Busta Rhymes has been formally charged with assault following allegations that he struck an individual in the face.
A spokesperson from the New York Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY on Thursday that the rapper-actor voluntarily presented himself at a police precinct in Brooklyn on Tuesday evening.
Busta Rhymes, whose legal name is Trevor Smith Jr., faces charges of misdemeanor assault, attempted assault, and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 2.
According to the spokesperson, the inquiry into the matter remains “ongoing.”
A representative for the 52-year-old artist has yet to issue a statement regarding this incident.
In the meantime, sources within law enforcement have informed editors at The New York Post that the alleged victim was Busta’s personal assistant.
The event reportedly occurred on January 10 within a building located in the Dumbo area, with the hip-hop artist purportedly reacting after observing the employee using his phone during work hours.
Insiders have indicated that Busta Rhymes struck his assistant “in the face several times, resulting in noticeable swelling in his left eye.
This incident is not the first occasion that the Grammy Award-nominated artist has encountered legal issues.
In 2015, the creator of the hit song “Touch It” faced assault charges after allegedly launching a protein drink at an employee at a gym in Manhattan.