Busta Rhymes is firing back at his former assistant Dashiel Gables, filing a defamation counterclaim after being accused of physical assault and workplace harassment earlier this year.
According to Billboard, the 53-year-old rapper — whose real name is Trevor Smith — claims that Gables’ lawsuit has severely damaged his reputation, causing him to lose two major advertising campaigns and suffer public humiliation and embarrassment.
In the counterclaim, Busta’s attorney Patrick Butler denied all allegations, stating:
“Smith did not assault or batter Gables. Gables knew the statements were false, or acted with reckless disregard for the truth — including by fabricating allegations of criminal conduct and violence, omitting exculpatory facts, and deliberately ignoring contrary evidence.”
The filing argues that Gables’ accusations were knowingly false and intended to harm Busta’s public image and career.
Gables’ Original Allegations
Earlier this year, Gables sued Busta Rhymes for assault, discrimination, and creating a hostile work environment. In his complaint, he alleged that the rapper punched him in the face, resulting in a swollen eye, and later fired and blackballed him from future employment opportunities.
Gables also claimed that Busta spit at employees, smacked them on the back of the head, and grabbed their clothes during outbursts. Additionally, he accused the rapper of using homophobic slurs, mocking his hearing impairment, and threatening to “bloody [his] face.”
“Defendants constructively terminated plaintiff’s employment by repeatedly punching him in the face,” Gables’ filing stated.
He said he was hospitalized following the alleged assault and later filed a police report. Busta Rhymes eventually turned himself in and faced three misdemeanor assault charges.
Busta Rhymes’ Response
Through his legal team, Busta insists that the claims are completely false and that Gables’ lawsuit was an attempt to “extort and exploit” the artist’s celebrity status. The counterclaim seeks damages for the financial losses tied to the canceled endorsement deals and for the emotional and reputational harm caused by the accusations.
As the case moves forward, the legal battle highlights the growing number of disputes between artists and former employees — where allegations of abuse, misconduct, and defamation often collide in court.
Neither side has commented publicly on the ongoing proceedings, but Busta’s counterclaim makes one thing clear: he’s fighting to clear his name.
