Watch CBS News

Civil Rights Leaders Denounce 'Django Unchained' Actress, Demand Apology To LAPD

INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Civil rights leaders Friday called for a "Django Unchained" actress to apologize after claiming Los Angeles Police Department officers racially profiled her.

Project Islamic Hope President Najee Ali, Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable President Earl Ofari Hutchinson and other civil rights leaders held a meeting at 9:30 a.m. denouncing Daniele Watts after a recent incident.

Watts, 28, was detained by officers responding to an "indecent exposure" call on Sept. 11 in the 11900 block of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

Police said they had received several calls about a couple engaging in lewd behavior in a parked vehicle. Watts, a black woman, said they were merely showing affection and claims officers were racially profiling her because she with her white boyfriend, Chef Brian James Lucas.

An audio file recorded by a sergeant captured Watts refusing to give her identification and insisting officers were giving her a hard time because of her race. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck defended the officers' actions.

Civil rights leaders previously called the incident a blatant act of racial profiling before the audio recording and several photos were released.

"We have nothing to be embarrassed about. She should be embarrassed. She's the one that told the lie. She came and stated she's a victim of racial profiling. We found out later on based on new information that she wasn't," activist Najee Ali said. "We didn't make a rush to judgment. We can to aid a victim who we thought was victimized. For us, she's wrong. That's why we're demanding Daniele Watts apologize not to LAPD but to our  community."

RELATED STORIES:

'Django Unchained' Actress Detained By Police Following Public Display Of Affection 

Police Chief Defends Officers Who Detained 'Django Unchained' Actress

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.