Busta Rhymes Charged With Third-Degree Assault, Brooklyn

Rapper Busta Rhymes, legally named Trevor Smith, faces accusations of third-degree assault following an incident on January 10 in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood, where he allegedly punched a 50-year-old man multiple times during an argument. Police responded to a 911 call and reported that the victim required hospitalization due to swelling on his face. Rhymes was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in court on February 3. The incident has drawn attention against the backdrop of Rhymes' recent recognition at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, where he received the Global Icon Award. While details surrounding the altercation continue to emerge, the allegations raise questions about the rapper's public image amid his long-standing music career. An email seeking comment from his publicist has gone unanswered.