Latest news with #RICO
Los Angeles Times
26 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Fat Joe accused of coercion, intimidation, sex with minors in ex-hype man's lawsuit
Terrance 'T.A.' Dixon, once a hype man to rapper Fat Joe, has sued his former employer for $20 million, making some allegations that might blend right in at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' RICO and sex-trafficking trial. The federal lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York and reviewed by The Times, alleges that the rapper underpaid Dixon, cut him out of promised pay for contributing to album tracks, defrauded authorities about his income, ditched Dixon in foreign countries without money or transportation home and is running a criminal organization built on intimidation and violence. The lawsuit alleges that Fat Joe forced the hype man — a sort of backing vocalist who pumps up the audience — into approximately 4,000 sex acts with women in front of him and his crew. The 54-year-old rapper, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is also accused of having sexual relationships with girls who were 15 and 16. The allegations go back to when the rapper was in his late 30s, the lawsuit says. Fat Joe's song 'She's My Mama,' which has graphically sexual lyrics, was based on what is alleged to have happened with him and one of the girls in real life, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit states that Dixon's role over about 16 years was more than that of the usual hype man. He 'consistently' had duties that included co-writing lyrics, structuring hooks, recording background vocals, performing at more than 200 live shows as Fat Joe's primary onstage counterpart and managing travel logistics, including equipment transport, security and emergency arrangements. The complaint alleges that Dixon also acted as Joe's bodyguard and handler during tours. According to the filing, Dixon wrote or co-wrote tracks including 'Congratulations,' 'Money Over Bitches,' 'Ice Cream,' 'Cupcake,' 'Blackout,' 'Dirty Diana,' 'Porn Star,' 'Okay Okay,''No Problems,' a version of 'All the Way Up,' '300 Brolic,' 'All I Do Is Win (Remix verse),' 'Red Café (Remix),' 'Winding on Me,' 'Cocababy' and 'Get It for Life.' The complaint alleges that Dixon was not properly paid for his efforts, even though he says he was promised certain ownership percentages and documented credit on songs that Fat Joe released commercially. Dixon, who left Fat Joe's team in 2020, was unable to obtain certain evidence of wrongdoing until a person named as 'Accountant Doe' came forward last year with information, the lawsuit says. Fat Joe 'exercised sole control over contracts, budgets, tour management, licensing, and credit attribution and intentionally omitted Plaintiff's name from liner notes, publishing registrations, and royalty structures, despite Plaintiff's direct contributions to these works' creative and commercial success,' the complaint says. 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 in a statement to Variety. Retaliation referred to the slander lawsuit that the rapper filed against Dixon in April after the former hype man accused him on social media of flying a 16-year-old across state lines for sex. Dixon's attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, is also representing producer Lil Rod (Rodney Jones) in his $30-million federal lawsuit filed last year against Sean 'Diddy' Combs and others in Combs' orbit, in which Lil Rod alleged sexual harassment and sexual assault. A judge tossed out a majority of Lil Rod's allegations against Combs in late March. Both lawsuits include trigger warnings in bright red type ahead of the allegations — something not often seen in such documents. 'Fat Joe is Sean Combs minus the Tusi [pink cocaine],' Blackburn said in a statement to the Independent. 'He learned nothing from his 2013 federal conviction,' the attorney added, referencing Fat Joe's four-month sentence and $15,000 fine in a plea deal for failure to file a tax return in multiple years on more than $3.3 million in income. In addition to Fat Joe, defendants in the new lawsuit include Peter 'Pistol Pete' Torres, Richard 'Rich Player' Jospitre, Erica Juliana Moreira and several companies —including Roc Nation — that are affiliated with the rapper. Dixon is asking for a jury trial.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Fat Joe faces explosive sex trafficking lawsuit from former hype man
Another famous rapper has been his with a RICO charge, this time in civil court. Fat Joe is being sued by his former hype man, Terrance "T.A." Dixon, for over a decade of alleged abuse and demanding up to $20 million in damages. In a lengthy complaint filed in federal court Thursday, June 19, lawyers for Dixon accused the Bronx-based rapper, whose legal name is Joseph Cartagena, of a "deliberate and sustained campaign of exploitation." So graphic was the 157-page filing detailing Cartagena's alleged campaign of abuse and criminality that it contains a "trigger warning" in bright red text at the top alerting of the depictions of sex trafficking and assault that follow. