Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was hospitalized after being savagely attacked by several men in a South Florida gym on Tuesday. Attorney Lance Lazzaro, who represents the rapper, stated that 6ix9ine was in the sauna when three or four people suddenly approached and attacked him, causing cuts to his face and bruises.
"He had cuts to his face and bruises. Employees heard the disturbance and the perpetrators fled. Police in South Florida were called, and he was transported via ambulance to a local hospital," Lazzaro said.
A video posted on social media showed Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, walking through the gym with blood on his face. Another video showed one man continuously hitting the rapper while he tried to defend his face.
The rapper's injuries were so severe that he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Tekashi 6ix9ine suffered gashes and swelling on his face, as well as injuries to his jaw, ribs, and back. It is unclear whether he is still hospitalized.
According to Lazzaro, the rapper did not have security with him at the time of the attack. The lawyer also stated that he plans to call the Feds to ensure that 6ix9ine receives the protection he needs, as he had been granted early release from federal prison after cooperating with authorities to land several of his gang member cohorts behind bars.
It is currently unknown if the gym attack was related to Tekashi 6ix9ine's cooperation. The rapper had been sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of racketeering, firearms offenses, and drug trafficking, but prosecutors recommended a reduced sentence after he helped prosecutors put away two leaders of a violent New York gang. He was released early the following year.
The attack on Tekashi 6ix9ine serves as a reminder of the dangers that celebrities and public figures can face, even when going about their daily routines. It is also a stark reminder of the rapper's controversial past and the danger he may still face as a result of his cooperation with law enforcement.