Lawsuit against Fat Joe alleges coercion, sex with minors
Fat Joe Faces $20M Lawsuit From Ex-Hype Man Terrance Dixon
Rapper Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is facing a $20 million lawsuit filed by his former hype man, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York, contains allegations of unpaid wages, sexual coercion, and operating a criminal organization.
Dixon claims his role with Fat Joe extended beyond that of a typical hype man. He alleges he consistently contributed to co-writing lyrics, structuring hooks, recording background vocals, and managing tour logistics. The lawsuit states Dixon’s role also included acting as Fat Joe’s bodyguard during tours. He claims to have co-written tracks such as “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” and “All the Way Up.”
The lawsuit further alleges that Fat Joe forced Dixon into approximately 4,000 sex acts with women in front of him and his crew. it also accuses the 54-year-old rapper of having sexual relationships with girls who were 15 and 16 years old.
dixon claims he was promised ownership percentages and credit on songs but was not properly compensated. He left Fat Joe’s team in 2020. According to the complaint, Fat Joe allegedly omitted Dixon’s name from liner notes and royalty structures, despite his contributions to the works’ success. The lawsuit also names Peter “Pistol Pete” Torres, Richard “rich Player” Jospitre, Erica Juliana Moreira, and Roc Nation as defendants.
Joe Tacopina, an attorney for Fat Joe, called the lawsuit “a blatant attack of retaliation” and labeled the allegations “complete fabrications” that his client denies.
Tacopina said the lawsuit is retaliation for a slander suit Fat Joe filed against Dixon in April after Dixon accused him of flying a 16-year-old across state lines for sex. Dixon’s attorney,Tyrone Blackburn,also represents Rodney Jones in a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“Fat Joe is Sean Combs minus the Tusi [pink cocaine],” Blackburn said. “He learned nothing from his 2013 federal conviction.”
Blackburn referenced Fat Joe’s past conviction for failure to file a tax return, for which he served four months in prison.
What’s next
Dixon is seeking a jury trial and $20 million in damages. The court will now consider the claims and defenses presented by both parties.