Killer Mike was arrested at the 2024 Grammy Awards
Atlanta rapper and activist Killer Mike was arrested on a misdemeanor charge during the Grammy Awards ceremony, which was held last night at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles.
Killer Mike won three Grammys last night: best rap song, best rap performance and best rap album.
Killer Mike, 48, whose real name is Michael Santiago Render, was later handcuffed and escorted by police officers through a corridor in the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. In the video released online he is heard saying: “Are you serious?” as he is taken away.
The rapper was arrested shortly after 4 p.m. following a “physical altercation” near the arena, he was taken to the LAPD Central Division and was in the process of being released. Details of the alleged altercation remain unclear. Police and Killer Mike’s representatives had no comment.
Earlier in the night, Killer Mike gave a short speech when he won best rap album for “Michael,” emphatically telling the audience that his dreams had come true. “You can’t tell me you’re too old, you can’t tell me it’s too late. You can’t tell me,” he said. “Dreams come true: it’s a turning point.”
A stalwart of the Atlanta rap scene, Killer Mike is also known for being an activist who has repeatedly spoken out against injustice towards black Americans. She wrote editorials, gave university lectures and used his songs to communicate his views on social and political issues, condemning police killings and describing harsh discussions she had with his father, a police officer.
The rapper has also spoken out against the use of violent lyrics as evidence against rappers accused of crimes, arguing that it endangers art and free speech.
