NEW YORK, USA – Rapper Busta Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr., has been charged with three counts of assault following an alleged incident involving his assistant, Dashiel Gables, law enforcement sources confirmed Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The 52-year-old artist allegedly struck Gables, 50, multiple times in the face during a confrontation inside the J Condominium complex in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighbourhood on January 10.
The altercation reportedly stemmed from Gables being on his phone while at work. Police sources said the assault left Gables with noticeable swelling in his left eye.
Rhymes turned himself in to authorities shortly after the incident. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 2 to face the charges.
Assistant Remains Tight-Lipped
Gables declined to discuss the case when reached by news outlets on Thursday, citing legal advice.
“Maybe later. Maybe in the future,” Gables told the New York Post.
“I can’t mess up my case, bro. It’s just not going to be worth it. An article in the paper as opposed to a six or seven-million-dollar settlement? I’m not risking it, sorry.”
Past Brushes with the Law
This isn’t the first time Rhymes, known for hits like Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check and Break Ya Neck, has had run-ins with the law.
In May 2007, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated after police observed his vehicle swerving in Manhattan.
In 2015, he was charged with assault after allegedly throwing a strawberry protein drink at a gym employee in Chelsea, striking the individual in the back of the head.
More recently, in 2022, Rhymes threw a drink in the face of a female fan who slapped his rear. The fan later apologised publicly on social media.
Next Steps
With the court date set for February 2, the case adds another chapter to Rhymes’ long history of legal troubles.
The alleged assault and Gables’ potential settlement further spotlight the rapper’s volatile history, both on and off stage.
Legal representatives for Rhymes have not yet commented on the charges. Gables, meanwhile, remains focused on his legal case, declining further interaction with the media.
