Busta Rhymes denies assault and workplace abuse allegations from his former assistant, Dashiel Gables, and files a defamation countersuit over reputational harm and loss of ad deals.
October 13, 2025
Source:
Billboard
Legal Claims and Countersuits
Busta Rhymes, real name Trevor Smith Jr., is publicly denying allegations of physical assault and workplace abuse made by his former assistant, Dashiel Gables. Gables claims that between July 2024 and January 2025, he was subjected to a hostile work environment, wage violations, verbal harassment, and was physically assaulted after a dispute over food delivery and texting his daughter on the job. According to reports, Gables filed a police report, sought medical attention, and stated he was blacklisted in the industry following the incident (LA Times).
Gables' Allegations
Punched in the face by Busta Rhymes in January 2025
Verbal harassment and unpaid overtime
Wage and hour violations
Claims of being forced to perform demeaning tasks
Gables is seeking USD 6–7 million in damages.
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Source:
Yahoo / Rolling Stone
Busta Rhymes’ Response and Countersuit
Rhymes categorically denies all wrongdoing. His legal counsel describes the allegations as "manufactured" and motivated by Gables' firing. In the countersuit, Rhymes alleges defamation on the grounds that Gables' claims are "knowingly false" and have led to the loss of at least two advertising deals and broader reputational damage (AllHipHop).
Key Points of the Countersuit
Rhymes denies any physical altercation took place
Asserts Gables was not an employee under labor law definitions
Claims all payments and conditions met appropriate standards
Seeks compensatory and punitive damages, legal costs, and a public retraction
Rhymes' filing accuses Gables of "actual malice" in making public statements about the alleged incident.
Read More
Source:
Yahoo News UK / People
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