Busta Rhymes' assault victim, unimpressed by star: ‘I like mariachi, I don't like rap'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Busta Rhymes attends "Hamilton" Broadway Opening Night on August 6, 2015 in New York City. (2015 Getty Images)
Busta Rhymes was arrested in August for allegedly hitting an employee at a New York City gym. His victim has now spoken out.
Ole Hernandez, who works at a Steel Gym in Chelsea, told the New York Post’s Page Six that the rapper is a self-absorbed hothead who went after him after a gym employee told the rapper’s cameraman he wasn’t allowed inside without permission.
“I don’t even know who he is,” Hernandez said. “I am a Mexican, I like mariachi. I don’t like rap.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, reportedly got wind of it and went to the gym in early August with a homophobic and xenophobic rant.
“You don’t know who I am! I’m Busta Rhymes!” the rapper reportedly yelled, according to Hernandez. “I’m the real n*****! You’re a f****** f*****, you are a p****! You are a Mexican crossing the border to come to this country, I will f*** you up.”
Gym surveillance does not capture the audio, but Rhymes can be seen reaching across the counter and pointing in Hernandez’s face until security get involved.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ken Hunt, the gym’s owner, told the Post that he was angry at the rapper for using gay and racial slurs in front of other members.
According to Hernandez, he was under orders from Hunt to tell Rhymes that he had to speak to the owner if he wanted to enter the gym – which he did the next day when the incensed rapper returned.
A video obtained by the Post shows Rhymes splashing water on Hernandez’s head before splattering the front display case and floor.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Off camera, one of Rhymes’ security guards reportedly went behind the counter and allegedly shoved Hernandez into an office door, breaking it in the process. Hernandez said he went to the hospital after the incident and was treated for swelling and scratches to his head.
Rhymes was arrested for felony assault and pleaded guilty to a violation charge of harassment in a deal with prosecutors, the Post reported. He also agreed to take anger management classes.
Hernandez told the Post he is angry that the rapper got away with no jail time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}