Killer Mike sues security firm over Grammys arrest, alleging ‘public humiliation’

Killer Mike, the hip-hop artist known for his solo work as well as the duo Run the Jewels, has sued a private security company after he was arrested at last year’s Grammys.

The rapper, real name Michael Render, won three awards at the ceremony, for best rap album, best rap song and best rap performance. But shortly after his wins, as he moved backstage towards the red carpet area, he was arrested and detained after an altercation with what Render later described as “an overzealous security guard”.

In July, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office said it would not file charges against Render over the incident.

Render is now suing the security company for false arrest and imprisonment, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. The lawsuit, quoted by Rolling Stone, alleges that Render made “multiple attempts to clarify his identity and purpose for being in that secured area” but was ignored and restrained.

“Defendants then surrounded plaintiff with multiple security guards and wrongfully detained plaintiff and confined his movements through physical force. Defendants used their position of authority to degrade, embarrass and physically hurt plaintiff in public view, subjecting him to emotional distress and public humiliation,” it states.

Render is seeking a trial, and eventual damages.

S&S Labor Force, who operate as JRM Security, have not commented on the lawsuit. The Guardian has contacted the company for comment.

In July, Killer Mike released a song titled Humble Me which reflected on his arrest, including the lyrics: “I was sitting there in a room full of cops, like Daniel was sitting with the lions / I had to quiet my mind, I prayed and I prayed and I prayed / The liars were lying their lies, I kept on just keeping my faith”. It was included on his most recent album, Michael & the Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners and Saints.