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Busta Rhymes has come to a confidential agreement with his former assistant, bringing an end to a civil lawsuit that involved claims of assault and a counterclaim for defamation.
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The settlement was announced in a court filing this week, with both parties confirming through their attorneys that mediation successfully resolved the matter. According to the documents, they are now wrapping up the final details and anticipate completing everything within the next 10 days. A federal judge has given them until June 1 to submit the official confirmation.
The situation stemmed from a 2023 incident in the lobby of the rapper’s Brooklyn apartment building. The former assistant, Dashiel Gables, alleged that Trevor Smith Jr.—known professionally as Busta Rhymes—punched him in the face amid a workplace disagreement.
Typical Brooklyn New York City style apartment building exterior establishing shot outside fire escape facade. photo day time DX evening sunset time Stock Photo – Alamy
Gables’ lawsuit, filed in federal court last August, described the confrontation starting over a delayed food delivery, specifically a pan of chicken, and escalating when he took a call from his young daughter. He claimed this broke a no-cellphone policy on the job, leading to the alleged reaction. The suit also referenced workplace issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act and suggested the event impacted his future opportunities in the music business.
Smith denied the claims and filed a counterclaim in October, asserting that the accusations were untrue and had harmed his reputation, resulting in financial and professional setbacks.
This civil case ran parallel to a related criminal proceeding from the same event. The 53-year-old artist received a desk appearance ticket on a misdemeanor assault charge at the time. Details on the criminal outcome remain sealed, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
The resolution through private mediation means the competing accounts from both sides will not be aired in open court. No specifics about the settlement—such as any financial terms or admissions—have been disclosed publicly.