The Atlantan rapper was charged but released

Sunday night at the Grammy Awards was a big night for rapper Killer Mike - but it ended unexpectedly when he was arrested.

The rapper had won three Grammys for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance earlier in the night, but was later seen being escorted from the venue by the LAPD in handcuffs.

The reason for his arrest was initially unclear, but now it has been revealed that the Run the Jewels star allegedly had an altercation with a security guard when he went to re-enter the venue with three people after leaving.

A security guard challenged his credentials and he reportedly shoved her - and the LAPD were called. The guard wanted to press charges and Killer Mike - real name Michael Render - was charged with one count of misdemeanour battery and released without bail.

He told a radio station following his release: "We hit a speed bump and then we head back to the party, man. We partied all night. Ain't nothing had happened, man. But we winners. That's it."

He later released a statement that read in part:  "As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing."

Read the full statement below:

"I first want to extend my appreciation to the Grammy’s Committee for recognizing me and my team for the work that went into ‘MICHAEL.’ We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment. I am also grateful that one of my prayers has been answered – the day after my Grammy win – I learned that my son, who has been on the list for a kidney for years, finally has a match. Obviously, we are elated.

"I do want to note that last night, my team and I fielded a number of calls from concerned fans and colleagues wanting to know if I was OK. I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK. As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to ‘Michael,’ and keep going after your dreams."