Rapper released after arrest for misdemeanor battery at Grammys

Killer Mike poses in the press room with the awards for best rap performance and best rap song for “Scientists & Engineers,” and best rap album for “Michael” during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

LOS ANGELES – Rapper Killer Mike was released by police after being arrested for misdemeanor battery at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.

He was seen in handcuffs being escorted by LAPD officers out of Crypto.com Arena after winning three Grammys during the pre-show ceremony, which handed out several Grammys ahead of the main telecast beginning at 5 p.m.

The rapper’s lawyer confirmed to Variety Sunday evening that Killer Mike was released, saying, “He’s out and will be celebrating his sweep tonight.”

The alleged physical altercation happened around 6 p.m. Sunday in the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court, downtown, according to Los Angeles police Officer Mike Lopez. It was unclear who the victim was.

The suspect, 48-year-old Michael Renner, aka Killer Mike, was handcuffed and taken to LAPD’s Central Division, Lopez said.

Earlier in the day, Killer Mike and collaborators won the Grammy for best rap song and best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” and best rap album for “Michael,” his sixth album released in June 2023.

Sunday night marked Killer Mike’s first Grammy Award wins since 2003, when he was first nominated and won for his feature on OutKast’s “The Whole World” in the best rap performance by a duo or group, according to Variety.

He was also nominated for best rap song in 2018 for “Chase Me” by Run the Jewels, his hip-hop duo with rapper and producer El-P. (With CNS report)