Busta Rhymes is demanding payback from his former assistant after being accused of assault.
Back in January, the rapper was questioned by NYPD officers following claims that he punched his then-assistant, Dashiel Gables, in the face for using his phone during work hours. When Gables later announced plans to sue Busta in August, the “Break Ya Neck” rapper — whose real name is Trevor Smith Jr. — fired back, accusing his ex-employee of extortion and vowing to countersue.
As of Tuesday (October 14), Busta officially followed through, filing a countersuit in New York federal court and firmly denying the accusations in Gables’ lawsuit. Gables had worked as his assistant from July 2024 to January 2025.
According to court documents obtained by Complex, Busta’s legal team refuted claims that he assaulted or threatened Gables, arguing that the former assistant made statements showing “reckless disregard for the truth.”
The filing also states that the rapper has suffered financial losses, reputational harm within the music industry, and significant humiliation and embarrassment as a result of the allegations. Busta is now seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as coverage for attorney’s fees and related costs.
Gables, who is seeking between $6 and $7 million in damages, claims he required medical treatment following the alleged altercation. Busta Rhymes was subsequently charged with third-degree assault.
“I have been made aware of the claims made by Dashiel Gables, and I completely and categorically deny these allegations,” Busta said in a statement back in August. “For a very brief period, Dashiel assisted me, but it didn’t work out. Apparently, Dashiel has chosen to respond to being let go by fabricating claims against me in an attempt to attack and damage my reputation.”
