Busta Rhymes Facing Assault Charges for Beating of Driver

Busta Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, is expected to be charged with third degree assault following a complaint filed by his driver Eddie Hatchett. According to the New York Post, Hatchett filed a complaint against Busta at the 1st Precinct in lower Manhattan on December 27, claiming that the rap star attacked him the day before when the driver showed up at his offices looking to collect money he was owed. Hatchett told police that the attack occurred when he arrived at Busta's offices at 84 W. Broadway at around 7:00 p.m. on the 26th. Hatchett says that Busta landed several punches, one of which resulted in a laceration to his face. When police contacted the rapper's attorney Robert Kalina, he informed them that he was out of the country, but said that he would come in and speak with officers upon his return. The Post quoted Hatchett as saying, "I'm just an average Joe trying to support my family." Busta was arrested in August on charges of assault, attempted assault and harassment following allegations that he beat up a fan who accidentally spit on his car. Those charges are still pending and Busta is due back in court on February 20th.