Busta Rhymes’ former assistant sues rapper for assault
Busta Rhymes‘ ex-assistant has filed a federal assault lawsuit against him. Dashiel ‘Divine’ Gables sued the New York rapper in the Eastern District of New York on August 4th.
Gables claimed that in January, Busta assaulted him in his Brooklyn home. An argument allegedly took place between them when Gables’ daughter called him. Unable to answer the phone, he texted her back.
Busta has been accused of telling Gables to “stay the fuck off your phone” before punching him twice. The suit reads, “Defendants constructively terminated plaintiff’s employment by repeatedly punching him in the face.”
According to Courthouse News Service, Gables filed a police report after he was hospitalised with a swollen face, prompting Busta to turn himself in on three assault charges.
During his time working for Busta, Gables claims the rapper often spat on his employees, grabbed their clothes and hit them in the head.
Gables said his “working day would begin when Busta Rhymes woke up and end when he went to sleep,” alleging he was never paid overtime for his $200-a-day role. He also claims he used a homophobic slur towards him and made fun of his hearing.
A senior industry executive told The Source, “People in the business know who Divine is. He’s not someone you disrespect, let alone hurt. He’s been the backbone of tours and careers.”
Busta was recently honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On the achievement, another industry insider said, “Busta’s music is legendary, but honouring him with a star without acknowledging the damage done to people like Divine sends a terrible message to the industry and to aspiring artists and crew alike.”