Busta Rhymes’ Ex-Assistant Fights Back Against Lawsuit

It looks like the legal drama between Busta Rhymes and his former assistant, Dashiel Gables, is heating up. After Busta Rhymes filed a defamation lawsuit claiming Gables made false and damaging statements to the media, Gables is now firing back, labeling the rapper’s suit a “retaliatory Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation” (SLAPP).

Assistant Claims Constitutional Rights Violated

Gables’ legal team argues that his previous statements were simply an exercise of his “constitutional right to petition for redress of grievances.” They contend that Busta Rhymes is attempting to punish Gables for speaking out. The defense asserts that “truth is an absolute defense to defamation” and that Gables’ allegations are protected by the First Amendment.

Furthermore, Gables’ team argues that his allegations are matters of public interest, especially since Busta Rhymes is a public figure who employs numerous people. Essentially, Gables is asking the court to dismiss Busta’s defamation case entirely.

The Origin of the Dispute

This legal battle stems from an alleged incident earlier this year. Gables claims Busta Rhymes punched him in the face during an argument at the rapper’s Brooklyn residence over Gables’ use of his phone while on the job. Following the alleged altercation, Gables reported the incident to the police, and Busta Rhymes subsequently turned himself in to authorities.

Busta Rhymes has denied the assault charge. Meanwhile, Gables has filed his own lawsuit against the rapper, seeking between six and seven million dollars in damages. His suit includes claims of alleged assault, battery, wage theft, and infliction of emotional distress.

Recent Music and Tributes

Amidst this legal turmoil, Busta Rhymes recently released a new track titled “Magic.” This song serves as an emotional tribute to the late singer D’Angelo, who passed away from pancreatic cancer last month. In the track, Busta praises D’Angelo as an artist who “never needed a co-sign” and deeply “touched the souls of the people.”