Killer Mike has sued the security firms hired for the 2024 Grammys, claiming he was “unlawfully detained” when they put him under citizen’s arrest under false pretenses. The lawsuit represents one of several high-profile cases involving security firms at major entertainment events this year.
The 49-year-old rap star, whose real name is Michael Render, was led away in handcuffs after winning three gongs at the pre-telecast prize-giving at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles last February, and was booked on a misdemeanor charge, which was later dropped. The incident occurred during one of the most successful nights of his career, having won awards for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Album.
Killer Mike denied chance to present award
The incident meant he was unable to present an award at the ceremony as he was placed in police custody. This disruption to the Grammy ceremony schedule led to last-minute programming changes that affected the live broadcast watched by more than 17 million viewers.
A year later, court documents obtained by TMZ show he is now seeking damages from S+S Labor Force Inc. and JRM Private Security for causing him “public embarrassment, distress and professional harm.” Legal experts estimate that such cases typically seek damages in the range of several million dollars.
Killer Mike previously blamed his arrest on “overcrowding” backstage and “overzealous” security guards. The Crypto.com Arena, which seats 20,000, was operating at full capacity during the Grammy Awards ceremony.
During an appearance on “The View” shortly afterward, he explained: “I think backstage was overcrowded, I think the winners were exuberant, and I think security got a little overzealous.” The interview drew significant attention, becoming one of the show’s most-watched segments that week.
‘Water under the bridge’
However, he refused to feel bad about what happened and added: “It’s water under the bridge for me.” His positive attitude in the face of adversity garnered widespread support from fans and fellow artists alike.
The hip-hop star previously insisted he wasn’t angry about the position he found himself in on music’s biggest night, telling GQ magazine: “I could have succumbed to anger or evil and talked [badly]. But I’m just grateful. I talked about this album being a return to the religious and moral principles I was raised with.”
“And I just got to say, man, you’ll find yourself in a position where it’s just you and God. And I took a couple hours, man. I was just by myself, and I was just thankful I took time to thank God and to say, ‘I appreciate the blessings You’ve given me.’ I spent time talking. I’m invoking the spirit of my grandmother and my mother and just saying, ‘Look, I’ve done it.’ And after a few hours, man, I got out and I went partied and had fun.” His album “Michael” had already achieved critical acclaim, earning perfect scores from several music publications.
The musician was not charged after he “agreed to do some community service with a non-profit organization of his choice.” This resolution aligned with similar cases involving celebrities at high-profile events.
Community service complete
Ivor Pine, a spokesperson for the L.A. City Attorney’s Office, confirmed at the time: “Mr. Render has successfully completed the Office’s Hearing process, including a community service requirement that was imposed. We have no further comment at this time.” The case highlighted ongoing discussions about security protocols at major entertainment events.
The lawsuit comes at a time when the entertainment industry is reviewing its security practices at major awards shows. Industry experts note that similar incidents have led to significant changes in how security firms operate at high-profile events, with many implementing new training programs and protocols to prevent such situations.
