Busta Rhymes Fiercely Denies Former Assistant’s Explosive Allegations of Verbal and Physical Assault

1. The Background

On August 4, 2025, former personal assistant Dashiel Gables — also known by the name Divine — filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In the civil complaint, Gables accused rapper Busta Rhymes (real name Trevor Smith Jr.) of physical assault, verbal abuse, labor law violations, and intentional infliction of emotional distress

The filing immediately grabbed headlines across the entertainment world, given Busta Rhymes’ iconic status in hip-hop and his recent high-profile appearances — including his induction on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2. The Allegations in Detail

In the lawsuit, Gables alleges a shocking incident took place in January 2025 at the lobby of Busta Rhymes’ Brooklyn residence.

According to the complaint, Gables received a phone call from his young daughter during work hours. Busta allegedly shouted: “Stay the f— off your phone!” and then punched Gables twice in the face, causing swelling, bleeding, and injuries that required hospital treatment. Gables says he subsequently reported the incident to the police

Gables claims the work environment under Busta Rhymes was toxic: frequent yelling, physical “head taps” or slaps to the back of the head, spitting, mocking his hearing impairment, using homophobic slurs, and forcing him to work up to 18-hour days without overtime pay. He says he was only given a flat rate of $200 per day regardless of hours worked .

After reporting the incident, Gables says he was terminated and subsequently blacklisted from the hip-hop industry, which he claims caused significant loss of future earnings.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for unpaid wages, overtime, emotional distress damages, and additional penalties under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York labor laws, with a request for a jury trial.

3. Busta Rhymes’ Response

Busta Rhymes has categorically denied all accusations.

Speaking to People, EW, and The Guardian, the rapper insisted:

Gables only worked for him for a very short period, and “things didn’t work out.”

He claims Gables became disgruntled after being fired and has fabricated the allegations in an attempt to damage his reputation.

Busta describes the lawsuit as “an attempted shake-down” by a former employee seeking to extort him.

Busta Rhymes says he intends to counter-sue, arguing that the process will expose what he calls the “true nature” of the claims. He expressed confidence that “the truth will prevail” .

4. Legal Timeline

The lawsuit was filed on August 4, 2025 in federal court.

Media outlets, including People, Entertainment Weekly, and The Guardian, quickly published detailed accounts of the allegations and Busta’s rebuttals.

Earlier this year, in January 2025, Busta Rhymes was arrested in New York on a third-degree assault charge stemming from a similar incident involving an assistant. He voluntarily surrendered to police and was issued a desk appearance ticket for a later court date .

5. A History of Legal Troubles

This is not the first time Busta Rhymes has faced legal issues:

1998 – Arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm; pleaded guilty and received a five-year probation.

2006–2008 – Faced assault charges involving a driver and a fan at a music festival, along with a DUI arrest.

2015 – Arrested for throwing a drink at a gym employee; pleaded guilty to harassment and was ordered to attend anger-management classes.

These incidents have fueled public debate on whether the rapper has a pattern of volatile behavior, or whether he is a frequent target due to his celebrity status.

6. Public Reaction and Industry Impact

The lawsuit has divided fans and industry insiders.

Some argue that Gables’ detailed account and willingness to pursue legal action suggest there is substance to his claims. Others note the absence — so far — of independent witnesses or video evidence, suggesting that the case may come down to a “he said, he said” legal battle.

The allegations of homophobic slurs and mocking a disability have also sparked discussion about workplace culture in the entertainment industry. Critics say the case is a reminder of the power imbalance between high-profile artists and the staff who work behind the scenes to keep their careers running.

7. Legal and Ethical Considerations

From a legal perspective, if Gables can provide medical records, witness testimony, or messages corroborating his claims, the case could be damaging for Busta Rhymes. The labor law elements — such as unpaid overtime and excessive work hours — could also stand independently of the assault claims, potentially leading to significant financial penalties.

From an ethical standpoint, the accusations raise questions about respect, professionalism, and personal boundaries in celebrity–assistant relationships. Even if the more extreme claims are not proven, the case could lead to broader conversations about employer accountability in the music industry.

8. What Happens Next

The legal process is expected to unfold over the coming months, with both sides likely to engage in aggressive discovery and pre-trial motions. If the case proceeds to trial, it could become one of the most closely watched celebrity lawsuits of the year, given the seriousness of the allegations and Busta Rhymes’ public profile.

For now, Busta Rhymes remains adamant that the lawsuit is nothing more than an extortion attempt — while Gables maintains that he is seeking justice for abuse, mistreatment, and unpaid labor.

The ultimate verdict will hinge not only on legal arguments, but on evidence, credibility, and perhaps the court of public opinion.

In Summary:
A hip-hop legend stands accused of shocking workplace abuse by a former aide. He denies everything, calling it a shake-down. She says she has endured violence, humiliation, and exploitation. The truth — and the outcome — may not be known for many months, but the stakes for both reputations and legal accountability are high.