation he has vehemently denied, calling it a “blackmail attempt.”
The accuser, identified in court filings as Jane Doe, alleges that the assault occurred after the MTV Video Music Awards and initially filed her claim against Sean “Diddy” Combs in October. The original lawsuit accused Diddy, an unnamed male celebrity, and another female of orchestrating the assault. The amended filing now identifies Jay-Z as the second alleged perpetrator.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, responded with a statement categorically denying the claims. “My only heartbreak is for my family,” Carter said. “My wife and I will have to sit with our children to explain the malice and greed that drive such baseless allegations.” He vowed to “expose [the accuser] for the fraud” he claims the lawsuit represents.
The lawsuit is part of a growing number of legal challenges facing Diddy, who was arrested and charged with racketeering and sex trafficking earlier this year. Combs is also confronting multiple sexual assault allegations in separate lawsuits, all of which he has denied.
TMZ reported on the new developments, while Jay-Z’s representatives have not issued further comments. Diddy’s legal team has yet to respond to the updated filing.
The refiled lawsuit brings new scrutiny to both music industry icons, with potential implications for their careers and reputations.
Burkina Faso’s military government appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as prime minister Saturday, one day after dissolving the previous government and dismissing Premier Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela without explanation.
Ouedraogo, who served as communication minister and government spokesman in the dissolved cabinet, takes leadership following the unexpected reorganization by junta leader Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in September 2022.
The military government provided no reason for removing Tambela, who had served as interim prime minister since Traore’s coup. The shake-up represents the latest political shift in the West African nation under military rule.
Hamas released a video Saturday purporting to show Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker in captivity, as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure the release of approximately 100 captives still held in Gaza.
The footage shows a man identifying himself as Zangauker, 24, appealing to Israeli leaders to negotiate a deal for the hostages’ return. The Hostage Families Forum called it “proof of life” and evidence that “after more than 420 days in captivity, there are hostages still alive and enduring severe suffering.”
Israeli officials have typically dismissed such videos as psychological propaganda, though momentum for negotiations has increased following Israel’s recent ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Qatar and other mediating countries see potential for a deal exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy has traveled to Qatar and Israel to advance the president-elect’s push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release before his January 20 inauguration, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
The video’s release comes as the conflict enters its fifteenth month, with Hamas periodically releasing similar footage of captives throughout the war.
Syrian opposition forces stormed Iran’s embassy in Damascus Sunday following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Iranian state television reported, marking another dramatic development in Syria’s rapidly changing political landscape.
“It is said that the Iranian embassy was stormed alongside nearby stores by an armed group different from the group now controlling [most of] Syria,” Iranian state TV reported, distinguishing the attackers from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main rebel force that led recent advances across western Syria.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed Iranian diplomats had evacuated the embassy early Sunday before any assault occurred. Al Arabiya broadcast footage showing damaged windows and ransacked offices with scattered documents and furniture inside the diplomatic compound.
Iran’s state media reported that HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda until leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani broke ties in 2016, had provided guarantees protecting the Sayeda Zeinab and Sayeda Ruqqaya shrines in Damascus.
These sites, particularly venerated by Shia Muslims, have been crucial rallying points for Iran-backed militias during Syria’s civil war. Iran’s Tasnim news agency confirmed shrine staff had returned to Iran before Damascus fell to opposition forces.
Notre-Dame Cathedral officially reopened Saturday in a grand ceremony marked by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s three symbolic knocks on its ancient doors with a staff carved from fire-scorched beams, signaling the historic landmark’s resurrection after the devastating 2019 blaze.
The ceremony, beginning at 7 p.m. local time, drew an impressive array of world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Tech billionaire Elon Musk made a surprise appearance, posting “Magnificat Cathedrale” on X with footage of the restored vaulted roof.
A highlight of the reopening was the first performance of the cathedral’s grand organ since the fire. The restored instrument, featuring 7,952 pipes and a newly renovated console with five keyboards, thundered through the cathedral after Archbishop Ulrich commanded, “Awaken organ, sacred instrument.”
Paris firefighters received a standing ovation during the ceremony, with the word “Merci” projected on the cathedral’s facade in recognition of their crucial role in saving the 12th-century landmark in 2019. “We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility and will,” Macron said in his address, praising the restoration as proof that “great nations can achieve the impossible.”
