A lawsuit against rapper Fat Joe has been significantly altered, with the plaintiff dropping several serious allegations. Terrance Dixon, formerly Fat Joe’s hypeman, has removed claims of statutory rape, RICO violations, and child trafficking from his lawsuit filed against Joseph Cartagena, known professionally as Fat Joe.
Legal Shift
The amended complaint was filed on Thursday, March 26, in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by Dixon’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn. The suit now focuses on allegations of unpaid wages, copyright ownership disputes, fraud, and forced labor.
The original lawsuit, filed last June, followed Fat Joe’s claim that Dixon was attempting to extort him with “grotesque” false accusations. Dixon had initially alleged that Fat Joe had “personally witnessed” him engage in “sexual relations” with two girls aged 15 and 16.
Fat Joe’s Response
Fat Joe’s attorney, Jordan Siev, released a statement to XXL asserting that the amended complaint validates the rapper’s long-held position. Siev stated the claims were “nothing more than an elaborate shakedown to extract money” from Fat Joe and that the shift to a financial dispute “reinforces that the allegations were baseless.”
XXL has reached out to Tyrone Blackburn for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the amended complaint filed?
The amended complaint was filed on Thursday, March 26, in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
What claims were dropped from the lawsuit?
Terrance Dixon dropped claims of statutory rape, RICO violations, and child trafficking.
What is Fat Joe’s attorney’s response to the amended complaint?
Fat Joe’s attorney, Jordan Siev, stated the amended complaint reinforces the claim that the original allegations were baseless and part of an extortion scheme.
What impact will this legal shift have on the overall case remains to be seen.
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