Renowned rapper and Bronx native Fat Joe is facing a $20 million lawsuit filed in federal court, in which a former associate alleges years of abuse ranging from financial exploitation to disturbing claims of sexual misconduct, including allegations involving minors.
The complaint, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, was brought by Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, who says he worked alongside the rapper—real name Joseph Antonio Cartagena—for 16 years in multiple roles, including hype man, background vocalist, and ghostwriter.
Dixon alleges that despite his creative contributions to tracks such as “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” and “Money Over Bitches,” he was never properly compensated. But the lawsuit extends far beyond financial grievances, outlining a series of serious accusations that paint a picture of alleged manipulation, coercion, and abuse.
According to court documents reviewed by Complex and TVJ Newscentre, Dixon claims he was subjected to repeated psychological and sexual coercion, including participation in recorded acts under threats of abandonment during overseas travel. The complaint alleges he was coerced into more than 4,000 sexual acts over the span of his employment, describing an alleged “culture of dominance and humiliation.”
More troubling still are the allegations involving underage individuals. Dixon claims he witnessed Fat Joe engaging in inappropriate relationships with three teenage girls, identified in court filings as Minor Does 1, 2, and 3. He alleges that two of the girls were 15 at the time of the alleged incidents, and one was 16. The lawsuit describes alleged exchanges of money, gifts, and even cosmetic procedures in connection to these relationships.
At the time of publication, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with these allegations, and Fat Joe has denied wrongdoing.
Financial Claims and Lawsuit Backstory
The lawsuit also accuses Fat Joe and others of financial misconduct, including money laundering, wage theft, and tax manipulation. Dixon claims his tax burden was artificially inflated to conceal unpaid wages and broader misuse of earnings.
Named alongside Fat Joe as co-defendants in the suit are Roc Nation, LLC, Peter “Pistol Pete” Torres, Richard “Rich Player” Jospitre, and Erica Juliana Moreira. The suit alleges these individuals helped enforce the culture of coercion described in the complaint.
This case comes just months after Fat Joe filed his own lawsuit against Dixon, accusing him of extortion and defamation. According to court filings, Fat Joe alleged that Dixon threatened to go public with claims of sex trafficking, statutory rape, and fraud unless he was paid a financial settlement. Fat Joe and his legal team have denied all such claims.
The lawsuit marks the latest in a growing list of civil actions aimed at uncovering abuse of power in the entertainment industry. Advocates for survivors of exploitation say the case underscores the importance of due process, transparency, and accountability, regardless of celebrity status.
A spokesperson for Fat Joe has not yet released an official response to the lawsuit. Roc Nation and the other named parties have also not commented publicly at the time of writing.
As the legal process unfolds, the court will determine the credibility of the claims through evidence and testimony. For now, the lawsuit casts a spotlight on serious accusations that — if proven — could have profound legal and cultural repercussions.
