Rapper Busta Rhymes was arrested on assault charges after he allegedly threw a protein drink at the back of another man's head at a New York City gym, according to police.
The 43-year-old Brooklyn-born rapper, whose real name is Trevor Smith, was at Steel Gym on West 23rd Street in Chelsea around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday when police say he tossed the drink at the victim.
The man's head was cut by the cardboard projectile, the NYPD said. He refused medical attention.
A bodybuilder at the gym told the Daily News that the rapper allegedly tossed the protein drink during an argument with a front desk employee.
The bodybuilder said that the employee refused to let Rhymes bring a cameraman in the gym with him on Tuesday, and the two argued the next day when the rapper returned to buy the protein drink. The bodybuilder said Rhymes and the employee splashed one another with water before the bottle was thrown.
NBC 4 New York was not immediately able to reach a representative for the rapper, but he posted a photo to Instagram after the arrest saying he was ready to get back to his recording studio.
"Thanks to everyone who helped expedite this evening for me. I'm good and we're back to the grind," the post said.
Rhymes was released after the arrest and is due back in court on Nov. 6. His attorney, Scott Leemon, told the News he was confident the rapper wouldn't be convicted.
“This is clearly an attempt by someone to take advantage of Busta. He did nothing wrong,” he said. “This is a bunch of bull.”
