The hip-hop veteran Busta Rhymes (born Trevor Smith Jr.) has taken a fierce legal stance in the escalating conflict with his ex-assistant, Dashiel Gables. After Gables filed a sweeping lawsuit in August alleging assault, battery, wage violations, and emotional distress, Rhymes has responded with a countersuit accusing him of defamation, false claims, and reputational harm. 

The Original Claims

Gables’ lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of New York, paints a stark picture of his time working for Rhymes. He alleges that in January 2025, an argument over the use of his phone escalated. The complaint says Rhymes yelled, “Stay the f— off your phone,” then punched Gables twice in the face, causing swelling and injury. Gables claims he was hospitalized, filed a police report, and later lost job opportunities in the music industry. 

Gables also alleges a broader pattern: verbal abuse, intimidating demands, wage and hour violations, and a hostile work environment. He says the lawsuit was not just about that single incident, but about systemic misconduct. 

Rhymes turned himself in to authorities in January following the incident, and faced assault charges, which were later sealed. 

Rhymes’ Response & the Countersuit

In his October 2025 countersuit, Rhymes outright denies all claims. He labels Gables’ allegations “false accusations” and accuses him of fabricating incidents with “reckless disregard for the truth.” The countersuit seeks both special and punitive damages, citing the damage done to his reputation and business prospects. 

Rhymes argues that Gables’ statements “knew the statements were false” or acted negligently. He denies ever assaulting or battering Gables, and insists that Gables’ narrative omits exonerating facts. 

He claims that because of Gables’ suit, he’s lost advertising campaigns and other business deals. His legal team also characterizes the original lawsuit as a retaliatory move by a “disgruntled former assistant.”