Fat Joe, Lawyer Face Legal Fire in Abuse Suit

Rapper Fat Joe, whose legal name is Joseph Cartagena, is facing a $20 million federal lawsuit filed by his former hype man, Terrance 'T.A.' Dixon, alleging sexual coercion, underpaid wages, denied songwriting credits, and sexual abuse of minors, including three named individuals. The complaint claims Dixon was coerced into over 4,000 sexual acts during a 16-year period, some performed under surveillance and as a result of psychological manipulation and threats. Dixon also alleges witnessing Cartagena's involvement with underage girls. Fat Joe and his legal team deny all allegations, calling them extortion attempts, and have filed a defamation and extortion lawsuit against Dixon and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn. Blackburn was arrested for assault after allegedly hitting a process server with his car while trying to evade being served court documents related to the case. The contentious legal battle has drawn attention to issues of power and abuse in the music industry.