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more "Fat Joe is Sean Combs minus the Tusi," Tyrone Blackburn, Dixon's lawyer, wrote in a statement to USA TODAY June 20, referencing Sean "Diddy" Combs' ongoing criminal RICO case in which the music mogul is accused of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. "Tusi" is a variety of cocaine. "We have three additional pages of predicated acts which we are itching to disclose if the defendants call our bluff," Blackburn wrote. He is also representing rapper Lil Rodney in a separate case against Combs. Joe Tacopina, Cartagena's lawyer, called the lawsuit "a blatant act of retaliation," in a statement to USA TODAY June 20. Referencing Cartagena's own civil suit against Dixon, in which he accused his former employee of extortion, Tacopina wrote: "We didn't just sue a disgruntled former employee trying to revive a false claim from 15 years ago — we sued the lawyer behind it all. Tyrone Blackburn has a well-documented pattern of abusing the courts to harass defendants and generate media attention." "Law enforcement is aware of the extortionate demand at the heart of this scheme. The allegations against Mr. Cartagena are complete fabrications — lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure," Tacopina wrote. "Mr. Cartagena will not be intimidated. We have taken legal action to expose this fraudulent campaign and hold everyone involved accountable." Who is Terrence Dixon and why is he suing Fat Joe? Dixon, according to the filing, worked for Cartagena for 16 years in various capacities, including as a lyricist and creative partner, labor for which the lawsuit alleges he was never compensated or credited. Beyond a run-of-the-mill employment dispute, Dixon's complaint claims that Cartagena oversaw a criminal enterprise, buoyed by violence and intimidation, in which Dixon was forced into performing sex acts "under duress and surveillance." Cartagena and his associates threatened to abandon Dixon in foreign countries if he did not comply, the complaint alleges, and systematically underpaid him, committing tax fraud in the process by inflating his wages in reports to the IRS. Like many RICO cases, which were originally designed to help the government unravel multi-state gang operations, Dixon's complaint tells a complex tale of criminality. It ties together a small sneaker store in New York allegedly laundering money, fake Instagram accounts designed to harass Dixon into silence, and highly orchestrated sexual performances, which Cartagena allegedly recorded. While this RICO case is civil, brought by one party against another, many are federal, brought by lawyers for the government against an individual as in the high profile cases of Combs, rapper Young Thug and President Donald Trump. "Sexual compliance became a condition of (Dixon's) continued employment, access to essential resources, safe travel, and basic human dignity," Cartagena's filing reads, alleging that over the course of his employment, Dixon was forced into 4,000 unwanted sexual encounters. Lawyers for Dixon also allege that Cartagena engaged in sex with minors, some as young as fifteen and sixteen years old. In a series of explosive claims, the filing alleges that Cartagena paid for cosmetic surgery for one of the minors, exchanged money for a cell phone bill for sexual favors from another and contemplated leaving his wife for one of the young girls. "Cartagena has demonstrated a disturbing lack of remorse or discretion regardinghis predatory behavior," lawyers for Dixon argue. "Rather than conceal his actions, he has, on multiple occasions, alluded to or openly referenced sexually inappropriate conduct in his public persona and artistic output." Referencing Cartagena's hit track "She's My Mama," the filing claims the lyrics demonstrate a clear fascination with underage women. The choice to use lyrics as evidence, particularly in a RICO case, is rich with controversy, following Young Thug's trial in Georgia in which the rapper's verses were used to demonstrate a propensity for violent behavior. Looping in high-profile political figures, the lawsuit alleges Cartagena used his connections to figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris, President Bill Clinton and New York City Mayor Eric Adams to bolster his sense of power and impunity. The filing includes a photo of Adams gifting Cartagena a key to the city – a symbolic gesture also afforded to Combs. Another photo shows Clinton allegedly wearing a pair of shoes that Cartagena gifted him, which, unbeknownst to the former president, bore the name of the criminal enterprise. The lawsuit, which is both wide-ranging and starkly detailed, paints a picture with its multifold accusations of a powerful man in entertainment who, behind the scenes, was both a bully and a sexual abuser, intent on using his influence to secure silence and compliance. Fat Joe rose to fame in the 1990s, forming the rap group Terror Squad and a label by the same name. His hit tracks include "What's Luv" which features Ja Rule and Ashanti and "Lean Back," which became a dance sensation.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Brendan Paul? Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' alleged ‘drug mule' testifies under immunity
As Sean 'Diddy' Combs' high-profile federal trial nears a turning point, former Syracuse basketball player Brendan Paul, described as the rapper's alleged 'drug mule,' took the stand Friday under an immunity agreement. He offered crucial testimony for the prosecution, according to a Fox News report. Paul, who was previously charged with felony cocaine possession (later dropped), was named in a 2024 civil suit by music producer Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones. Jones had accused Diddy of running a network involving sex trafficking, drugs, and weapons. Paul was alleged to have procured and distributed drugs and firearms on behalf of the rapper. In court, Paul's testimony was expected to help prosecutors establish the predicate felonies required for racketeering charges under RICO laws. The Fox News report quoted criminal Nicole Blank Backer saying Paul is a witness to tie together the drugs allegedly used at Diddy's parties to control and coerce women. Combs has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. As per the report, prosecutors alleged that Diddy ran an exploitative 'enterprise' where drugs and escorts were used to manipulate and abuse women during so-called 'freak off' parties. One of the most harrowing