Busta Rhymes has been arrested after allegedly throwing protein powder at a gym worker.
The hip-hop star was apparently working out in at Steel Gym on West 23rd Street in New York City on Wednesday evening when the incident occurred. It’s claimed he became embroiled in an argument with someone who works at the establishment, resulting in him apparently hurling at a 17-ounce container of protein drink at the employee and hitting them on the back of the head with the bottle.
This happened at 8.30pm local time according to police and the 43-year-old star was arrested for second degree assault, but has been released from jail.
“This is another attempt to take advantage of Busta's celebrity status,” his attorney Scott Leemon told TMZ, adding the allegations are "a bunch of bull".
“It’s stupid,” Busta told New York Daily News. “It’s ridiculous; it was literally a bottle of Muscle Milk.”
It’s been suggested the two people were entangled in a dispute before last night’s argument. New York Post suggests the disagreement actually began the day before, with Busta – real name Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr. - said to be furious after he was banned from filming in the gym.
One bodybuilder told New York Daily News that the unknown person who argued with the rapper worked on the front desk. After refusing to allow him to film on Tuesday, the employee asked Busta to leave the gym yesterday, when the rapper turned up and asked to buy water and a chocolate protein drink.
“Things got heated. Busta splashed water on him and the employee threw water back. Busta’s security got between them,” Sean Aird, 23, a bodybuilder from Brooklyn, told New York Daily News. "The cops came and (the employee) kept changing his story.
“He was provoked. Busta never had any physical contact with him whatsoever.”
The hip-hop star is due back in court on November 6.
