Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was hospitalized Tuesday after he was assaulted in a Los Angeles fitness steam room in South Florida, according to a video posted on social media, CBS Miami reports.
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine brutally beaten
His attorney, Lance Lazaro, told TMZ that the rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, had rainbow-colored hair and his face was torn out.
CBS Miami could not reach Lazzaro Tuesday night and said it was unclear where in South Florida the attack occurred.
Videos posted to multiple social media sites showed Hernandez on the gym bathroom floor as at least two men kicked him and grabbed his hair.
6ix9ine was a social media phenomenon, racking up millions of followers on Instagram before becoming a rising star in the hip-hop world.
His multi-platinum single “Fefe,” featuring Nicki Minaj, reached No. 3 on the pop chart, and he also featured “Stoopid,” a collaboration with imprisoned rapper Bobby Shmurda.
Lazzaro told TMZ that 6ix9ine, who was not physically safe, tried to fight back during the attack but was overpowered and outnumbered.
The rapper was released early from federal prison after colluding with law enforcement to prosecute other gang members, CBS Miami said.
However, it is unclear whether those involved in the brawl wrote the lyrics.
Police arrested 6ix9ine in November 2018 and he spent 13 months behind bars before being sentenced in December 2019. He initially faced 47 years to life in prison for crimes involving the Nine Bloods gang.
6ix9ine has pleaded guilty to racketeering, firearms offences, conspiracy and drug trafficking. But Tekashi, real name Daniel Hernandez, also became a cooperating witness for prosecutors targeting two of his former gang members.
In return, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison. In April 2020, he was released early and placed under house arrest due to the Covid-19 pandemic. By August, officials removed Tekashi’s ankle monitor and ended home confinement restrictions. He will be discharged under supervision for five years and undertake 300 hours of community service.
TMZ reported that police and emergency services arrived at LA Fitness following the beating. Another video showed 6ix9ine coming out of the bathroom with blood on his face and accusing surrounding customers of jumping on him, but the person who recorded the video denied any involvement and described himself as a “fan”.
