WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was taken to a hospital after he was assaulted inside a Palm Beach County gym Tuesday night, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said.
In a news release, the sheriff's office said the 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, was attacked inside LA Fitness, located at 8888 Lantana Road, at about 8:45 p.m.
In a statement to NBC News, Hernandez's attorney, Lance Lazzaro, said the rapper was attacked in a gym sauna by "three or four thugs who beat him up."
Lazzaro said Hernandez tried fighting back and suffered cuts to his face and bruises.
"Employees heard the disturbance and the perpetrators fled," Lazzaro said. "Police in South Florida were called and he was transported via ambulance to a local hospital."
The sheriff's office said the assault involved several individuals and Hernandez was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"It's bound to happen ... a big celebrity just goes out in public like this," Sara Fogel said. "People know who he is. People know what he's done."
Several people told WPTV they have seen Tekashi 6ix9ine at the gym several times. They said he kept to himself and worked out.
Detectives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
Hernandez, who's known for his rainbow-colored hair, extensive tattoos, and aggressive style of rapping, has had a history of legal issues.
In 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a felony charge of using a child in a sexual performance and was sentenced to four years of probation.
Three years later, in 2018, Hernandez was arrested for racketeering, attempted murder and several weapons charges. He pleaded guilty and testified against members of the Nine Trey Gangsters gang and was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
Hernandez was released early in August 2020.
