Joseph ‘Fat Joe’ Cartagena stands accused of sex trafficking, fraud, and other serious charges brought forth in a lawsuit filed by a former colleague. This legal action was initiated on June 19 in the Southern District of New York by attorney Tyrone Blackburn, representing Terrance ‘T. A.’ Dixon. Mr. Dixon alleges he collaborated with Mr. Cartagena in various roles for over a decade and a half, from 2005 to 2020.
In the legal documentation, Dixon accuses Cartagena and his associates of engaging in a systematic pattern of coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, and psychological coercion. Dixon asserts he contributed substantially to Cartagena’s body of work, including “Congratulations” and “Ice Cream”, but was neither recognized nor adequately compensated for his contributions.
Dixon’s allegations extend beyond financial exploitation. He claims Cartagena forced him into humiliating situations, including performing sexual acts under duress and facing threats of abandonment in foreign countries or job loss. The lawsuit further alleges that Cartagena and his associates trafficked minors and psychologically groomed them, with Dixon asserting he witnessed Cartagena engaging in sexual relations with minors aged fifteen and sixteen.
Given the severity of these accusations, a trigger warning precedes the court document, cautioning of its disturbing contents. Dixon is seeking over $2 million in unpaid performance wages, in addition to further damages.
This development follows earlier reports that Cartagena’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, claimed Cartagena had previously sued Dixon and Blackburn, alleging extortion and slander. Tacopina asserts that Dixon’s lawsuit is an act of retaliation and a diversionary tactic. He described Dixon as a disgruntled former employee and accused Blackburn of abusing the court system.
In response to Tacopina’s claims, Blackburn refuted the charges of desperation, stating, “Fat Joe knows what he has done.” He maintained that his client’s memory is perfect, and he has proof to support his allegations.
It is important to note that both attorneys, Tacopina and Blackburn, have represented high-profile clients in the past. Tacopina’s client roster includes the likes of President Donald Trump, while Blackburn has represented notable figures such as rapper T.I. and producer Rodney Jones.
As these serious allegations against Joseph ‘Fat Joe’ Cartagena continue to unfold, the importance of staying informed and waiting for due process cannot be overstated. The facts, as we now know them, remain to be weighed and examined in court, and we await further developments in this case.
