Hip-hop icon dismisses lawsuit as extortion while promising counter-attack
The legendary rapper Busta Rhymes has launched a blistering counteroffensive against his former assistant's shocking lawsuit, categorically rejecting explosive allegations of workplace abuse and wage violations while promising to expose what he calls an elaborate "shake-down" scheme.
The hip-hop icon faces serious legal challenges after Dashiel Gables filed a comprehensive civil complaint on August 4, seeking jury trial on multiple charges including assault, battery, wage violations, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
In an exclusive statement to People magazine, the rapper delivered a scorching denial of all accusations leveled against him by his former employee, who worked under his supervision for what he described as "a very brief period."
"I completely and categorically deny these allegations," Rhymes declared with characteristic intensity. "Apparently, Dashiel has decided to respond to being let go by manufacturing claims against me in an attempt to attack and damage my reputation."
The Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check hitmaker expressed unwavering confidence in his legal position, promising that his forthcoming counter-suit will devastate his accuser's credibility. "I look forward to proving these allegations false," he stated, adding that his legal team's response "will expose this for what it is -- an attempted shake-down by a disgruntled former assistant."
Gables, who also operates under the professional name Divine, has painted a disturbing picture of his employment experience with the Grammy-nominated artist. According to the lawsuit, a violent confrontation erupted in January when Gables attempted to contact his daughter during work hours.
The former assistant claims the rapper exploded with rage, screaming profanity-laden commands to "stay the f*** off your phone" before allegedly delivering punches to his face. Medical records document Gables' subsequent hospital visit for treatment of a severely swollen eye, leading to an official police report.
Following the alleged assault, the artist voluntarily surrendered to authorities and faced assault charges. The incident reportedly triggered Gables' immediate termination, which he claims has effectively destroyed his career prospects within the music industry.
Beyond the physical altercation, Gables has outlined a systematic pattern of workplace harassment throughout his employment. The lawsuit details allegations of regular verbal assaults, with the rapper allegedly "routinely degrading and screaming" at staff members while making "unreasonable and demeaning demands."
The complaint includes particularly damaging accusations of discriminatory behavior, including the alleged use of homophobic slurs, mockery of Gables' hearing impairment, and explicit threats of violence. According to court documents, the artist allegedly threatened to "bloody [his] face" and seek "street justice" against his employee.
Additional allegations paint a toxic workplace environment where the hip-hop legend allegedly spat in employees' faces, physically struck them on the head, and grabbed their clothing during confrontations.
The lawsuit extends beyond personal grievances into complex labor law violations, alleging systematic failures in wage and hour compliance. Gables accuses his former employer of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York Labor Law through improper wage notices, inadequate wage statements, and failure to provide legally required spread-of-hours compensation.
The comprehensive damage claims seek substantial financial remediation including compensatory payments for lost wages and benefits, unpaid minimum wage and overtime compensation, future earnings lost due to industry blacklisting, and additional liquidated damages as prescribed by federal and state labor regulations.
As this legal battle unfolds, the rapper faces potential career-defining consequences that could permanently alter his standing within the entertainment industry. His emphatic denial and promised counter-litigation suggest a prolonged court battle that will scrutinize decades of professional conduct.
With both parties preparing for extensive legal warfare, the hip-hop community watches closely as one of its most iconic figures fights to preserve his legacy against devastating personal and professional accusations that strike at the heart of workplace safety and dignity. The outcome will likely resonate far beyond this individual case, potentially setting precedents for employment practices throughout the music industry.