Why is Everyone Afraid of Jay-Z? Here’s the Tea

In response to the lawsuit brought against him and rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z said the attorney made a “terrible error in judgement” thinking all celebrities were the same. Though he was referencing integrity and honor, it’s safe to say he also meant power.

For starters, the Roc Nation mogul, legally named Shawn Carter, has a net worth of $2.5 billion, affording him enough financial flexibility to take on any legal battle. With that being said, Carter is never shy to take that legal action. Just a few months ago, as things intensified in the Combs case, singer Jaguar Wright appeared on Piers Morgan’s “Uncensored” making wild allegations against Carter and his wife, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. She accused the couple of being “nasty people” and claimed she had three victims willing to testify against them, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Almost immediately in response, Carter’s attorney told TMZ he gave Morgan an ultimatum: remove the accusations or the court will order him to do so. Not only did Morgan comply but he also apologized to the Carters. As for Jaguar... we haven’t heard much from her since. This was only one of many instances where people stood no match for Carter’s legal bulls.

In another example, the rapper won a lawsuit filed against his clothing brand after arguing racial bias, per Rolling Stone. He also recently settled a two-year legal battle over the alleged sale of Dame Dash’s stake in 1996 album “Reasonable Doubt,” according to Reuters. Before that, Carter also won a copyright infringement lawsuit claiming he sampled an Egyptian composer for “Big Pimpin’” without permission, Reuters also reported.

Aside from his reputation in the courtroom, Carter also hones power and status from how well connected he is. Through his organizations, Team Roc and The Shawn Carter Foundation, his ties to other big wigs like Michael Rubin,  his journey into major league sports management and consistent use of his resources to stay active in the community and local government initiatives, he’s his network reaches wayyy beyond the music studio. Don’t even get us started on his partners through recordlabel Roc Nation alone.

Jay-Z ain’t just another rich rapper. He’s is powerful - which is why for some, the latest lawsuit against him seems like a long shot.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee refiled a lawsuit on behalf of a plaintiff who alleged she was sexually assaulted by Combs at just 13 years old. The original suit included an unnamed celebrity who was alleged to have taken part in the assault. Buzbee’s refiling identified the celeb as Carter, who has since denied the allegations and reassured the attorney he was nothing to play with.

“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?” Carter said in a statement through Roc Nation. “I’m more than prepared to deal with your type... I look forward to showing you just how different I am.”

Buzbee definitely heard mogul but will he listen, should he listen?  Only time will tell.