It came after the rapper won all three of the Grammys he was nominated for.
Killer Mike (Facebook)
Killer Mike had a whirlwind of a night at the 2024 Grammy Awards, winning all three of the categories he was nominated for – but then being handcuffed and escorted out by police.
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The rapper (who is also a member of Run The Jewels and Dungeon Family) took out the awards for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album – the former two awards came at the hand of his André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane-assisted single Scientists & Engineers, and the latter came at the hand of his sixth solo album MICHAEL.
News of his supposed arrest was broken by The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner, who tweeted a video of Mike being walked out of the venue (Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles) in handcuffs, flanked by two armed police officers and a crew of suited men (presumably security or members of Mike’s team). The journalist noted it was “unclear if [Mike is] being booked here and what he’s charged with”.
An official tells someone on his team that it’s possible he may be released later tonight from the arena. Unclear if he’s being booked here and what he’s charged with. Trying to find out. #Grammys pic.twitter.com/undjtECFu1
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 5, 2024
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Shortly after sharing the clip, Gardner said he spoke to an “official” who claimed the incident was “a misdemeanor” and “nothing to do with anything that happened today here inside the arena”. Harvey Mason (CEO of The Recording Academy, which runs the Grammys) was spotted on the scene to liaise with security and Mike’s team – the latter of whom reportedly declined to speak on the situation.
As of an hour ago at the time of writing (1pm Monday February 5), Mike was reportedly being detained backstage at the venue.
Harvey Mason Jr is now headed backstage after spending time here talking to security and Killer Mike’s team. The scene by security has calmed but Mike is still detained back there. pic.twitter.com/RB7zfRUumD
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 5, 2024
The 2024 Grammy Awards are ongoing. Thus far, notable moments have included Kylie Minogue’s second-ever Grammys win, taking home the gong for Best Pop Dance Recording at the hand of her smash hit Padam Padam. Meanwhile, SZA leads the nominations with nods in nine categories, followed by Phoebe Bridgers, Victoria Monét and Serban Ghenea with seven nods each.