Killer Mike Says The NRA Used His Interview ‘As A Weapon’ Against Marchers

Killer Mike is apologizing to fans for an interview with the National Rifle Association, saying the exchange was used “as a weapon” against Saturday’s nationwide March for Our Lives.

The rapper and social activist — whose real name is Michael Bender — posted two videos on Twitter Sunday in response to critics who took issue with a seven-minute NRATV segment in which he advocated gun ownership as a method of self-defense.

“I sat with a group called the National Rifle Association,” Bender said. “I did an interview about black gun ownership in this era. That interview was used a week later by NRATV to disparage a very noble campaign that I actually support.”

Bender said he “took a move” from the book of one of his heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, when sitting down to do the interview with “people who he might not always agree with.” But Bender, as a seasoned activist and youth organizer, said he respected the leadership shown by students across the country during Saturday’s march, including some survivors of February’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“I’m sorry, guys,” Bender continued. “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.”

Bender said he was an “ally” of young people and committed to ending racism and classism, and expressed his support for free health care, fair wages and equal rights for gays and lesbians, as well as “black rights” in particular.

“All those people [who] made up that march, I am a friend and advocate to you all,” Bender said in the first of two short videos.

In a second recording, Bender said the NRATV interview never should have been shown “in contrast” to Saturday’s march and said it was recorded more than a week earlier.

“It should never have been used in contrast to your march and I think it’s wrong,” Bender said. “To the young people that worked tirelessly to organize, I’m sorry adults chose to do this. I’m sorry NRATV did that, I’m sorry that adults on the left and the right are choosing to use me as a lightning rod. What I want to encourage you guys to do is keep organizing.”

Bender suggested that young people “plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize” in order to accomplish their goals. He also clarified comments he made to NRATV about not letting his children take part in last week’s school walkout protests, telling them to “walk out my house” if they chose to walk out of school.

“That simple,” Bender told NRATV. “We are a gun-owning family.”

But Bender later said that was a joke on Twitter, saying he wouldn’t let his son go because “he is failing math.” His son went to the march anyway, Bender said.

“#MiddleClassDad problems,” he tweeted.

Bender, meanwhile, said he felt the need to clarify his stance after the NRA interview aired Saturday, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The interview also caught the eye of Chicago rapper Vic Mensa, who asked to have a discussion with Bender on gun control. Bender, in response, said the two rappers had the same publicist and that Mensa knew how to reach him.

“I do support the march and I support black people owning guns,” Bender said. “It’s possible to do both. I wanted to make sure that my words were heard. I wanted to make sure I was clear in what I was saying and I wanted to make sure that you knew that what I did had nothing to do with disparaging you. I love and respect you all.”

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