On February 4, 2024, rapper Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, achieved a notable milestone by winning three Grammy awards. However, shortly after this success, a video depicting him being taken into custody by the police circulated widely. A post on platform X claimed that the rapper was arrested for refusing to endorse U.S.
President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. The post referenced a February 2, 2024, interview Render had on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” where he emphasized the importance of choosing policies over personalities and raised concerns about Biden’s stance on issues such as the crime bill.
Killer Mike (Credits: AP News)
The post argued that Render’s arrest was a consequence of his interview, stating, “Killer Mike ARRESTED at the Grammy’s in a huge spectacle just two days after refusing to endorse Biden. This is what they’ll do if you step out of line.”
Contrary to this claim, Render was not arrested due to his political views, as both a police statement and Render’s comments confirm. The Los Angeles Police Department clarified in a statement on platform X that Render was involved in a physical altercation and was booked on a misdemeanor battery charge.
Render addressed the incident in a radio interview the following morning without providing specifics about the alleged altercation. He stated, “We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party, man.”
In a statement provided to NBC News, the rapper expressed appreciation for the concern and support he received and assured that he was doing well. He explained that there was confusion about which entrance he and his team should use, and while there was an overzealous security guard, he was confident of being cleared of any wrongdoing.
A statement from Render’s team emphasized that the situation had been exaggerated but expressed confidence that the facts of the case would demonstrate his innocence.
According to jail records reviewed by Snopes, Render was released from custody on his recognizance on the night of the Grammys and was scheduled to appear in court on February 29, 2024.
Despite the arrest incident, Render’s album “Michael” secured the Best Rap Album award at the Grammy ceremony, and his song “Scientists & Engineers” received honors for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
