On Monday MSat reported that actors Josh Brolin and Jeffrey Wright were arrested after a bar fight in Shreveport, Louisiana. The details were pretty vague at the time, but considering it was a bar, a drunken fight, and ended up with cops, it seemed safe to conclude that Brolin and Wright were the main problems. However TMZ is reporting that there’s some shocking videotape of their arrest that appears to show police brutality.
Josh Brolin and Jeffrey Wright, who were arrested this past weekend at a Shreveport, La. bar, were pepper sprayed and tased by cops. And, we’re told, police went on a vulgar rant — and portions were caught on cell phone video.
The incident occurred during a wrap party for Oliver Stone’s movie “W” about the Prez. Local station KTBS reports and TMZ sources say Wright, who plays Colin Powell, was repeatedly tasered and pepper sprayed as he lay prone on his stomach in the street. We know witnesses heard the officers using extremely foul language, including the “N” word, directed at Wright.
Our sources say Brolin was observed by witnesses attempting to make peace and standing still as he was repeatedly sprayed in the eyes by cops.
The city attorney has not decided whether to file criminal charges against Brolin, Wright or the others for interfering with a police officer.
[From TMZ]
I’m assuming the video will be on the internet in short order, though from what’s described, I don’t think I could watch it. It doesn’t seem likely that the police officers’ reactions had anything directly to do with whatever Brolin and Wright did at the bar. Bar fights happen all the time, and while this one got a lot of attention because the actors are famous – and they’re starring in a big important movie – there’s no reason to believe they’ve done anything that explains that officers’ behavior.
This sounds really horrendous, and I’m surprised Brolin and Wright haven’t said anything yet. It’ll be really interesting to see what possible explanation the Shreveport police give.
Here’s Josh Brolin with wife Diane Lane at the Oscars in February. Header image thanks to the Shreveport Police Department. Images thanks to WENN.
From everything that I’ve heard, the actions of the police were unjustified. I’ve seen the wonderful levels to which a police officer will go to demonstrate their “awthorotah”, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple “what did I do wrong, office?”
Unbelievable. Stories like these make me think the British police system gets it right. I live in Switzerland at the moment and the police here are very, very mild. They only take strong action when there is no other way to settle something. I know it’s a cliché, but it seems to be working. The crime rate is pretty low here from what I’ve heard. This just goes to prove that there are other ways of policing than the brutal American way. As for racism, there is never an excuse for that.
I’m doubly saddened by this story because I admire and adore Jeffrey Wright’s acting skills. I hope he and Brolin will get justice. Even if they are not innocents in that bar brawl, nothing justifies tasering and name-calling by police officers and this needs to be put right.
Guess I should wait for the video evidence before commenting but nothing Wright or Brolin did could possibly justify the police behaviour here, if true. Disgusting and vile.
Equally sad that a small minority of corrupt, brutal, racist cops taints the reputations of all the decent, professional ones out there.
Anna, take your point on the more low-key approach in Europe but there’s still plenty of racism and brutality within the police forces this side of the pond as well.
Geronimo: you are right, police forces in Europe etc aren’t exempt from brutality. And I’m certain not every American cop is like this, far from it. Still, I think there is a difference in the basic approach and execution of policing between the US and Europe. I think the US is a lot more offensive, as opposed to defensive or protective. When I see shows like To Catch a Predator for example, even in the smallest towns, they have half a dozen cops who yell at the men coming out of the houses and force them to the ground, then kneel on them and handcuff them. It seems like this is the standard procedure for taking an offender in. All I’m saying is that this kind of brute handling is probably unnecessary in cases where just going up to an individual you wanna take in and cuffing him standing up etc is possible. Then again, I suppose forcing someone to the ground in order to cuff them is more normal in a society where the risk of the individual retaliating with a weapon is much bigger.
But do you understand what I’m getting at? I think American thinking and culture is a lot more embued with violence, on both the law’s side and the civilians’ side, because the basis of the culture warrants it.
Anna, No, I agree with you. Wasn’t denying the fundamental difference in approach at all. There most definitely is a difference.
But one other point, the more diverse the race mix in a country is, the more prevalent racism and brutality seem to be. Switzerland, for eg, has a very low mix in comparison to the UK or France, hence a correspondingly low brutality/racist approach in its police force.
