Busta Rhymes Fires Back at Ex-Assistant Over Assault Lawsuit Allegations

Busta Rhymes Countersues Ex-Assistant for 'Fabricating' Assault Lawsuit Veteran rapper Busta Rhymes has launched a defamation counterclaim against his former assistant, Dashiel Gables, who accused him of physically assaulting him in the lobby of a Brooklyn luxury high-rise last January. The move comes after Gables filed a lawsuit this summer alleging that Rhymes routinely abused employees and assaulted him. According to court documents, Rhymes' attorney, Patrick Butler, claims that Gables fabricated allegations of assault and battery against his client. "Smith did not assault or batter Gables," Butler stated in the counterclaim. "Gables knew the statements were false, or acted with reckless disregard for the truth." Gables had alleged that Rhymes punched him in the face for using his phone on the job. However, Rhymes has maintained that the lawsuit was an attempt by a disgruntled former employee to extort money from him. The incident occurred at the luxury high-rise where Gables worked as Rhymes' personal assistant for roughly six months starting in July 2024. The rapper had called the lawsuit "an attempted shakedown" and vowed to countersue at the time it was filed. In a statement, Butler said that his client is confident that the truth will come out in court. "We look forward to presenting our case and proving that Mr. Gables' allegations are baseless and without merit," he stated. The lawsuit has sparked debate about workplace violence and employee rights. Some have criticized Rhymes for allegedly creating a hostile work environment, while others have defended him as a victim of false accusations. The case is currently pending in federal court, with no trial date set. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment on the matter. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact Rhymes' career and reputation. The rapper has been open about his commitment to social justice causes and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities. In related news, Rhymes is set to perform at several upcoming concerts and events, including a show in Los Angeles next month. His team has released a statement assuring fans that the lawsuit will not affect his performances or touring schedule. The incident highlights the complexities of workplace conflicts and the challenges of navigating allegations of assault and battery. As the case continues to unfold, it is likely to raise important questions about accountability, power dynamics, and the consequences of false accusations. *Reporting by Billboard.*