Federal Lawsuit Against Rapper Fat Joe
Rapper Fat Joe faces serious allegations in a $20 million federal civil lawsuit, claiming he coerced his former hype man into thousands of sexual acts with women. The lawsuit also asserts that the hype man was underpaid, denied songwriting credits, and subjected to threats.
Details of the Complaint
The complaint, filed by Terrance “T.A” Dixon on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, names Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, along with individuals in his inner circle and Roc Nation.
Allegations of Abuse
According to Dixon, he served as Fat Joe’s hype man and contributed as a lyricist, background vocalist, bodyguard, and “creative collaborator” from around 2005 to 2022. The lawsuit contends that Dixon played a significant role in writing numerous songs, including “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” “No Problems,” and “Black Out.”
Claim of Manipulation
Dixon claims he was underpaid, denied songwriting credits, and kept in the dark regarding royalties. The lawsuit alleges that Cartagena maintained control over Dixon through manipulation and intimidation tactics, stating that Roc Nation either knew or should have known about these actions but failed to act.
Sexual Abuse Allegations
The detailed 157-page lawsuit includes serious accusations of sexual abuse, asserting that Cartagena would bring women to hotel rooms and force Dixon to engage in sexual activities, sometimes in the presence of others from the rapper’s team. It alleges that Dixon participated out of fear of retaliation, including being stranded without money after refusing an encounter.
Counterclaims from Fat Joe’s Legal Team
Fat Joe’s attorney, Joseph Tacopina, has dismissed the claims as “complete fabrications,” asserting they are an attempt to tarnish the rapper’s image. Tacopina claims that Dixon’s allegations are retaliatory, stemming from a separate lawsuit filed by Fat Joe accusing Dixon of extortion and defamation.
Impact of Allegations
The lawsuit states that Dixon has suffered significant emotional distress, including chronic anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms, and continues to undergo trauma-informed therapy. In response to allegations made against him, Cartagena’s lawyer emphasized their intent to expose what they view as a fraudulent campaign against the rapper.
