In a shocking development that has rocked the hip-hop community, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, a former hypeman for rap star Fat Joe, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging a 16-year pattern of sexual abuse, exploitation, and labor coercion. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeks damages of up to $20 million for violations including civil RICO and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Former Fat Joe hypeman sues for $20M, alleging years of sexual abuse and exploitation in federal RICO case.
Dixon claims that between 2005 and 2021, he was forced to participate in over 4,000 sexual acts to maintain his position within what the complaint describes as “the Enterprise.” The allegations detail how Fat Joe, whose legal name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, allegedly used threats of abandonment, humiliation, and financial retaliation to control Dixon, who served as a hypeman, background vocalist, and lyricist for the rapper.
Two of Fat Joe’s associates, Pete “Pistol Pete” Torres and Richard “Rich Player” Jospitre, are also named as defendants for their alleged complicity in the abuse. Additionally, music industry heavyweight Roc Nation faces accusations of aiding in royalty fraud and concealing claims.
Perhaps most disturbing are allegations involving minors, with Dixon claiming Fat Joe engaged in sexual acts with individuals as young as 15 and arranged for travel and plastic surgery for at least one minor. The complaint carries a trigger warning for its explicit descriptions of sexual content, abuse, and allegations involving minors.
Dixon also alleges that his creative contributions to songs like “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” and “Money Over B—–” were systematically erased as Fat Joe achieved greater fame. The lawsuit claims much of the alleged misconduct occurred at corporate-owned properties including yachts and mansions. According to court documents reviewed by Complex, this case highlights significant tensions in the music industry regarding the treatment of support personnel.
Fat Joe’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, has strongly denied these allegations, describing them as an extortion attempt designed to damage the rapper’s reputation. The case, filed in June 2025, raises serious questions about oversight and accountability in the music industry. Representatives for Fat Joe and Roc Nation have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations, which span professional exploitation and disturbing claims of sexual misconduct.
