Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena is being accused of intercourse trafficking, fraud and extra in a brand new lawsuit introduced by a former worker.
The 157-page lawsuit was filed June 19 within the Southern District of New York by lawyer Tyrone Blackburn on behalf of Terrance “T. A.” Dixon, who says he labored with Cartagena for over 15 years from 2005 to 2020 as a “hype man,” “lyricist, background vocalist, safety workforce member, and artistic collaborator,” in line with the swimsuit.
Within the criticism, Dixon alleges Cartagena and his associates “systematically engaged in coercive labor exploitation, monetary fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, and psychological coercion.” Dixon claims he “contributed lyrics, vocals, and artistic route” to a number of of Cartagena’s songs, together with “Congratulations” and “Ice Cream,” “with out recognition or truthful compensation.”
Along with monetary allegations, Dixon claims the rapper allegedly pressured him “into humiliating conditions, together with intercourse acts carried out below duress and surveillance” and allegedly threatened abandonment in international international locations, job loss or bodily hurt if he did not comply, in line with the criticism.
The lawsuit additionally claims that Cartagena and his associates allegedly trafficked minors and psychologically groomed them, with Dixon claiming he “personally witnessed” Cartagena allegedly “have interaction in sexual relations with kids who have been fifteen and sixteen years previous.”
Rapper Fats Joe performs throughout Day 2 of 2025 Jazz In The Gardens Music Pageant at Laborious Rock Stadium on March 9, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Prince Williams/WireImage/Getty Photographs
Given the character of the allegations, a set off warning was included on the high of the court docket doc, noting it comprises “extremely graphic info of a sexual nature, together with sexual assault.”
Dixon is searching for over $2 million for “unpaid efficiency wages” in addition to extra damages.
When reached by ABC Information, Cartagena’s legal professional, Joe Tacopina, stated Cartagena sued Dixon and lawyer Blackburn again in April alleging “extortion, slander and extra.” He claimed Dixon’s lawsuit in opposition to his shopper was “a blatant act of retaliation.”
“The lawsuit filed by Tyrone Blackburn and Terrance Dixon is a blatant act of retaliation — a determined try and deflect consideration from the civil swimsuit we filed first, which uncovered their coordinated scheme to extort Mr. Cartagena by means of lies, threats, and manufactured allegations,” Tacopina stated.
Dixon and Blackburn have till June 23 to submit a response to the primary lawsuit and a listening to for the case is scheduled to happen Aug. 1.
Tacopina described Dixon as a “disgruntled former worker” and claimed Blackburn has “a sample of abusing” the court docket system.
“We did not simply sue a disgruntled former worker attempting to revive a false declare from 15 years in the past — we sued the lawyer behind all of it,” Tacopina continued. “Tyrone Blackburn has a well-documented sample of abusing the courts to harass defendants and generate media consideration.”
“Mr. Cartagena won’t be intimidated,” he added. “We now have taken authorized motion to show this fraudulent marketing campaign and maintain everybody concerned accountable.”
In an announcement to ABC Information, Blackburn pushed again in opposition to Tacopina’s claims.
“Joe [Tacopina] is determined. He thought solely of himself when he erroneously suggested his shopper to take this course,” Blackburn stated partially.
He continued, “Fats Joe is aware of what he has achieved. My shopper was with him for practically 20 years. My shopper doesn’t do medication, nor does he drink alcohol. His reminiscence is ideal, and he has receipts. We now have three extra pages of predicated acts, which element trafficking of one other type. Joe [Tacopina] ought to higher advise his shopper to do the sensible factor.”
Tacopina has beforehand represented high-profile purchasers akin to President Donald Trump. Blackburn has represented big-name purchasers as properly, together with rapper T.I. and producer Rodney Jones.
