Killer Mike is suing a security company after being wrongfully detained at the 66th Grammy Awards. The award-winning rapper was handcuffed during a citizen’s arrest, even though no charges were filed against him.
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In a lawsuit obtained by Rolling Stone, rapper Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Santiago Render, alleges that S & S Labor Force misused its authority to “degrade, embarrass, and physically hurt” him during the Feb. 4, 2024 incident. The rap artist also claims the incident caused him “public embarrassment, distress, and professional harm,” and that he is still dealing with emotional distress.
The arrest occurred shortly after Killer Mike received multiple accolades during the pre-show ceremony, including Best Rap Album for Michael and Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers.”
“Defendants wrongly caused plaintiff to be falsely arrested and had him placed in jail during the remainder of the Grammy Awards Ceremony. Plaintiff was therefore deprived of the valuable opportunity to be present at the awards ceremony where he was scheduled to appear on primetime television in front of a huge international audience to appear and speak and be recognized on the telecast for his historic achievements,” the lawsuit details, per Rolling Stone.
The lawsuit also points out that the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office “declined to prosecute or charge” Killer Mike after the incident, therefore “recognizing [Mike] had not committed any criminal act.”
The Security Company Calls Killer Mike’s Lawsuit ‘Unfounded’
Meanwhile, S&S, operating also as JRM Private Security, dismissed the allegations as “unfounded” in a statement to Rolling Stone.
“S&S Labor Force Inc. takes pride in our commitment to ethical practices and the safety of our employees, clients and guests. We have thorough protocols in place to ensure all actions taken by our security personnel adhere to the law and our company standards. The claim in question appears to be based on misinformation and lacks credible evidence,” the company told the outlet.
Following the incident last year, a source from the LAPD revealed to Rolling Stone that Killer Mike was questioned and subsequently booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after a citizen’s arrest was made.
According to the source, the female security guard stated that the rapper allegedly pushed her when she blocked his path and directed him to a security checkpoint. However, Killer Mike denied the accusation, and the Los Angeles City Attorney ultimately decided not to pursue charges.
Killer Mike is asking for compensatory and punitive damages, with the amounts to be decided at trial.