Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is once again confronting long-standing paternity accusations — this time in federal court — and he’s pushing back hard.
In newly filed court documents, the 55-year-old billionaire artist and businessman has asked a judge to dismiss the latest lawsuit filed by 31-year-old Rymir Satterthwaite, calling the claims “fabricated” and part of a “decades-long harassment” campaign.
Satterthwaite, who alleges that Jay-Z is his biological father, filed a new suit on May 6, accusing the rapper of using his fame, influence, and legal power to manipulate the court system and avoid taking a paternity test. The filing asserts that Jay-Z and his lawyers committed fraud across multiple states, denied Satterthwaite access to college funds, and caused emotional and reputational harm.
Satterthwaite’s claims stem from his late mother Wanda Satterthwaite’s alleged brief relationship with Jay-Z in the 1990s, which he says led to his birth. According to him, efforts to prove paternity have been stonewalled for years, despite numerous attempts to pursue legal action. A judge subsequently gave the green light for the case to proceed.
However, Jay-Z’s legal team strongly disputes these allegations. In their response, they explained that multiple courts have already rejected the paternity claims, and Satterthwaite has even been hit with a contempt order for continuing to pursue the matter despite court rulings.
“The fabricated allegations and claims have been addressed — and rejected — in multiple other courts,” Jay-Z’s legal team stated. “[Satterthwaite’s] continued harassment and disregard of those orders has already resulted in a contempt order.”
In this latest lawsuit, Satterthwaite is not seeking back child support, but rather damages for emotional distress, denial of educational opportunities, and alleged misconduct by Jay-Z’s legal team. He also claims to have experienced serious personal harm, including health complications and an incident where his car was shot six times, an allegation not directly tied to Jay-Z in the suit.
Jay-Z’s lawyers said they only became aware of the new filing in June and attempted to request a deadline extension from Satterthwaite’s godmother, who reportedly hung up on them during a call.
Legal observers note that courts often reject repeat litigation when claims have been previously adjudicated or dismissed — a principle known as res judicata. Jay-Z’s team is relying on this to argue that the case has no legal basis and should be thrown out.
This case is the latest chapter in a years-long legal saga that has followed one of the most private and high-profile figures in the music industry. Despite the mounting legal challenges, Jay-Z has never been compelled to take a paternity test — something Satterthwaite continues to demand in the name of closure and justice.
The court has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss, and no trial date has been set.
Stay with us for more updates on this developing case.
