Killer Mike Arrest at Grammys Sparks MAGA Theory

Rapper Killer Mike’s arrest at the Grammy Awards sparked a new conspiracy theory among supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Killer Mike, a 48-year old whose real name is Michael Render, was arrested Sunday night after securing three wins at the awards show—best Rap Album for Michael, as well as Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his song Scientists and Engineers. His arrest was for allegedly getting into a physical altercation with a security guard.

A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) spokesperson previously confirmed to Newsweek: “On Sunday, February 4, just after 4 p.m., a male adult was detained and handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court. The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division.”

He was booked on charges for misdemeanor battery and has since been released.

Some conservative influencers on social media noted the arrest came after he declined to endorse President Joe Biden’s re-election over former President Donald Trump during an interview on Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday.

However, suggestions that Render was arrested for political purposes haven’t been backed up by any evidence.

“Can he get himself to apologize for the crime bill? Can he get himself to get his head out of his a** and say: ‘Black people, you are Black regardless. I need you to tell me what I need to do.’ Can he pick a coalition of people who were affected by drug laws, street gangs, recidivism and crime and say: ‘I need you at the board to advise me how to fix federal prisons,'” he said, when Maher pressed him on whether he would endorse Biden over Trump.

“Killer Mike was on Bill Maher two nights ago and refused to endorse Biden. Last night, he was hauled out of the Grammys in handcuffs. I ain’t saying nothing…” posted Congressional candidate Lavern Spicer.

“2 days ago on Bill Maher, Killer Mike refused to endorse Biden. Tonight, he was arrested at the Grammys. What is going on?” posted conservative commentator Jack Posobiec.

“Killer Mike ARRESTED at the Grammy’s in a huge spectacle just 2 days after refusing to endorse Biden. This is what they’ll do if you step out of line,” posted @TaraBull808.

“Pro-Trump alpha male rapper Killer Mike was just arrested on stage after winning THREE Grammy Awards. The reasons for his arrest are currently unknown. Could it be related to his sharp criticisms of Joe Biden and outspoken support of President Trump?” posted commentator Nick Adams.

Render, however, hasn’t said he is “pro-Trump.” He supported Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential runs in 2016 and 2020.

Newsweek reached out to a spokesperson for Killer Mike for comment via email.