Legal experts believe it's improbable that rapper Jay-Z will face criminal charges related to the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in 2000 due to the expired statute of limitations. The accusation, part of an amended lawsuit, also names Sean "Diddy" Combs as a defendant, claiming he and another unnamed celebrity witnessed the alleged assault at a VMAs after-party. While the statute of limitations for such a crime has passed, Diddy currently faces separate and unrelated federal charges for sex trafficking and other offenses.

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital that unless newer allegations surface, criminal charges against Jay-Z are unlikely. The statute of limitations for rape in New York was five years at the time of the alleged incident, though it paused if the victim was underage or the perpetrator was out of state. Even though the statute of limitations for rape was removed in New York in 2006, this change isn't retroactive.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has vehemently denied the allegations and challenged the accuser's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, to file a criminal complaint. He views the civil suit as a baseless attempt at extortion. The lawsuit, initially filed in October and refiled in December in New York, details the anonymous accuser's claim that Jay-Z assaulted her while Diddy and an unnamed female celebrity were present.

Defense attorney Oleg Nekritin pointed out the lawsuit's lack of specific details against Jay-Z, noting the accuser's admission that no one else noticed her distress. He suggested that for a criminal case to proceed, corroborating witness testimony or a confession from Jay-Z would be necessary. He also suggested that medical records or other documentation could bolster the civil case.

The lawsuit alleges the 13-year-old was offered a ride to an after-party by a limousine driver claiming to work for Diddy. At the party, she was reportedly made to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The lawsuit then alleges that after having one drink, she sought rest in a bedroom where the alleged assault took place.

Separately, Diddy, whose legal name is Sean Combs, is facing serious legal challenges stemming from a federal indictment on charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. These charges are unrelated to the civil suit involving Jay-Z. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.

Former New York City prosecutor Judie Saunders noted the ongoing nature of the investigation into Diddy's alleged activities, leaving open the possibility of further charges against other individuals. The indictment accuses Diddy of using his various businesses as part of a criminal enterprise involving coercion and abuse.

Resources for sexual assault survivors: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org.