Bus-A-Buso is pushing back against a $6 million lawsuit by ex-assistant Dashiel Gables, calling the claims a “shake-down” and preparing a countersuit.
Busta Rhymes is firing back at his former assistant Dashiel Gable after being hit with a federal lawsuit that accuses the Hip-Hop icon of assault and wage theft, calling the legal action an attempted “shake-down.”
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, stems from a January 10 confrontation inside the lobby of Rhymes’ Brooklyn building. Gables claims the altercation escalated when Rhymes allegedly punched him in the face during a dispute over phone use while on the job.
The suit also accuses the rapper of labor violations, emotional distress and unpaid wages. Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith Jr., denied every claim made by Gables and said he plans to countersue.
“I have been made aware of the claims made by Dashiel Gables, and I completely and categorically deny these allegations,” Rhymes said in a statement to AllHipHop. “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.”
Gables’ legal team, which includes Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP and Panzavecchia & Associates, PLLC, held a press conference outside Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn on August 7 to address the lawsuit. His attorneys advised him not to speak publicly to avoid jeopardizing a potential settlement, which they say could reach as high as $7 million.
According to the complaint, Gables was “iced out” of Rhymes’ professional circle following the incident. The lawsuit accuses Rhymes of battery, emotional harm and violating labor laws by failing to pay proper wages.
Rhymes, who recently received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on August 1 and appears in Walmart commercials, turned himself in to authorities after criminal charges were filed earlier this year.
“I look forward to proving these allegations false, and am preparing a countersuit, which I am confident will expose this for what it is—an attempted shake-down by a disgruntled former assistant,” he concluded. ” Ultimately, I am certain the truth will prevail.”
Related
