How did Fat Joe respond to sexual misconduct lawsuit by former hype man? Complete controversy explained

Hip-hop artist Joseph "Fat Joe" Cartagena is facing serious allegations in a civil suit filed by his former hype man, Terrance "T.A." Dixon. The case, submitted to Manhattan federal court, accuses the rapper of sexual misconduct, coercion, and long-term exploitation throughout their 16-year professional relationship.

The 157-page lawsuit details various accusations. Dixon alleges that Cartagena had sexual relationships with teenage girls, some as young as 15 or 16, in exchange for money, clothes, or beauty services. One claim states that a minor flew to New York and Miami with all expenses paid. The document also mentions that Cartagena thought about divorcing his wife for a teenage girl known as "Minor Doe 3."

Fat Joe's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, has shot down all claims in response to the lawsuit. Tacopina released a statement calling the lawsuit "a blatant act of retaliation" and said it's part of a push to put pressure on the rapper through made-up claims. He pointed out that Cartagena had earlier filed a civil case against Dixon, accusing him of damaging his reputation, bothering him, and trying to blackmail him.

“This is just an attempt to distract from the civil suit we filed first," Tacopina said.

Tacopina also criticized Dixon's lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, pointing out past disciplinary problems and claims that he misused the court system to get media coverage. He mentioned that police know about what they see as an attempt to extort money. He also repeated that Cartagena plans to take legal action against the people involved.

Dixon accuses Fat Joe of systematic abuse framed as an RICO scheme

Dixon claims he was forced to engage in sexual activities under duress, monitoring, and fear of payback. The lawsuit states that more than 4,000 such incidents took place while Dixon was involved in Fat Joe's tour and business group. He also claims his pay was tampered with for tax cheating and that he faced harassment through bogus social media profiles connected to Cartagena's contacts.

The lawsuit tries to place these incidents in the context of a civil RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) case, hinting that the wrongdoing wasn't a one-off but part of a structured system. It references a sneaker store allegedly used to launder money and ties in Fat Joe’s public image and high-profile connections with figures such as former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The filing includes photos to show these relationships.

Despite the strong denial from Fat Joe’s camp, Dixon has stated that he intends to continue with the lawsuit. His legal team has also indicated the existence of additional information that could be revealed if challenged in court.

Tacopina described all these claims as “completely fabricated."

The civil case is currently ongoing, and both parties remain firm in their legal positions as the matter proceeds through the judicial system.

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