The Pope, though absent, sent a message urging free entry for visitors, weighing into a debate over potential admission charges. The Notre-Dame cathedral will hold its first Mass in the restored building Sunday at 10:30 a.m. local time.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ruling party announced Sunday it had “effectively obtained” his promise to step down, despite surviving an impeachment vote over his brief imposition of martial law that sent troops to parliament.
South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, center, arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 15 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
The People Power Party (PPP) leadership revealed the agreement came in exchange for blocking the impeachment motion Saturday night. “Through the orderly early resignation of the president, we will minimise the confusion to South Korea and its people, stably resolve the political situation and recover liberal democracy,” PPP leader Han Dong-hoon declared after meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
Massive protests continued Saturday, with police estimating 150,000 demonstrators gathered outside parliament, while organizers claimed one million attended. “Even though we didn’t get the outcome we wanted today, I am neither discouraged nor disappointed because we will get it eventually,” said protester Jo Ah-gyeong, 30.
Police investigations into alleged insurrection intensified with Sunday’s arrest of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned Wednesday. Documents revealed security forces had prepared to “drag out” lawmakers, with a purported arrest list targeting opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and other prominent figures.
The crisis erupted Tuesday when Yoon imposed martial law, claiming to protect South Korea from “North Korea’s communist forces.” Military helicopters landed on parliament’s roof as 300 soldiers attempted to seize the building, but were repelled by staff using furniture and fire extinguishers.
“This is a country we’ve spent our entire lives building,” said Shin Jae-hyung, 66, a democracy activist who endured torture in the 1970s and 80s, highlighting the echoes of South Korea’s authoritarian past.
Former Syrian President Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum, Russian state news agencies Tass and RIA reported Sunday, citing an unidentified Kremlin source, as his family’s 50-year rule ended amid a stunning rebel victory in Damascus.
The reports emerged as Syrians flooded Damascus streets in celebration, with crowds gathering at the historic Umayyad Square and other locations across the capital. RIA reported Moscow had secured guarantees from Syrian insurgents regarding the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic facilities in Syria.
Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who has renounced his former al-Qaida ties, made his first public appearance at the Umayyad Mosque, calling Assad’s fall “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Using his given name Ahmad al-Sharaa, he accused Assad of making Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.”
“It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up,” said opposition fighter Abu Laith, describing how rebels were welcomed into Damascus “with love.” Scenes of celebration recalled the early Arab Spring, with people waving pre-Assad Syrian flags and honking car horns while others entered the abandoned presidential palace.
The rebels moved quickly to establish order, announcing a nighttime curfew and posting guards at government buildings. At the Justice Ministry, Judge Khitam Haddad said forces were protecting official documents from chaos. Commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state television to reassure minorities, declaring “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.”
Russia has requested an emergency UN Security Council session to discuss the rapidly evolving situation, according to Russia’s UN deputy representative Dmitry Polyansky.
Chelsea emerged victorious from a pulsating seven-goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Sunday, as Cole Palmer’s brace from the penalty spot helped the Blues overcome an early two-goal deficit to triumph 4-3.
Tottenham appeared in control after Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski struck within the opening 11 minutes, taking advantage of Marc Cucurella’s footing issues on the slick surface. However, Jadon Sancho’s 18th-minute response sparked Chelsea’s comeback.
Palmer, who earned man of the match honors, transformed the game in the second half. The 22-year-old England international converted penalties in the 59th and 83rd minutes while also setting up Enzo Fernandez’s 74th-minute strike that gave Chelsea their first lead.
“Palmer, as has often been the case, was Chelsea’s star of the show,” match observers noted of his performance, which included four successful dribbles and four shots alongside his two goals and assist. The former Manchester City youngster’s composure from the spot proved decisive after Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr committed fouls in their own box.
Son Heung-min’s 97th-minute goal created late tension but couldn’t prevent Chelsea’s fifth consecutive victory in all competitions. The result moved the Blues to second place, four points behind Liverpool, while Tottenham remained 11th after their seventh league defeat.
Arsenal saw their Premier League title hopes take another hit Sunday as a late winner from Bukayo Saka was ruled out by VAR in a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, leaving the Gunners potentially nine points adrift of Liverpool should the leaders win their game in hand.
