In connection with the winners at this year’s Grammy gala being crowned on the night of Monday, there were also reports that Killer Mike – who took home three prizes at the gala – had been arrested by the police. Reports the next day claimed the rapper was later released and was able to continue celebrating his triumphs, but scant information exists about the incident itself.
According to TMZ Mike is said to have gotten into trouble after getting into a fight with security guards at the gala. TMZ claims he punched a guard, although no such thing is seen in the clip they posted on their website.
Now Killer Mike has made an official statement in which he writes:
“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.”
His management further wrote in the statement:
“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. 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.”
During Monday morning American time, Killer Mike also called in to “The Big Tigger Show” where he said briefly:
“We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party.”
During the radio interview, he also chose to focus on his three Grammy wins, which he was awarded for the album “MICHAEL” (Best Rap Album) and the album track “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS” (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance).
“Three Grammys. 20 years in the game. 48 years old. Beat out everybody in the thing. He beat the best of the best, so all you could say is, he one of the best. The best album in the 50th year of Hip Hop came from Atlanta, Georgia, from a man who will be 50 years old in three years”he says in the program.
According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Killer Mike was arrested shortly after three in the afternoon and released just over four hours later. However, he will appear in court on February 29.
Listen to the conversation below.
Foto: Jonathan Mannion
