Killer Mike was taken into police custody on Sunday at the 2024 Grammy Awards, shortly after he won three trophies during the pre-show ceremony.
The rapper, activist and entrepreneur was arrested inside the Crypto.com Arena on a misdemeanor battery charge, according to the LAPD.
Video captured by Chris Gardner, a senior staff reporter with The Hollywood Reporter, showed the music star being escorted out of the arena in handcuffs as women in evening gowns and men wearing suits and tuxedos looked on in confusion.
Someone could be heard in the video saying, “Mike, are you serious? What the f–k?”
Breaking: Rapper Killer Mike has been taken away in handcuffs in https://t.co/aF2yiyTHol arena after winning 3 #Grammys during telecast (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” Best Rap Album for Michael) “Free Mike” someone shouts as he walks past. pic.twitter.com/4epfmzqMt8
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 5, 2024
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In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, the LAPD wrote: “A male adult was detained & handcuffed for a physical altercation.”
Police said the alleged incident happened in the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court, which is right outside the Crypto.com Arena. The department did not provide any information on the alleged victim.
The LAPD later posted an update on X, saying the person taken into custody was 48-year-old Michael Render, which is Killer Mike’s birth name. The rapper was transported to the LAPD Central Division in downtown L.A., where he was booked for misdemeanor battery. He was in the process of being released, the LAPD wrote on X at 8:33 p.m. PT.
A police source told Rolling Stone, “Somebody complains, obviously we have to do something about it.”
Render has so far not released a public statement.
Earlier in the day, he won Grammys for best rap performance and best rap song for “Scientists & Engineers,” and best rap album for Michael.
The hip-hop star was born in Atlanta and is the son of a police officer. He briefly attended Morehouse College, before launching a music career.
He is an activist who frequently voices concerns about police brutality and systemic racism, and has called for empowering Black families through business.
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