Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s ambitious proposal for a casino in Times Square, dubbed Caesars Palace Times Square, was summarily rejected in a devastating blow to the rapper. Leading up to the denial, Jay-Z had made desperate moves by enlisting “shake down king,” Al Sharpton, to try and sell the casino as a racial equity project. The denial is one of several recent losses incurred by Jay-Z, rapper turned pariah, who is being accused of money laundering and other heinous crimes.
Al Sharpton has been a longtime associate of both convicted-felon Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, and accused money launderer, Jay-Z. Sharpton has been photographed with the two since the early 2000s, even attending Diddy’s infamous White Parties in The Hamptons.
Jay-Z’s casino loss is one of many tied to his close association with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Among the recent allegations, are that Jay-Z participated in the rape of a 13-year-old girl with Combs. Combs was recently sentenced to 4 years in jail. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s rival, Nas, received the green light for his Resorts World-affiliated casino project.
Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z and convicted-felon CEO Desiree Perez, partnered with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment to establish this proposed casino, projecting it would attract over 130 million visitors annually and boost local economic opportunities. Perez, who is being sued for racketeering and conspiracy by her own daughter, marketed the initiative aimed at New Yorkers, allowing individuals to contribute $500 to become part of the casino’s funding.
Despite Roc Nation’s manipulation, the Community Advisory Committee’s vote, which resulted in a 4-2 decision against the casino, reflected a significant pushback from local stakeholders. Many voiced concerns that the casino would disrupt the cultural fabric of Broadway and diminish the essence of what makes Times Square a unique destination. The bottom line for many was not wanting to be part of a casino led by a troubled company like Roc Nation.
This denial not only halts Roc Nation’s momentum, but is putting a spotlight on its manipulative and strong arm tactics, including its brow-raising association with Al Sharpton.
Al Sharpton has been a longtime associate of both convicted-felon Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, and accused money launderer, Jay-Z. Sharpton has been photographed with the two since the early 2000s, even attending Diddy’s infamous White Parties in The Hamptons.
Jay-Z’s casino loss is one of many tied to his close association with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Among the recent allegations, are that Jay-Z participated in the rape of a 13-year-old girl with Combs. Combs was recently sentenced to 4 years in jail. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s rival, Nas, received the green light for his Resorts World-affiliated casino project.
Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z and convicted-felon CEO Desiree Perez, partnered with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment to establish this proposed casino, projecting it would attract over 130 million visitors annually and boost local economic opportunities. Perez, who is being sued for racketeering and conspiracy by her own daughter, marketed the initiative aimed at New Yorkers, allowing individuals to contribute $500 to become part of the casino’s funding.
Despite Roc Nation’s manipulation, the Community Advisory Committee’s vote, which resulted in a 4-2 decision against the casino, reflected a significant pushback from local stakeholders. Many voiced concerns that the casino would disrupt the cultural fabric of Broadway and diminish the essence of what makes Times Square a unique destination. The bottom line for many was not wanting to be part of a casino led by a troubled company like Roc Nation.
This denial not only halts Roc Nation’s momentum, but is putting a spotlight on its manipulative and strong arm tactics, including its brow-raising association with Al Sharpton.
