Busta Rhymes Faces Federal Lawsuit Alleging Workplace Abuse
Former Assistant Claims Assault, Wage Violations
BROOKLYN, NY —Hip-hop star Busta Rhymes is facing a federal lawsuit from his former assistant, who accuses the rapper of physical assault, workplace abuse, and labor law violations.
Dashiel Gables filed the suit on Aug. 4 in the Eastern District of New York, alleging that Rhymes, whose legal name is Trevor Smith Jr., repeatedly screamed at employees, made unreasonable demands, and engaged in physical abuse. The complaint says this included spitting in faces, smacking the backs of heads, and grabbing clothing.
Gables claims the situation escalated in January 2025 when Rhymes allegedly punched him twice in the face after he answered a phone call from his daughter. According to the lawsuit, Rhymes responded to his explanation with an expletive and dismissed the importance of the call.
Gables says the attack left him with a swollen eye, sent him to the hospital, and ended his employment. He later filed a police report, which led to Rhymes’ arrest in Brooklyn on third-degree assault charges. That criminal case was later sealed by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
The suit also alleges that reporting the incident to police led to Gables being “blacklisted” from the music industry.
Additional Allegations of Humiliation
Beyond the assault claims, Gables’ lawsuit describes other incidents of humiliation. In one case, he says Rhymes ordered a previous assistant to unclog a toilet without a plunger, forcing him to do it by hand. Gables says he was later subjected to similar treatment.
He also alleges that Rhymes insulted him, used slurs, and threatened him with “street justice.” The complaint seeks compensatory and liquidated damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and violations of state labor laws, including unpaid overtime and missing wage statements.
Gables’ attorney, Avrohom Gefen, described the lawsuit as an effort to seek “justice for the little guy,” portraying Rhymes as a powerful figure who bullied his client. Gefen says Gables remained in the job out of financial need and fear, but speaking up cost him his career.
Rapper Denies Claims, Plans Countersuit
Rhymes has denied all allegations, calling Gables a “disgruntled” former employee who is fabricating claims.
“I completely and categorically deny these allegations,” Rhymes said in a statement. “For a very brief period, Dashiel assisted me, but it did not work out [...] Apparently, Dashiel has decided to respond to being let go by manufacturing claims against me in an attempt to attack and damage my reputation.”
Rhymes says he is preparing a countersuit that he believes will reveal the lawsuit as an attempted “shake-down.”
The rapper maintains his innocence and says he intends to clear his name in court. Gables is requesting a jury trial.