On a night of triumph and surprise at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, renowned American rapper Killer Mike, born Michael Render, won three prestigious awards, only to be subsequently detained and escorted out of the Crypto.com Arena in Los Ángeles, handcuffed and under the astonished gaze of those present.
Killer Mike and his collaborators received the Grammy for best rap song and best rap performance for Scientists
Eyewitnesses reported that the rapper was taken away in handcuffs by Los Angeles police after he was reportedly involved in a physical altercation in the vicinity of the Crypto.com Arena. Although the police have not provided official statements, a viral video on social media shows Killer Mike being led away by officers with his hands cuffed behind his back.
The Hollywood Reporter, citing a stadium security official, reported that "the rapper was arrested for an unspecified misdemeanor unrelated to the Grammy Awards." "Free Mike," some of those present shouted as they watched the 48-year-old artist being led out of the venue.
The news of Killer Mike's arrest surprised the audience and left the fate of the artist in suspense, who has been recognized not only for his musical talent but also for his social activism on issues such as racism and police brutality. So far, neither the artist's team nor his representatives have commented on the situation.
Before his arrest, Killer Mike expressed his gratitude upon receiving the awards, underscoring the timelessness of rap. "I don't give a damn if you're 78 and you rap about how many women you have in residence. Make sure you keep hip-hop alive," the rapper had stated during his speech.
