Tensions between communities of color and law enforcement still run high. After years of problematic interactions that have culminated in several high-profile extrajudicial killings of citizens, many people have started to record every encounter they have with police officers. And celebrities are no different.
Recently, Fugees founder Wyclef Jean took to social media to express his anger with the Los Angeles Police Department. After a night of recording in a local studio, Jean claimed he was handcuffed and detained by police because he allegedly fit the description of a robbery suspect.
LAPD another case of mistaken identity. Black man with red bandana robbed a gas station as I was in the studio working but im in handcuffs? pic.twitter.com/vjRfJUkooA
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
I was asked by the police to Put my hands up. Then I was told do not move. I was instantly hand cuffed before being asked to identify myself
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
Nor was I told why I was being cuffed. In the process I said my name and told them they have wrong person.
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
They proceeded to ignore me and I was treated like a criminal until other police showed up and pointed out they had wrong person.
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
I am sure no father wants his sons or daughters to see him in Handcuffs especially if he is innocent.
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
As some one who has law enforcers in my family, I was appalled by this behavior of the LAPD.
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
Jean wrote that he was “appalled” by the officers’ behavior during his encounter and in one of the videos uploaded to social media, he said he plans to sue the department.
EBONY reached out to the LAPD for comment, but they have yet to respond. The story will be updated if/when they do.