Method Man has refuted allegations of assault at a Staten Island gym, as initially reported by the New York Post on Thursday (Jan. 16).

A representative for Method Man — whose real name is Clifford Smith — issued a statement to Billboard, saying, “Mr. Smith categorically denies the allegations as reported and has not been the subject of an arrest by any law enforcement agency.”

Although Method Man denies being arrested, the New York Post claims a complaint was filed against the 53-year-old rapper with the New York Police Department. However, the NYPD confirmed to Billboard that no arrest report exists.

***UPDATE*****

Method Man was allegedly involved in an altercation at a gym in New York City.

According to a report published by the New York Post on Thursday, January 16, the 53-year-old Wu-Tang Clan rapper reportedly punched a 28-year-old man in the face seven times with a closed fist while at Crunch Fitness in Staten Island. The unidentified victim claimed to feel dizzy and experienced facial pain but declined medical attention. Method Man, born Clifford Smith Jr., was detained at the scene, and a police report was filed, though he was not arrested.

The incident allegedly stemmed from the man’s past relationship with Method Man’s daughter, Cheyenne. The two reportedly dated over a decade ago. No additional details about the motive have been confirmed.

In recent years, Method Man has become widely recognized for his acting career. He currently stars as Davis MacLean in the hit TV series “Power Book II: Ghost,” a role that earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He also appeared in season two of “Godfather of Harlem” and starred in the 2024 film Bad Shabbos alongside Kyra Sedgwick.

 

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The rapper-actor has also built a reputation for his dedication to fitness. He runs “Tical Athletics,” a health and wellness page where he shares workout videos and fitness tips. Although he has recently posted content on the page, he has not addressed the alleged incident publicly.

METHOD MAN OF WU-TANG CLAN

He is renowned for his smooth delivery, charismatic stage presence, and versatility across various entertainment platforms.

 

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Method Man gained prominence as part of the Wu-Tang Clan, which debuted with their groundbreaking 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He stood out as one of the group’s most recognizable members, known for his signature raspy voice and witty wordplay.

Method Man’s debut solo album, Tical (1994), was a major success and featured the hit single “Bring the Pain.” His subsequent albums include Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1998), Tical 0: The Prequel (2004), 4:21… The Day After (2006), and The Meth Lab series (2015 and 2018).