Questions Swirl Around Killer Mike’s Arrest at 2024 Grammys as Rapper Sues Security Firm

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The security company being taken to court by Michael Render (Killer Mike) is refuting claims that their guards unlawfully held up the Atlanta rapper, who got arrested at the 2024 Grammy Awards, and is contemplating a counter-suit for libel.

S&S Labor Force declared to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday that they had absolutely no part in the event mentioned in Render’s lawsuit. They stated that the lawsuit is built on false information and lacks substantial proof. Furthermore, they are investigating the origin of these accusations and are ready to pursue legal action against any defamation.

Last year, THR reported that Render, who had just won all rap awards at the ceremony, got into a physical altercation with a security guard at the Crypto dot com Arena and was subsequently detained. According to Rolling Stone’s sources, Render allegedly pushed a female security guard to the ground when she asked for his ticket as he moved from the Grammy’s premiere event at Peacock Theatre towards the main telecast within the venue. The woman sustained injuries to her hands, prompting other guards to intervene and arrest the rapper. He was then taken away in handcuffs from outside the arena to a private room inside Crypto where he stayed for over an hour during the show while authorities dealt with the situation, with members of his team waiting outside.

After the event a few days ago, I’ve already shifted my focus elsewhere. Backstage was chaotic with too many people celebrating, and security seemed overly aggressive. To me, it’s old news now. My heroes, like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Medgar Evers, have all faced their own challenges, yet they carried themselves with grace. I hope everyone can learn from this situation, focusing on the positive rather than dwelling on negativity.

On a Monday, I found myself filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against JRM Private Security, operating as S&S Labor Force, a company boasting the title of the “largest live broadcast security firm in the U.S.”. In this suit, I’m asserting multiple violations of my civil rights, false arrest, assault, battery, and negligence, among other allegations. My claim is that their security guards resorted to excessive force during my detainment and orchestrated my supposedly unjust arrest by the LAPD.

The lawsuit outlines the events leading up to Render being forced out of Crypto.com Arena in handcuffs. Following his victory at all three major rap awards, he and his team aimed to move from the media center to the red carpet. However, security prevented him despite possessing the necessary credentials. When he attempted to leave, it’s claimed that S&S guards grabbed his arm and insisted he remain. Additional guards then encircled him, intending to hold him until law enforcement arrived, according to the lawsuit. Render asserts that he was arrested under false pretenses, unjustifiably, as a civilian.

The rapper was taken into custody and spent a few hours behind bars until the conclusion of the event, but Los Angeles authorities decided not to press charges against him.

The legal claim states that Render was denied the significant chance to attend the award ceremony, which would have taken place during prime-time TV, allowing him to showcase in front of a massive global audience and receive recognition for his remarkable accomplishments. He is asking for undetermined compensation.

Last year at the Grammys, I was part of the security team from S&S, but let me clarify that we didn’t play any role in the unfortunate event that transpired.

It’s unclear whether a different security company was hired for the 2024 Grammys by The Recording Academy. Neither The Recording Academy nor Render’s legal representatives have responded to inquiries regarding this matter.

Chris Gardner contributed to this report.

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2025-02-04 23:55