Rapper Bone Crusher wasn't rolling around a Minnesota mall in a motorized cart this week because he's fat -- despite reports to the contrary -- he tells TMZ, he's got a REAL reason for being temporarily handicapped.
Mr. Crusher tells us, he recently underwent serious knee surgery to repair an injury he sustained a few years ago in Germany, when he was performing for U.S. troops stationed abroad ... and stupidly jumped off stage.
Crush -- real name Wayne Hardnett, Jr. -- says he's been rehabbing the knee since the surgery and that's why he had to use the motorized cart. The rapper says he can walk just fine, just not for extended periods of time ... yet.
That said, Crusher -- who currently weighs roughly 360 pounds -- admits the photos that surfaced on the web this week weren't so flattering, telling TMZ, "I'm definitely trying to lose weight. I want to get myself back down to where I was on 'Celebrity Fit Club.'"
Crusher says his goal weight is 250, and he's already lost roughly 40 pounds since focusing on his weight again.
And here's a fun fact: Crusher says he used to be a chef ... so he can't wait to start cooking healthy again.
See also
Ariel Winter's Mom -- I NEVER Called My Daughter Fat
TV Anchor Jennifer Livingston -- I Don't Hate the Guy Who Called Me Fat
Kevin Federline -- Rushed to Hospital After Heart Scare
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