Killer Mike released a statement following a confusing arrest that took place after he won three Grammy Awards Sunday night.
On Sunday (Feb. 4) the rapper was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department and booked on misdemeanor charges during the annual award ceremony.
According to Rolling Stone, a security guard claimed to have been injured by the Atlanta native during a confrontation over ticketing and procedures inside the Crypto.com arena. The security guard described how she “ran around and got in front of him again,” and Killer Mike allegedly “pushed her to the ground.”
This allegedly resulted in the security guard suffering injuries to her hands and fingers. Following the alleged dispute, the woman and her fellow security officers called the police and signed a citizen’s arrest for misdemeanor battery, including photos of her reported injuries. The rapper denies the allegations.
“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,” explained the 48-year-old in a statement after sharing pride in his monumental Grammy Award wins and news that his son has finally received a match for a kidney donation.
“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.”
A member of the Michael rapper’s team also shared a statement adding clarity to the events, writing “We are grateful for the love and support Killer Mike has received. He worked incredibly hard on MICHAEL, and his Grammy win was well-deserved.”
The statement continues, “We hit a speed bump in that Mike was detained and charged with a misdemeanor after collecting his awards. On the way into the venue, there was considerable confusion around where to go. He encountered an over-zealous security guard and continued moving towards his destination. The situation has been overblown but we are 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.”
Before his arrest, Killer Mike was awarded Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. Read his full statement regarding the night below.
“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. 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.“