testimonies came from the musician's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who detailed regular use of ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, mushrooms, and GHB (the 'date rape' drug) during the 'freak-off' sessions. Cassie testified that these substances helped her disassociate from the traumatic sexual experiences she endured. Another ex, identified only as 'Jane', said she was coerced into having sex with male escorts while Diddy watched. She claimed she felt trapped by financial dependence, as he paid her rent through what she dubbed as a 'love contract'. As per Fox News, Jane described physical violence, including being kicked, punched, and put in a chokehold. She also testified about being forced to take drugs before sex. Also read: Diddy's ex-girlfriend breaks down in court, calls him 'a blessing in my life' A Fox News report stated that Diddy's lawyer, Teny Geragos, tried to discredit the witnesses by pointing out their ongoing financial ties to the rapper. However, prosecutors claimed that each testimony showed a bigger picture of a system of abuse. The report added that Paul is the fifth witness given immunity, and his testimony came as prosecutors got ready to end their case by the end of the week. Diddy's legal team has changed its approach and now plans to present its defense in two to five days, a significant cut from the previously expected two weeks, the report stated. Legal experts told the publication that while each account might not seem damaging on its own, the combined effect could back up the government's RICO charges. Becker, reportedly, said that each witness added a layer to the case, as together they form a web beneath Diddy which shapes the image of an organized criminal enterprise. Brendan Paul is a former Syracuse basketball player who allegedly procured drugs for Diddy. He is testifying under immunity in the federal case. Diddy is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution under a federal indictment unsealed in September 2024. Prosecutors believe Paul's insider knowledge can help prove predicate felonies, such as drug distribution, required to sustain the RICO charges. The prosecution is expected to rest its case soon. Diddy's defense team plans to present its case within the next five days.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify
Diddy trial updates: Alleged 'drug mule' Brendan Paul set to testify Show Caption Hide Caption Judge adjourns jury in Diddy trial due to one juror's sickness Judge Arun Subramanian excused the jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial after a juror reported vertigo-like symptoms on the way into court. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Court is back in session in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial after an unexpected two-day break. Following an abrupt adjournment on June 18 due to a juror's health issues and the immediately following Juneteenth holiday on June 19, the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan federal court on June 20 for the tail end of the prosecution's witnesses. Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul is slated to testify against his ex-boss. The 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player and alleged "drug mule" previously faced felony charges for drug possession when he was arrested on the same day as the raids of Combs' homes, but the case was later closed. Paul's testimony will come after prosecutors on June 17 revealed personal messages between Combs, his girlfriends and his associates and also showed jurors around 20 minutes of what appeared to be video footage created between 2012 and 2014 of Combs' "freak offs." U.S. attorneys were expected to rest their case on June 20; the day's proceedings will reveal whether that schedule changes. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes days-long sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Fat Joe sued for $20M over alleged abuse and trafficking by former hypeman
Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe is facing a $20 million federal lawsuit filed by his former hypeman, Terrance 'T.A.' Dixon, alleging years of sexual abuse, coercion, and exploitation—including alleged involvement with underage girls. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the 157-page complaint accuses Fat Joe, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, of 'coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, and psychological control.' Dixon claims he was forced into over 4,000 sexual acts over a 16-year period under threats of abandonment, humiliation, and financial retaliation. The lawsuit further alleges Fat Joe engaged in sexual acts with minors as young as 15, flying them across state and international lines, and even funding plastic surgery for one girl. Dixon claims these abuses occurred with the knowledge of Fat Joe's associates and sometimes under surveillance or in corporate-owned properties, including yachts and mansions. Also named in the suit are Fat Joe's associates Pete 'Pistol Pete' Torres and Richard 'Rich Player' Jospitre, along with Roc Nation, which Dixon accuses of aiding in concealing royalty fraud and silencing his claims. The charges include violations under civil RICO, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and various state laws. Fat Joe's attorney, Joe Tacopina, dismissed the lawsuit as a 'blatant act of retaliation,' claiming Dixon is attempting to deflect attention from a separate defamation lawsuit the rapper filed in April. Represented by attorney Tyrone Blackburn—also leading a high-profile case against Sean 'Diddy' Combs—Dixon insists he's seeking justice after years of abuse and suppression. This case could be one of the most serious and high-profile legal battles in the music industry to date.
