This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
No, 'Django Unchained' Actress Won't Apologize To The LAPD
Daniele Watts' new Facebook photo with her boyfriend Brian Lucas (Facebook)
Daniele Watts responded to a request from some local civil rights activists that she apologize to the community and the LAPD.
News of Watts' detention by LAPD spread last weekend when she claimed on her Facebook page that she had been accused of prostitution and put in handcuffs for kissing her white boyfriend in public. The actress, until this point best known for her roles on "Django Unchained" and "Weeds," released a statement through her publicist last night explaining that she has no plans to apologize:
“In response to the ‘demands’ that I should apologize to the LAPD, I say this: When I was forced into handcuffs, the detaining officer cited this as his reason: ‘My supervisor said that you, he ordered you to stay and you left, so that's why we pulled- and that's why you're being detained.’
This is simply not true.
Sgt. Parker did not order me to stay. If you listen carefully to the police audio, you will recognize that I inform the officer that I am walking away, and he has no response.
California does not have a stop and identify statute. As a citizen of this country, under the 4th amendment, it is a constitutional right that we do not have to present ID to any member of law enforcement unless we are being charged with a crime.
There was never an actual charge made against me.
All of this can be confirmed by the police audio.
Audio of the detaining officer [from the New York Daily News].
And from Sgt. Parker [from the LA Times].
All this being said, and despite the overtly racist and sexist remarks that continue to show up on our respective Facebook pages, and all over the internet, I feel blessed and appreciative for the opportunity to have started this clearly topical discussion about our shared constitutional liberties.”
He writes that in one incident, neighbors in Loma Linda called police to report that a suspicious black and white couple were loitering in the area and that there may have been a potential robbery. He said it was just he and Daniele trying to go through storage in his father's garage.
Last night Watts posted a selection from Avenue Q on her Facebook page last night:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
