Wendell Pierce, the actor known for shows like The Wire and Jack Ryan, has accused a white apartment owner in Harlem, New York of denying his rental application due to racism.
On the social media platform X, the 60-year-old shared details of the incident. Despite providing proof of employment, bank statements, and real estate holdings, Pierce stated that the owner rejected his application to rent an apartment.
“Even with my proof of employment, bank statements and real estate holdings, a white apartment owner DENIED my application to rent the apartment…in Harlem, of all places,” Pierce wrote, calling racism and bigotry real issues.
The actor decided to share his personal experience after learning about a court decision blocking an investment firm’s grant program for Black women-owned businesses. He urged others to take action against such discriminatory practices.
In an interview, Pierce expressed outrage over the incident, stating it was a “call to action” for him to shed light on housing discrimination faced by Black people.
While the actor declined to provide further comment, his posts highlighting the alleged discrimination have sparked conversations around fair housing and racial bias.