‘I just want the truth’: Jay-Z’s 31-year-old ‘son’ wants him to take a DNA test to confirm paternity

A 31-year-old man who claims to be the son of rap legend Jay-Z has made an emotional public plea for the rapper to take a DNA test in an attempt to resolve a paternity dispute that has lasted more than a decade.

Rymir Satterthwaite insists he is not after fame or money, he simply wants clarity about his biological father.

A long struggle for answers

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.comSatterthwaite, whose late mother claimed she conceived him during a brief fling with Jay-Z in 1992, said his only wish was to know the truth. “I really want to get this done,” he said. “I don’t want money. I just want the truth.”

Satterthwaite claims his late mother, Wanda, told him about the alleged affair with Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, before her death in 2019. Wanda claimed the relationship took place when she was 16, and the rapper he was 22 years old.

“If he’s not my father, why can’t he prove me wrong? Go into the courtroom and do what everybody else has to do,” Satterthwaite said. “It could all be done with one simple test.”

The origin of the paternity dispute

According to court documents, Wanda testified under oath that she had a brief encounter with Jay-Z in the fall of 1992 that led to the birth of Satterthwaite in July 1993.

Although protection was reportedly used during the encounter, Wanda later discovered she was pregnant. At the time, she was also in an on-and-off relationship with her high school sweetheart, Robert Graves.

In 2010, Wanda petitioned a Pennsylvania court to order paternity tests for both Graves and Jay-Z. The test conclusively ruled out Graves as the biological father, leaving the rapper as the only potential candidate.

However, Jay-Z has repeatedly denied the allegations and has yet to comply with a court-ordered DNA test.

Legal Obstacles and Alleged Obstructions

Satterthwaite claims that Jay-Z’s legal team used various strategies to avoid dealing with paternity claims in court.

The legal battle officially began with a preliminary hearing in Camden County, New Jersey on August 13, 2012.

At the hearing, Jay-Z’s attorneys argued that Dr. Lillie Coley, who had been Satterthwaite’s legal guardian since 2011, did not have jurisdiction to prosecute the case.

Ultimately, the case was dismissed due to the fact that Satterthwaite was over 18.

However, New Jersey law allows parentage cases to continue until the age of 23, and Satterthwaite continued to pursue legal action.

In November 2023, Satterthwaite filed a new lawsuit alleging fraudulent actions by Jay-Z’s legal team.

The suit alleges constitutional rights violations, sealed court records and obstruction of justice from 2012 to 2023.

The suit also accuses several New Jersey courts and officials of misconduct in their handling of his paternity case.

Emotional toll and public perception

The protracted legal battle took a significant emotional toll on Satterthwaite, who said he faced years of public scrutiny and slander.

“People say I want Jay-Z’s money,” he said. “I would never hate Jay-Z. I respect him for everything he’s done, but this case has brought out the worst in people.”

Satterthwaite vowed to continue his fight for the truth, even if it takes a lifetime.

“I will fight until I’m not here anymore. If it takes 10 more years, another 50, I might take this with me to the grave,” he declared.

A mother’s words

Before her death, Wanda provided an affidavit detailing her claims regarding Jay-Z’s paternity.

Her testimony outlined the alleged circumstances of her relationship with the rapper, adding weight to Satterthwaite’s search for answers.

Despite mounting evidence and public appeals, Jay-Z has remained silent on the matter.

His refusal to commit has only fueled speculation and frustration for Satterthwaite, who continues to push for closure.

“Honestly, I have nothing against him,” Satterthwaite said of Jay-Z.

“I just want to get this over with. This is something that has been affecting my life for years. My mother died in this case and I feel like I have unfinished business.”