Killer Mike, one half of the Atlanta duo Run the Jewels, took to Twitter on Sunday to apologize for an NRA interview promoted by the organization on Saturday, the same day as the nationwide March for Our Lives demonstration in support of gun control. While the rapper and activist fervently defended his interview online, he also subsequently posted two videos apologizing for the time of the interview’s release, which, he says, gave the appearance that his comments were directed at the student organizers, including survivors of last month’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida, who planned the march in collaboration with the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety.
According to Killer Mike, his interview by NRA personality Colion Noir (which you can watch here) was recorded over a week ago. “That interview was used a week later by NRATV to disparage a very noble campaign that I actually support,†he said. “I’m sorry, guys. 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 you guys. That was unfair to you and it was wrong, and it disparaged some very noble work you’re doing.†Concluded Killer Mike, “I do support the march and I support black people owning guns. It’s possible to do both.â€
Update, March 26: Killer Mike’s Run the Jewels partner, El-P, has issued a separate statement saying he stands by the rapper regardless of their political differences. “We are our own men and speak for ourselves individually. We are not afraid to disagree with each other and we often change each other’s perspectives,†he writes. “Despite our many differences (and I promise you they are vast and hotly debated), I’ve been around the block and I know a good person when I see one … No I cannot and will not ever turn my back on this man. He wouldn’t turn his on me. Or you.†El-P also notes that he supports the March for Our Lives movement.