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Hip-hop legend Method Man, born Clifford Smith, has firmly denied allegations of assault following an incident at a Staten Island Crunch Fitness facility. The 53-year-old Wu-Tang Clan member was accused of allegedly striking Patrick Sokoya, 28, in an altercation that reportedly stemmed from a past relationship between Sokoya and the rapper's daughter.
According to law enforcement sources who spoke with The New York Post, the incident involved Smith allegedly striking Sokoya seven times "with a closed fist." While Sokoya reported feeling dizzy following the confrontation, he declined medical attention at the scene. A complaint was filed with the New York Police Department, though no arrest was made.
Through his representative, Smith issued a clear statement to both Billboard and The New York Post: "Mr. Smith categorically denies the allegations as reported and has not been the subject of an arrest by any law enforcement agency." The NYPD confirmed to Billboard that no arrest report exists related to the incident.
The Grammy-winning artist has maintained a significant presence in both music and entertainment. With more than 130 acting credits to his name and over 4 million solo albums sold, Method Man has successfully diversified his career beyond his roots in the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. In 2024 alone, he collaborated with numerous artists including Redman, Ghostface Killah, and Marlon Craft.
This isn't Smith's first encounter with legal issues. In 2007, he faced charges after being found with marijuana during a traffic stop in Brooklyn. More significantly, in 2009, he addressed tax evasion charges in Staten Island Criminal Court, owing $32,799 in unpaid state income taxes from 2004 to 2007. He famously attributed the oversight to his marijuana use, telling reporters, "Because I got high, I forgot to pay. It was stupid."
While Method Man hasn't released a studio album since 2022's "Meth Lab Season 3: The Rehab," he remains an influential figure in hip hop culture. His most recent public appearance was at the 2024 ONE MusicFest in Atlanta's Central Park, where he demonstrated the commanding stage presence that has defined his career.
