Carmen Bryan, a former music industry executive, has sued rapper and podcast host N.O.R.E., accusing him of sexually assaulting her at a Manhattan nightclub more than 25 years ago.
Bryan filed the civil lawsuit Wednesday against N.O.R.E., whose legal name is Victor Santiago Jr. The complaint alleges Santiago assaulted Bryan in May 1999 while he was promoting his album “Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler.” The allegations have not been proven in court.
According to the lawsuit, Bryan was working at the time as a finance officer for Rush Management, an affiliate of Def Jam Recordings. She alleges Santiago approached her while intoxicated, grabbed her without consent, and digitally penetrated her inside the nightclub.
Bryan says she repeatedly told Santiago to stop and that people nearby eventually intervened and pulled him away. The complaint says she left the club crying and that Santiago followed her outside, later recognizing her and apologizing. Bryan was known in hip-hop circles through her relationship with rapper Nas, with whom she shares a daughter.
The lawsuit alleges Santiago apologized again several weeks later at a private gathering.
Bryan says she did not publicly disclose the alleged assault for decades because of the culture of the music industry and concerns about the repercussions of accusing a successful male artist.
The complaint says memories of the alleged assault resurfaced after singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a 2023 lawsuit accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs of abuse. Ventura’s lawsuit was settled shortly after it was filed.
Bryan says she later experienced flashbacks and had trouble sleeping and eating and went into therapy.
The lawsuit says Bryan notified Santiago of her claims in March and attempted to reach a private settlement before filing suit. According to the complaint, Santiago denied knowing her.
The case was brought under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, which provides a temporary window for certain previously time-barred civil claims.
Bryan is seeking unspecified damages for emotional distress and other alleged harm.
N.O.R.E. rose to prominence as half of the rap duo Capone-N-Noreaga before launching a solo career. He later became a prominent hip-hop media figure as co-host of the “Drink Champs” podcast.
