Killer Mike apologises for controversial NRA interview
'I support the march, and I support black people owning guns. It’s possible to do both'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Over the weekend, thousands of people gathered in Washington D.C. for the March For Our Lives rally, an event organised by the survivors of the recent High School shooting in Florida.
Just before the march took place, however, NRATV — the National Rifle Association’s television channel — broadcast an interview with Run the Jewels member Killer Mike in which the rapper defended black gun ownership and criticised National Walkout Day.
The interview was highly criticised online, with Mike defending himself on Twitter, in one message writing: "Voicing an opinion telling African Americans to own and train with fire arms in a country that allows public servants to kill them is stupid now... ok.”
Mike has now posted two videos to social media, apologising for the interview and offering support to the March For Our Lives rally.
“I took a leaf out of one of my hero’s book, Martin Luther King, the founder of Kingian nonviolence, and sat with people I may not always agree with,” he said.
“I'm sorry that an interview I did about a minority — black people in this country — and gun rights was used as a weapon against [March For Our Lives]. That was unfair to you and it was wrong, and it disparaged some very noble work you're doing.”
He continued: “My interview — with said organisation who we all don’t agree with — was suppose to be something that continued the conversation… and that conversation is about African-American gun ownership… I support the march, and I support black people owning guns. It’s possible to do both.”
Those to have marched in Washington D.C. included Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West, Miley Cyrus, Common and many more. Perhaps the most notable name was Paul McCartney, who told one reporter: “One of my best friends was killed by gun violence right around here”. The Beatles member was referring to bandmate John Lennon.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments