Grammys 2024: Rapper Killer Mike escorted out of the award show in handcuffs after winning three Grammys – Here’s why

Rapper Michael ‘Killer Mike’ Render, who won three awards at the 2024 Grammy Awards, was arrested shortly after his victories and escorted out of the Crypto.com Arena in handcuffs by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Videos posted on X (formerly Twitter) showed Killer Mike being led away in handcuffs around 4:22 p.m. PT, as some people shouted “Free Mike” in the background. The videos went viral and sparked outrage and confusion among his fans and fellow musicians.

The reason for his arrest is still unknown, but Chris Gardner, a senior staff writer for The Hollywood Reporter, says it was a misdemeanor and had nothing to do with what happened at the arena. Gardner also stated that an official informed someone on Killer Mike’s team that he could be released later that night.

Killer Mike won three Grammys during the pre-show ceremony, which took place before the main telecast at 5:00 p.m. PT. He won best rap song and best rap performance for his single “Scientists and Engineers,” as well as best rap album for “Michael,” his sixth studio album, which was released in June 2023.