Damon Dash Faces Legal Trouble Over Alleged Asset Hiding

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Damon Dash, former partner of Jay-Z and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, is facing serious legal challenges after allegedly attempting to evade nearly $1 million in court-ordered payments to creditors. Dash has been accused of hiding assets, destroying evidence, and ignoring court orders, putting him at risk of jail time.

On Monday, federal judges in Manhattan ordered Dash to comply with rulings regarding judgments against him, one being a $900,000 defamation claim filed by filmmaker Josh Webber. Judge Robert Lehrburger warned that failing to adhere to the court’s instructions could result in an arrest warrant, stating, “If Defendants fail to comply, the Court will find Defendants in contempt and may issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Dash.”

Since a jury found Dash liable in 2022 for the defamation suit, he has allegedly resisted revealing his financial situation. “He’s not turning over the evidence relating to the companies that he claims he owns on his tax returns,” said Chris Brown, an attorney representing Webber. In a separate case, Judge Jed Radkoff criticized Dash for destroying evidence relevant to a nearly $100,000 judgment owed to author Edwyna Brooks.

Dash has reportedly been hiding his assets through complex corporate transactions, claiming to own nothing, not even valuable jewelry he has worn for years. “He’s saying: ‘I don’t know whose necklace this is around my neck,’” Brown stated, referring to Dash’s elaborate accessories, including chains from his Roc-A-Fella days.

Despite the mounting legal pressures, Dash has allegedly delayed filing for bankruptcy, although such a move would not necessarily discharge the debts in question due to their nature as intentional torts. The situation has led his attorney, Natraj S. Bhushan, to seek permission to withdraw from representing Dash, citing ongoing difficulties in the case.

As legal complications increase, Dash faces approximately $5 million in outstanding judgments. Brown indicated that the recent court rulings could support claims that Dash’s financial maneuvers constitute fraudulent transfers, enabling him and others to reclaim debts owed. “Now I can collect all of my other judgments,” Brown added.

Dash and Jay-Z founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994, known for producing iconic tracks such as “Hard Knock Life.” However, their partnership has soured over financial disputes. Additionally, Dash owes New York State around $8.7 million in back taxes.

Representatives for Dash did not respond to requests for comment.