Method Man denies assault allegations at Staten Island gym

Method Man denies punching a man at Crunch Fitness in Staten Island, with no arrest confirmed by NYPD.

Method Man, born Clifford Smith, has denied allegations of assault that were reported by the New York Post on January 16. 

A representative for the Wu-Tang Clan rapper clarified to Billboard, stating, “Mr. Smith categorically denies the allegations as reported and has not been the subject of an arrest by any law enforcement agency.”

The New York Post had reported that Method Man was involved in an altercation at Crunch Fitness in Staten Island, where he allegedly punched another man in the face multiple times. According to the report, the victim was the ex-boyfriend of Method Man’s 28-year-old daughter, having dated her more than a decade ago. The man reportedly refused medical attention at the scene.

While the Post claims a complaint was filed with the New York Police Department, the NYPD confirmed to Billboard that no arrest had been made. Method Man has a history of legal issues, including a 2010 guilty plea for tax evasion, for which he paid $40,000 in restitution.

Despite these allegations, Method Man continues to be active in music, having collaborated with several artists in 2024, including Redman, Ghostface Killah, and 38 Spesh. His most recent studio album is ‘Meth Lab Season 3: The Rehab’.