“American Idol” alum Dimitrius Graham is speaking out after a dramatic arrest on a Los Angeles Metro train — and the entire encounter was caught on camera.
The former finalist, who rose to fame on Season 17 of American Idol in 2019, was taken into custody Sunday and booked on a misdemeanor trespassing charge, according to TMZ.
Video circulating online shows officers placing Graham in handcuffs aboard an LA Metro train while he loudly questions what’s happening. In the clip, he insists he paid his fare but couldn’t immediately show proof because his phone had died. Graham claims he asked to step off the train to purchase a physical ticket but says he was instead detained and hauled off to jail.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
After reposting the footage to his own social media page, the singer — who also competed on Season 27 of The Voice in 2025 as part of Michael Bublé’s team — shared a follow-up video detailing his experience.
Graham says he spent roughly 24 hours behind bars. He also claims he suffered injuries during the arrest, including a fractured wrist and the loss of a veneer, calling the situation “crazy” over what he says was a $1.75 fare he had already paid.
In the emotional update, Graham suggested he may have been racially profiled, though he stopped short of directly blaming the officers involved. Instead, he speculated that tensions might be lower if law enforcement officers were paid better or given more time off. He told followers he was grateful the incident was recorded and encouraged people to know their rights.
The Los Angeles Police Department told TMZ a different version of events. According to police, officers approached Graham because he was allegedly acting erratically. They claim he refused to exit the train when asked and only offered to purchase a ticket after he had already been detained.
As for the reported injuries, LAPD says a use-of-force report was filed after Graham complained of pain. A supervising officer later reviewed the case and determined there was no wrongdoing. Police also confirmed that a complaint was logged after Graham alleged biased policing.
Graham first gained national attention during his 2019 run on American Idol, where he made it into the Top 10 before being eliminated. Years later, he returned to reality TV on The Voice, lasting several weeks before being cut following a battle round performance.
So far, Graham has not publicly responded to the LAPD’s version of events beyond his social media posts.
L A racist like all of Newsome’s californicate!