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BlueMTexpat

(15,493 posts)
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:44 AM Jun 2016

There's something that I need to get off my chest ...

because it has been bothering me and sounded very out of character for the person involved.

It is about the actor Wendell Pierce, whose work I have admired ever since he starred in The Wire. I also loved his work in Treme. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Pierce

I am the first to admit that it is impossible to "know" someone only from their on-screen persona. But I always got good vibes from him and his performances, even when he played flawed characters. He most certainly plays a VERY flawed character (Clarence Thomas) in HMO's "Confirmation," for example.

Thus, I found it hard to believe the circumstances when he was arrested in late May as the result of an alleged altercation with a Bernie Sanders supporter. Pierce is a staunch Hillary supporter.

Here is the way it was described by CNN per the police report: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/16/entertainment/wendell-pierce-arrested-atlanta/

The police report states that Pierce and his girlfriend met a woman named Maggie Baca and two of her friends in the hotel when "both groups of parties began a conversation about politics which got Mr. Pierce upset."

"Mrs. Baca stated that Mr. Pierce began to push her and at this point her and her friends began to walk to their room," the report said. "Mrs. Baca stated that Mr. Pierce followed them to their room and stuck his arm in the door and tried to enter the room."

The report went on to say that Baca accused Pierce of hitting her in the head and grabbing her hoodie as she and her friends allegedly attempted to push him from getting into the room.

Both Pierce and Baca reportedly declined medical assistance.


Pierce's account differs somewhat from the police report: http://time.com/4338337/wendell-pierce-arrest-battery-response/

“I regret that what started as a civil political discussion escalated to the level that it did,” said Pierce, 52. “Although what has been reported thus far differs in important respects from what actually occurred, I have confidence that the judicial process will work as it should.”

Maggie Elena Baca told police that she encountered Pierce and his girlfriend on the 23rd floor of the Lowes Atlanta Hotel. After she got into a political debate with the actor, Baca said Pierce followed her and her friends as they walked away, tried to force his way into their room and “began to hit her in the head and grab her hoodie, ripping her hoodie off,” according to the police report. Pierce, who was charged with simple battery, disputed that account and said the women tried to pull him into their room.


In some ways, this situation has reminded me of the misguided person (Ashley Todd) who accused an unnamed Barack Obama supporter of assault. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Todd_mugging_hoax

While it is true that there are differences between then and now, namely witnesses for both sides and perhaps even security video footage of the events in this case, I have treated this incident with some skepticism, in part because so many SBS supporters jumped gleefully on it to smear Pierce - whose greatest crime seemed to be his status as a Hillary supporter. In fact, Pierce posted bond and was released shortly after his arrest. But oh, the gleeful brouhaha from some!

There have been no updates to the situation that I have been able to find since. But I have had a confirmation of sorts about my gut feeling. http://pagesix.com/2016/05/25/wire-co-star-comes-to-wendell-pierces-defense/

One of Wendell Pierce’s co-stars from HBO’s “The Wire” defended Pierce against allegations he hit a female Bernie Sanders supporter after a political debate turned ugly on May 14.

“He said it was complete and absolute bogus BS,” Chad Coleman — who’s now starring on the History Channel’s remake of “Roots” and played Dennis “Cutty” Wise on “The Wire” — told us.

“We can all be politically fervent, but to go to that extent and accuse him to that extent is just wrong. He’s an amazing guy,” added the actor at a Lincoln Center premiere for “Roots,” where attendees included Rev. Al Sharpton and A+E Networks boss Nancy Dubuc.


OK, Coleman wasn't present at the time and relies on Pierce's statement, I grant that. But still - I like Coleman's work too.

The truth of this situation will play out in the justice system as it should. But I am somewhat comforted in my gut belief.
13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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There's something that I need to get off my chest ... (Original Post) BlueMTexpat Jun 2016 OP
Since we all already know how BS supporters are, I'll take what that BS supporter says with a BlueCaliDem Jun 2016 #1
I'm glad to hear that BlueMTexpat Jun 2016 #2
I'm pretty sure Mr. Pierce knows that to do something like that would harm his image but BlueCaliDem Jun 2016 #6
I also agree with you too. Her Sister Jun 2016 #4
Agreed!! nt eastwestdem Jun 2016 #9
Yes it doesn't sound good! Her Sister Jun 2016 #3
Yes, I am conflicted BlueMTexpat Jun 2016 #5
Not knowing any of the people involved, this is how I would take the story in my mind. William769 Jun 2016 #7
^^^ Starry Messenger Jun 2016 #10
I suspect it was a stunt to create bad press for Clinton. BobbyDrake Jun 2016 #8
My gut told me they got in a loud argument nini Jun 2016 #11
If this is what happened, hopefully BlueMTexpat Jun 2016 #12
Black guy = Thug for many nini Jun 2016 #13

