Killer Mike arrested at the GRAMMYs hours after winning three awards

The Run the Jewels rapper had picked up Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album — his first in over two decades

[Updated: February 6, 2023 - Killer Mike has since released a statement.]

Killer Mike was arrested at last night's GRAMMYs, mere hours after picking up three awards.

The Run The Jewels rapper was celebrating his first award at the ceremony in over two decades last night (Sunday, January 4), before footage began to circulate social media of Killer Mike, real name Michael Santiago Render, being escorted out of Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena in handcuffs.

According to the BBC, the artist was arrested on a misdemeanour charge after an alleged physical altercation backstage at the awards. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

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Killer Mike won three awards during last night's ceremony, marking his first GRAMMY win since picking up Best Rap Performance for Outkast's 'The Whole World' in 2003.

The artist won awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his track ‘Scientists & Engineers’ featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane; alongside picking up Best Rap Album for last year's 'Michael'.

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A spokesperson for the LAPD told The Independent: “On Sunday, 4 February, just after 4:PM, a male adult was detained and handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court.

“The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division. The suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Render and booked for Misdemeanor Battery 243(A) PC, and is in the process of being released.”

Since being released by the police Killer Mike has shared a video of the moment he won Best Rap Album along with the caption: “DREAMS COME TRUE - IT’S A SWEEP!”

On February 5, the artist broke his silence on the arrest by sharing a statement with Pitchfork claiming he “will be cleared of all wrongdoing”.

It is still unclear what happened after the awards ceremony however, Mike shares that he is “better than OK".

His full statement reads: "I first want to extend my appreciation to the GRAMMY's Committee for recognizing me and my team for the work that went into Michael. We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment.

Mike continues: "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.

"I do want to note that last night, my team and I fielded a number of calls from concerned fans and colleagues wanting to know if I was OK. I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK. 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 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."

Watch the moment Killer Mike was escorted out of the GRAMMYs below.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter

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