US rapper Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, faced detainment after an altercation at the Grammys, where he won three awards, according to the Los Angeles police.
The incident took place inside the Crypto.com Arena, the venue for the ceremony. Killer Mike, 48, was booked on a misdemeanor charge and later released.
Video footage showed him being escorted in handcuffs by police officers after his Grammy triumph. Despite the incident, he clinched awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers” and Best Rap Album for “Michael.”
During his acceptance speech, Killer Mike addressed those who think they’re too old for rap, saying, “This is for all the people who think you’re too old to rap… we keep hip-hop alive. Never ever stop doing what you do.”
Eyewitnesses at the arena reported hearing shouts of “free Mike” as he was led away by the police.
Known for his outspoken stance on issues affecting black Americans, Killer Mike’s detainment added a dramatic twist to the Grammy Awards, dominated by Taylor Swift’s historic fourth win for Best Album.
