Atlanta rapper Killer Mike has broken his silence after police handcuffed and arrested him during Sunday’s 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. According to PEOPLE, the 48-year-old, whose real name is Michael Santiago Render, was arrested after he was awarded three Grammys for his 2023 album, Michael.
The veteran rapper took home the Grammy award for Best Rap Album while his Scientists & Engineers song won Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. But a video that was later shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed the rapper being led out of the arena in handcuffs.
The Los Angeles Police Department on Sunday also shared details about the incident, stating that “a male adult was detained & handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court.”
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“The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division,” the LAPD added.
“As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter,” Killer Mike said in a statement to the news outlet. “We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to Michael, and keep going after your dreams.”
The Monster rapper stated that “concerned fans and colleagues” made a “number of calls” to him and his team to find out if he was OK. “I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK,” he added.
A source told PEOPLE that the 48-year-old is facing a misdemeanor charge in connection with the incident, though his team is “confident that the facts of the case, when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offense, and he will be exonerated.”
Despite the incident, Killer Mike revealed that he had another thing to celebrate the day after he took home the three Grammys. “We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment,” he shared.
“I am also grateful that one of my prayers has been answered – the day after my Grammy win – I learned that my son, who has been on the list for a kidney for years, finally has a match. Obviously, we are elated.”