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
1. Since we all already know how BS supporters are, I'll take what that BS supporter says with a
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:49 AM
Jun 2016

pound of salt. I have never seen a Hillary Clinton supporter lash out physically against anyone. That just doesn't seem to be our style. So until further evidence is provided, I'll take what Mrs. Baca says with a healthy pound of salt.

BlueMTexpat

(15,493 posts)
2. I'm glad to hear that
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:52 AM
Jun 2016

because I have had a hard time with this incident, silly as that may seem when I don't even know the persons involved.

Pierce really does seem like a decent guy and I hated to see him get the same treatment as Hillary gets from some, simply because he is a proud supporter.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
6. I'm pretty sure Mr. Pierce knows that to do something like that would harm his image but
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 11:07 AM
Jun 2016

also Hillary's image, and I doubt, seriously doubt, he'd do that. He has more to lose than Mrs. Baca, who is a nobody.

So like I said, unless and until more evidence of him mandhandling her comes out, we should take what a BS supporter says with a pound of salt. It's the safest bet.

 

Her Sister

(6,444 posts)
4. I also agree with you too.
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:54 AM
Jun 2016

Situation sounds complicated. But you're right about our experience with BS supporters.

 

Her Sister

(6,444 posts)
3. Yes it doesn't sound good!
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:53 AM
Jun 2016

Last edited Wed Jun 15, 2016, 11:53 AM - Edit history (1)

Sorry about your conflicted feelings.

He probably deserves some punishment. Sounds menacing. Not cool from anyone, and especially a male towards females.

He should find this a learning moment. We all should.

At the same time, probably more info will come out. But by what you said it's not a great situation.

BlueMTexpat

(15,493 posts)
5. Yes, I am conflicted
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:58 AM
Jun 2016

not just by the male vs female situation, where yes, I would ordinarily believe the female, but also by the white female vs black male in the US South, especially when I have seen how too many SBS supporters act and react.

In any event, this situation will play itself out one way or another.

William769

(55,814 posts)
7. Not knowing any of the people involved, this is how I would take the story in my mind.
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 11:40 AM
Jun 2016

Fact: We already know who threatens super delegates.

Fact: We already know who lies on tv and over the internet to try to prop up their candidate.

Fact: We know which candidate has been caught in numerous lies.

Fact we know what type of person just can't let it go.

Those are the facts that I know, so you can only guess as to who I would believe in this story.

 

BobbyDrake

(2,542 posts)
8. I suspect it was a stunt to create bad press for Clinton.
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 11:42 AM
Jun 2016

I doubt Pierce was the only one targeted. Just maybe the only one that resulted in a situation that could be manipulated for media attention.

nini

(16,706 posts)
11. My gut told me they got in a loud argument
Wed Jun 15, 2016, 10:01 PM
Jun 2016

then they decided to go after the famous guy who was not loving their savior Bernie.

I hope there were security cameras on the hotel hallways to bring the truth out.

BlueMTexpat

(15,493 posts)
12. If this is what happened, hopefully
Thu Jun 16, 2016, 02:20 AM
Jun 2016

security cameras were there to record it. In my gut, I believe as you do.

The mere fact that Pierce was charged only with simple assault - rather than aggravated assault or assault and battery - and that he was released after a few hours and paid USD 1000 indicates that there is at least some fuzziness in the allegations.

I personally hope that after a good think, the charges are dropped and that any record is expunged. Again, I only know him through his screen persona, but nothing I have ever heard about him indicates that he has any penchant whatsoever for violence.

What I have really resented is that so many here on DU have painted him as a first-class thug rather than giving him any benefit of the doubt. This - after it has been documented that their own side threatens HRC endorsers with violence, even death - which to my knowledge has never before been seen in a Dem primary.



nini

(16,706 posts)
13. Black guy = Thug for many
Thu Jun 16, 2016, 11:22 AM
Jun 2016

Yea.. his community work and things I know about him don't imply he's a hot headed 'thug', though I know anyone can lose it at any time.

The lesser charges were the key to me. This was something that got blown out of proportion

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