Busta Rhymes has agreed to pay $25,000 to resolve a federal lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant, Dashiel Gables, bringing competing legal claims over alleged unpaid wages and workplace conduct closer to an end.
The settlement also resolves a countersuit filed by Rhymes, who accused Gables of making false claims that allegedly damaged the rapper’s reputation and business prospects. Neither side admitted wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
Gables worked for Rhymes from the summer of 2024 until January 2025. In his federal complaint, he alleged that he routinely worked between 15 and 18 hours a day while receiving a flat rate of $200 per day.
Gables initially sought nearly $6 million, alleging wage violations and mistreatment during his employment.
The legal dispute also involved an alleged physical confrontation. Gables accused Rhymes of punching him during a January incident in Brooklyn, claiming the confrontation involved work responsibilities and his cellphone.
Rhymes denied the accusation and described the allegations as fabricated. He reportedly surrendered to authorities and received a desk appearance ticket for misdemeanor assault.
The rapper subsequently filed a countersuit against Gables, alleging that his former assistant had made false statements that harmed his reputation and resulted in lost business opportunities and financial damages.
Under the settlement, Rhymes will make two payments of $12,500. One payment will be classified as wages, while the other will resolve Gables’ remaining claims.
Gables must also return private materials connected to his employment, while the agreement contains additional terms governing how the dispute is resolved.
A federal judge still has to approve the wage portion of the settlement. The case is expected to move toward closure after the required payments are completed.
The $25,000 agreement represents a dramatic reduction from Gables’ original demand of approximately $6 million, while allowing both sides to avoid a trial over the competing allegations.
The settlement does not establish liability by either party. Instead, it closes a legal dispute that put the veteran rapper at the center of allegations involving employment practices, workplace conduct and an alleged assault.
