American rapper Killer Mike has released a statement after his arrest at the Grammys.
The 48-year-old beat major stars such as Travis Scott, Nas, Drake and 21 Savage to win best rap album, while his track Scientists & Engineers earned him two awards: best rap song and best rap performance. But shortly after his wins he was pictured being escorted in handcuffs from the Crypto.com Arena, the LA venue where the awards were being hosted.
The Los Angeles police department confirmed that he had been arrested and booked for misdemeanour battery and was later released.
An unnamed “senior law enforcement source” told Rolling Stone that a security guard claimed that Killer Mike allegedly pushed her to the floor after he tried to make his way around her at a venue entrance.
Following the incident, Killer Mike – whose real name is Michael Render – said in comments to Rolling Stone: “As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an overzealous security guard, but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing.”
A member of the rapper’s team added: “We hit a speed bump in that Mike was detained and charged with a misdemeanour after collecting his awards. On the way into the venue, there was considerable confusion around where to go. He encountered an overzealous security guard and continued moving towards his destination. The situation has been overblown but we are confident that the facts of the case, when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offence and he will be exonerated.”
Regarding his wins, Render added: “We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment.”
As well as a solo career dating back to a 2000 appearance on Outkast track Snappin’ & Trappin’, Render is known for his duo Run the Jewels, who have released four studio albums.
