Following a lengthy lawsuit filed on Thursday (June 19), Terrence "T.A." Dixon, a former hype man of Fat Joe, has accused the rapper of "coercive labour exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, and psychological coercion," per Variety's reporting.
Dixon alleged that his former boss, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, built his empire while "deliberately suppressing, silencing, and erasing Dixon's 'substantial' creative and commercial contributions." Dixon is seeking up to $20 million USD in damages.
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
The 157-page filing was filed in the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, and detailed claims of sexual violence, including with minors. Dixon alleged that Cartagena forced him into "humiliating situations, including sex acts performed under duress and surveillance, accompanied by threats of abandonment in foreign countries if [he] refused compliance."
The suit also stated that Dixon "personally witnessed [Fat Joe] engage in sexual relations with children who were fifteen and sixteen years old." These alleged victims include a 16-year-old girl, who "would [perform] oral sex and other sexual acts" in exchange for "cash, clothing, and a payment of her cell phone bill," a 15-year-old girl whom Cartagena allegedly paid to get a "Brazilian Butt Lift," and a third 15-year-old girl whom the defendant was allegedly "in love with."
Dixon claimed in the complaint that he was forced to engage in sex acts including "repeated orgies involving Plaintiff, female dancers and minors," which he alleged were filmed or watched by Cartagena and his entourage. The suit stated, "[Dixon] did not willingly consent to participate in these acts; instead, Plaintiff submitted solely out of fear of immediate retaliation, which Defendant repeatedly demonstrated would include financial punishment, professional sabotage, abandonment in foreign countries, or physical harm."
The filing also named two additional Defendants, including Pete "Pistol Pete" Torres and Richard "Rich Player" Jospite, who are alleged associates in Fat Joe's "criminal enterprise." They stand accused of violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. They also face related violations under New York and Florida law, which include "unjust enrichment, quantum meruit, fraudulent concealment, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and money laundering."
Jay-Z's entertainment company Roc Nation, which represents Fat Joe, was also named in the suit under claims that the company knowingly participated in "'concealing, transferring, and manipulating' Dixon's authorship rights and royalty interests." The claim further alleged that the company sought to intimidate, harass and obstruct Dixon's allegations against Fat Joe, Torres and Jospitre.
Dixon is being represented by Tyrone Blackburn, who represented a case against Sean "Diddy" Combs. Cartagena is represented by Joe Tacopino — who has defended A$AP Rocky and Donald Trump in the past. Tacopino had previously helped Cartagena sue Dixon in April over social media posts claiming that the rapper had flown a 16-year-old girl across state lines for sex.
Dixon served 16 years as Fat Joe's hype man, a common figure in hip-hop who supports the artist by engaging with the crowd during a performance. Dixon also contributed lyrics and background vocals on hits such as "Congratulations," "Ice Cream," and "Money over Bitches."