Busta Rhymes hits back at assault lawsuit from former assistant
Rapper Busta Rhymes has responded to a lawsuit filed by his ex-assistant by branding it “an attempted shake-down”, after the accuser alleged physical assault and abuse.
The lawsuit has been brought about by Dashiel Gables, a former assistant of the rapper, who alleged that he was punched in the face by his boss in January for taking a phone call.
Gables has also accused Busta, real name Trevor Smith, of wage and hour violations, assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Responding to these claims in a statement sent to The Guardian, the rapper said: “I have been made aware of the claims made by Dashiel Gables, and I completely and categorically deny these allegations.”
He continued: “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.”
Smith subsequently revealed that he is in the process of “preparing a countersuit,” before adding that Gables’ accusations were nothing more than “an attempted shake-down by a disgruntled former assistant. Ultimately, I am certain the truth will prevail.”
Gables claimed that he was assaulted by Smith in January after receiving a phone call from his daughter, with the rapper telling him to “stay the fuck off your phone” before punching him. The incident led to him being hospitalised for his injuries, upon which Smith turned himself into the authorities on three charges of assault.
Gables also alleged that he was only paid $200 per day, was never paid overtime, and was subjected to slurs, including homophobic and ableist abuse. Smith denies all the allegations that have been made against him.
Busta Rhymes recently performed at Glastonbury and returns to the UK to headline South Facing in Crystal Palace on August 15th.
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