Movies

Killer Mike’s arrest at 2024 Grammys prompts lawsuit against private security firm

BBG News

For Killer Mike, the arrest during the 2024 Grammy Awards isn’t merely fodder for his lyrics anymore. This week, it turned into a basis for legal action.

2024 saw a lawsuit filed by the Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, one half of the duo Run the Jewels, against a private security company and its staff. The charges include false imprisonment after an alleged arrest, assault, battery, negligence, and other related offenses, all stemming from an incident at Crypto.com Arena. On Tuesday, legal counsel for Killer Mike (Michael Render) submitted an updated complaint in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

66th Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024 saw Render receiving three awards during the pre-show, one of which was for his album “Michael” from 2023. However, later that day, an officer took Render into custody following his arrest at the venue. Chris Gardner of Hollywood Reporter captured the arrest on camera, revealing Render being led away by several officers with his hands cuffed behind him.

49, also known as Render, was arrested for a minor assault charge (misdemeanor battery) and later freed shortly after his arrest. In July, the Los Angeles city attorney’s office officially declared that they would not be pursuing charges against the rapper, as confirmed to The Times by their office.

Entertainment & Arts

As a film enthusiast putting my detective cap on, I’d ponder: Was race a factor in the encounter that led to Killer Mike’s arrest during the 2024 Grammys? This question is being mulled over by the LA Police Commission as we speak.

About a year after the event, Render claimed in his court filing that S&S Labor Force (operating as JRM Private Security) and several unidentified accomplices associated with the security company “misused their power to belittle, embarrass, and physically harm me in front of everyone, causing me emotional distress and public humiliation.

A representative for S&S Labor Force stated to The Times on Thursday that the claims made by Render are not only baseless but also distort the facts related to the specific event in question. They emphasized the company’s dedication to upholding ethical principles and ensuring the safety of its employees, clients, and guests. Additionally, they mentioned that an investigation is underway to determine where Render’s allegations originated from.

The representative likewise verified to The Times that S&S Labor Force indeed provided security personnel for the 2024 Grammys. However, they declined to disclose further information regarding the specific roles of these guards within Grammy security. Moreover, they emphasized that S&S had no connection whatsoever with the incident that occurred last year.

On Thursday, neither Render’s nor the Grammys’ representatives provided an immediate response to The Times’ request for a comment.

Music

In a recent composition titled ‘Humble Me,’ rapper Killer Mike discusses his arrest during the Grammy Awards. It’s been stated by the Los Angeles city attorney’s office that he won’t face any charges in relation to this incident.

In his lawsuit, Render claims that although he possessed the necessary qualifications, he encountered obstacles, confrontations, and was prevented from continuing on when he and his team attempted to transition from the ceremony’s media center to the red carpet. Render repeatedly identified himself and explained his necessity to reach the red carpet to security personnel, but they consistently refused him access.

According to the lawsuit filed by the “Legend Has It” and “Ego Maniacs” rapper, it is claimed that he was physically attacked and beaten when attempting to exit a secure area. Furthermore, he asserts that after this incident, he was encircled by numerous security personnel and illegally confined.

As a dedicated moviegoer, I’d rephrase it like this: In the lawsuit I filed, I claim that the private security firm deceitfully performed a so-called citizen’s arrest. I was subsequently detained by the LAPD officers and escorted out of Crypto.com Arena under their supervision.

When Render was apprehended, a source with knowledge of the investigation informed The Times that a dispute ensued following an incident where a security officer is said to have attempted to halt the artist and his group from moving through a designated part of the venue. Reportedly, Render shoved the security guard causing him to fall to the ground. In the process, the guard sustained an injury to her hand and subsequently asked for a civilian’s arrest. As a result, law enforcement was summoned to the location.

The next day, the Los Angeles Police Commission pondered if the race of the black rapper might have influenced his detainment.

Music

Join Mikael Wood, our pop music critic, and August Brown, a staff writer, as they delve into the standout acts, memorable performances, and shocking highlights from the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Regardless of avoiding criminal accusations related to the event, Render asserts in his lawsuit that the unlawful actions taken by the security team such as arrest, assault, battery, restraint, and seizure led to him experiencing undesired public humiliation, distress, and professional damage. Furthermore, Render implicates the defendants for intentionally causing emotional torment and negligently hiring, keeping, and supervising their staff.

In simpler terms, “Render,” who incorporated the arrest incident into his 2024 song titled “Humble Me,” is pursuing compensation for legal costs and an undetermined sum in damages. The exact amount will be decided during the upcoming trial.

Read More

2025-02-07 04:31

Previous post Julia Fox Bares It All at NYFW, Challenging Kanye’s Wife Bianca Censori’s Style
Next post `Harlesden’s Hidden Gem: The Real Story Behind So-Ha`