Fat Joe‘s defamation lawsuit has taken a dramatic turn.

The wider legal battle stems from claims made by the rapper’s former hype man, Terrance Dixon, who previously accused Joe of serious sexual misconduct and exploitation.

Dixon later amended his own suit, with the dispute shifting more toward claims of unpaid wages, royalties, and alleged uncredited creative contributions. Joe has denied the allegations and accused Dixon of using the legal system as an extortion scheme.

A federal judge sanctioned the opposing side’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, for his behaviour during depositions.

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U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis issued the order on June 23. She sharply criticized Blackburn’s conduct during the February 24 deposition of Terrance Dixon, the rapper’s former hype man, who filed a countersuit.

The judge wrote that Blackburn made:

“Homophobic, transphobic, and sexualized comments directed at counsel for Plaintiff [that] shock the conscience.”

According to the order, Blackburn asked opposing counsel: “What date is your transition surgery?” He also made vulgar remarks about the attorney’s mother. The judge noted that the court “has never seen the sort of behaviour from an attorney that Blackburn engaged in.”

Willis also found that Blackburn repeatedly instructed Dixon not to answer questions despite a prior court ruling requiring him to respond. Consequently, she ordered Dixon to sit for a second deposition lasting up to two additional hours.

Blackburn argued that pain medication from medical procedures contributed to his behaviour. However, the court rejected that explanation, stating the medical record did not support his claim.

The judge also referred Blackburn to the Southern District of New York’s Grievance Committee.

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