US rapper Killer Mike arrives for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024. Photo: AFP
Killer Mike was walked out of Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena in handcuffs Sunday (Feb 4) and charged with misdemeanour battery after winning three Grammy Awards.
“On Sunday February 4th just after 4pm a male adult was detained & handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court,” the LAPD announced Sunday. “The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division.”
Police confirmed Monday the suspect was Killer Mike, aka Michael Render.
According to Variety, the Scientists & Engineers rapper was released soon after being taken into custody late Sunday afternoon and had plans to be “celebrating his sweep” that evening. Police confirmed he was in “the process of being released” around 8.30pm LA time.
It’s not clear what led to Killer Mike’s detention during a preshow ceremony, where several awards, including his, were handed out ahead of the Grammy Awards broadcast. LAPD hasn’t returned a request for information.
Video shot by Hollywood Reporter writer Chris Gardner shows authorities walking the 48-year-old performer through the stadium’s hallways with his hands cuffed behind his back.
It was an otherwise good night for Killer Mike, who was honoured for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album. The Atlanta native posted, “I did it for the city” on social media Monday morning. It had been more than 20 years since he won his last Grammy.
The alleged incident that landed him in police custody occurred in an area adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena, according to CNN. It’s unclear who else was involved. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