William Saliba’s second-half equalizer from a corner canceled out Raul Jimenez’s surprise opener for Fulham, but Arsenal’s apparent 88th-minute breakthrough was denied when Gabriel Martinelli was judged offside in the build-up to Saka’s header.
The Gunners dominated possession with 67% of the ball and outshot their hosts 12-2, but struggled to break down Marco Silva’s well-organized Fulham side. Declan Rice delivered a masterclass in midfield, completing 98% of his passes and creating three chances, though his excellence wasn’t enough to secure victory.
“Even Arsenal’s trusty set-pieces were failing them in the first half, but only until the early period of the second 45, where Saliba just about kept himself onside to lash in his second corner goal from as many matches,” noted match observers, as Arsenal’s set-piece prowess finally paid dividends.
The result leaves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, who can extend their advantage with their game in hand. Fulham sit 10th, within reach of European places, as they prepare for a visit to league leaders Liverpool next weekend. Arsenal face Monaco in Champions League action Wednesday before hosting Everton in the Premier League.
In an exclusive interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” President-elect Donald Trump unveiled sweeping plans to reshape domestic and foreign policy as soon as he takes office on January 20. Trump pledged to issue pardons for individuals convicted in connection to the January 6 Capitol attack, impose tariffs on major trading partners, and initiate a large-scale deportation effort targeting millions of undocumented immigrants.
Speaking with “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker from Trump Tower in Manhattan, the president-elect detailed several key priorities for his second term, including measures on immigration, tax cuts, and government spending. Trump also expressed a willingness to collaborate with Democrats on issues such as a legislative solution for Dreamers—individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
“We’re going to have to do something with them,” Trump said, praising Dreamers who have achieved professional success and contributed to the economy.
Immigration at the Forefront
Immigration policy remains central to Trump’s agenda, with promises of mass deportations starting with individuals convicted of crimes and potentially expanding beyond. When pressed on the fate of mixed-status families, Trump emphasized that families would not be separated, suggesting they would face deportation together.
“We’re starting with the criminals,” Trump stated. “But we’re going to see how it goes.”
Trump also reiterated his intent to end birthright citizenship, a move likely to face significant legal and constitutional challenges. He left open the possibility of amending the Constitution to achieve this goal, adding, “We’ll maybe have to go back to the people.”
Economic Plans and Tax Cuts
Trump outlined a continuation of tax cuts introduced during his first term and affirmed his opposition to raising the eligibility age for Social Security and Medicare, distancing himself from calls for entitlement reform. “I won’t do it,” he said.
On trade, Trump pledged to impose tariffs on imports, though he acknowledged the potential impact on American consumers. “I can’t guarantee American families won’t pay more,” he admitted, adding, “I can’t guarantee tomorrow.”
Jan. 6 Pardons and DOJ Autonomy
Trump declared that pardons for those convicted in connection to the January 6 attack would be among his first actions as president. Describing the treatment of rioters in prison as overly harsh, he said, “These people are living in hell.”
However, when asked if he would direct the Department of Justice to pursue his political adversaries, Trump struck a more measured tone. “I’m not looking to go back into the past. Retribution will be through success,” he said.
Trump has nominated allies Pam Bondi and Kash Patel for top law enforcement roles, emphasizing their autonomy in executing the law.
Foreign Policy Priorities
Turning to foreign affairs, Trump discussed the war in Ukraine, suggesting the country may see reduced military aid from the U.S. under his administration. He also expressed doubts about NATO’s future, contingent on member countries meeting financial obligations.
“If they pay their bills, absolutely,” Trump said of maintaining the U.S. role in the alliance.
Later Friday, Trump traveled to Paris to attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss efforts toward a “just peace” in Ukraine.
A New Inaugural Vision
Reflecting on the tone of his upcoming inaugural address, Trump promised a message of unity, a sharp contrast to his 2017 speech that warned of “American carnage.”
“This time, it’s going to be a message of unity,” Trump said. When asked directly, he assured, “No American carnage, no.”
Trump also addressed his critics, pledging to govern inclusively. “I’m going to treat you every bit as well as I have treated the greatest MAGA supporters,” he said.
