Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine filed a lawsuit against gym chain LA Fitness on Wednesday, alleging negligence in an attack at a Florida location two years ago.
Why It Matters
Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, said he was a victim of a “violent” assault and robbery carried out by three known members of the Latin Kings gang in March of 2023. He is seeking damages in excess of $1 million.
What To Know
Hernandez filed the claim against LA Fitness in the 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
Who Is Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine?
Hernandez began releasing rap music as Tekashi 6ix9ine in 2014. His commercial debut single, “Gummo,” was released in 2017 and eventually peaked at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Hernandez was arrested and charged with racketeering and other crimes in 2018. He pleaded guilty in 2019 and was sentenced to two years in prison. He was placed on house arrest in 2020 and released later that year.
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What happened to Tekashi 6ix9ine in 2023?
The lawsuit alleges that Hernandez was “brutally beaten, assaulted and robbed.”
Footage of the attack obtained by TMZ showed Hernandez being struck repeatedly while trying to guard his face. He suffered injuries to his jaw, ribs and back during the incident.
James F. Sposato, Hernandez’s lawyer, said his client was seriously injured in the attack and lost personal property. Sposato also said the attack resulted in pain and suffering, disability, humiliation, medical expenses, loss of income and reduced quality of life.
“The losses are either permanent or continuing and Hernandez will suffer losses in the future,” the lawsuit states.
What Does The Lawsuit Allege?
The suit argues that LA Fitness had a responsibility to provide security to prevent criminal attacks.
According to the complaint, the LA Fitness was located in an area where crime had “exploded” in recent years. Sposato said LA Fitness had a duty to implement security measures corresponding to the “prevalence of criminal activity in LA Fitness and the surrounding area.”
The lawsuit lists several ways LA Fitness failed to uphold its duty of care to Hernandez, including failing to implement security measures, failing to prevent the perpetrators from entering the gym and failing to respond to the attack in a “timely” manner.
Who Was Arrested In Relation To The Attack?
In 2023, 43-year-old Rafael Medina Jr., 23-year-old Octavious Medina and 25-year-old Anthony Maldonado were arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the attack.
What People Are Saying
James F. Sposato, Hernandez’s lawyer, in the lawsuit: “Defendant owed a further non-delegable duty to members and others lawfully at LA Fitness, including Hernandez, to take reasonable security measures and provide reasonable security under the circumstances to prevent foreseeable criminal attacks.”
What Happens Next
Judge Caryn Siperstein is presiding over the case. In a legal filing on Friday, Sposato requested LA Fitness to produce several documents, including employee schedules, documents identifying security guards, training manuals and witness statements.
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