Following a triumphant Grammy night with three major wins, rapper Killer Mike was arrested Sunday evening at the Crypto.com Arena.
Earlier that night, Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, had triumphed over music heavyweights like Travis Scott, Nas, Drake, and 21 Savage to snag Best Rap Album for his acclaimed project “Michael.”
His track “Scientists & Engineers” secured him both Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance accolades.
However, the celebratory mood took a drastic turn when pictures emerged online showing the 48-year-old rapper being escorted away from the venue in handcuffs.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the arrest, stating misdemeanor battery charges against Render.
He was later released on the same evening. Rolling Stone reported that a security guard claimed Render pushed her to the ground after attempting to bypass her at an entrance.
Render swiftly released a statement through Rolling Stone, maintaining his innocence: “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 Render’s team further elaborated: “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 will show Mike did not commit the alleged offence and he will be exonerated.”
While the charges remain, both Render and his team emphasize their firm belief in his innocence.
