Despite winning all three categories for his album, Michael, Killer Mike was detained by LAPD shortly afterward for an undisclosed incident with a security guard. The 48-year-old Atlanta recording artist released a statement on Tuesday morning (Feb.6) regarding the incident.
In the statement, Mike acknowledges his son’s kidney transplant,the Grammy Committee awarding his album, and promises to be cleared of any wrongdoing. The LAPD shared a report on the incident involving Mike on social media on Sunday evening (Feb.4).
Here’s Killer Mike’s official statement on the Grammy detainment:
“I first want to extend my appreciation to the Grammy’s Committee for recognizing me and my team for the work that went into ‘Michael.’ We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment. I am also grateful that one of my prayers has been answered – the day after my Grammy win – I learned that my son, who has been on the list for a kidney for years, finally has a match. Obviously, we are elated.
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 on, 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.”
Despite Mike’s brief description of what happened on Sunday night as a “speed bump,” Rolling Stone reported on Monday (Feb.5) that a staff member stopped him backstage following his awards. The female guard claimed that she asked him for his tickets and directed him to a security checkpoint, but he refused.
Following that, she claims she “ran around and got in front of him again,” but he allegedly “pushed her to the ground,” causing an injury to her hand.
After receiving medical treatment, she signed a citizen’s arrest for misdemeanor battery with the help of her fellow security officers. As a result, Killer Mike was arrested, booked, processed, and then released on his own recognizance.
Killer Mike’s Michael won Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards.
Killer Mike is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles court on February 29.