In fairness, the example Anna just set forth, a house raid, with an unknown number of men in a house that are being arrested — if you don’t have 6 cops protecting each other in a country where there firearms are legal, that’s just plain stupid. People get killed during arrests if the house raid goes wrong. Ever see Scarface? It’s like that in Miami. A bunch of men in any country are not just going to answer the doorbell and calmly file out and hold their hands out to be cuffed. 😕
Cops are worse than criminals.
Who watches the watchmen?
Wow, thats awful! I wonder if the cops knew what movie they were filming & reacted negatively to that? I dunno, its a theory…
ugh. When I first heard this I thought “welcome to the south”. I’m sure people will say that racism is everywhere, and while that is true I travel to the south frequently (LA esp.) and always notice a big difference the minute I step off the plane.
Louisiana has some of the friendliest people in the world. A few cops act way out of line, and the story spreads like wildfire. Thats the way it goes nowadays.
More details:
The New York Daily News is quoting a source who said someone uttered a racially-offensive remark to Wright during a dust-up at the Stray Cat bar in Shreveport, La., where the two are filming the Oliver Stone movie “W,” about George W. Bush.
Detective Rod Demery said that he hadn’t heard of any slurs being used and that police were called “because we got a report of an unruly patron. Once police got there, they escorted Mr. Wright and [lighting technician] Eric Felland out of the bar. Mr. Brolin and other members of the party came out and interfered with that arrest.”
Felland was charged with resisting arrest and public intoxication. Wright, Brolin and four other people were charged with interfering with police. All posted bond the same night. They’re due back in court on Dec. 2.
Probably just a few GW lovers at the bar who knew what movie they were making and started some shit. Looking forward to Brolin’s take on it — he’s not one to stay quiet about things.
“…brutal American way.” Huh?
Last time I checked, we have more freedoms here in America than anywhere in the world. People have it pretty freakin’ good here.
The American way is hardly brutal.
@Hanna: Do a little research. It’s true. Around the world people see Americans as pretty brutal. You don’t have to like it, but it’s the truth.
Detective Bodhi, you may well be on the right track…
Seems a couple of good ol’ boys got wind of the fact Brolin, Wright and their crew buddies were part of Stone’s film project — likely to skewer President Bush as it recounts his rise to power from his early, less-than-successful years at Yale University. Some folks in conservative Shreveport — while happy to collect the bucks spent by the filmmakers during the current down economy — are not happy their town is serving as the site for a movie about a president they have enthusiastically backed in his two runs for the White House.
According to a sober source who was in the Stray Cat, a few profanity-laced barbs about Stone, his politics and the reported anti-Bush tone of ”W” led to harsh words from Brolin — who is known for his own short fuse. Then a few pushes (it’s unclear who started the pushing) degenerated into punches being thrown.
A ”W” crew member reports Wright initially tried to play peacemaker, but that changed ”after a racial slur was yelled” and the actor got ”into it as well.”
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/zwecker/1055471,CST-FTR-zp15.article
gg: a house raid with possibly several criminals is a different matter. The programme I gave as an example has a single individual come out of a house out of his own volition. Just clearing that up 🙂
Hanna: a country in which the death penalty still exists, in which many states are against abortion or make it extremely difficult and in which anybody even *suspected* of terrorist activity can be snatched and stripped of their rights is not a country which I see as being the “land of the free”. Maybe people who live there experience it differently and feel another way, but this is certainly the message I get as a, I daresay, informed European.
Eureaka!!
Sounds from that article that Brolin has some anger issues.
Hanna, I have to respectfully disagree, i’m an amercian, but we do have a brutal, arrogant, nasty way about us, we pretty much come off as bullies. The history of this country proves that, and we aren’t looking to friendly to people overseas right now. Just my opinion. As for the Brolin and Wright issue , I have to agree with Bodhi.
Just ask Diane Lane about brolin’s anger and violence issues
I really don’t want to get into all this, but what would *you* do to a criminal who has been proven guilty of repeatedly raping, abusing or murdering children, say? He deserves to live?
And about the “land of the free” comment. Can you name a more free society that has EVER existed in the entire history of mankind?
Good luck.
I get a chuckle out of these comments.
Some people have short memories. If it was my daughter that was raped, tortured and murdered, I would want to see that person fry. I have no problem with the death penalty.
Being a cop is a dangerous job, your life is on the line. Would any of you want to take that risk?
It is the media that put’s a negative spin on some of our actions as American’s that sometimes reflects us in a bad light.
You are right Anna; Most people who live here experience it differently and feel another way.
But, you don’t live here.
I don’t give a crap what the ‘rest of the world’ thinks of my home, the USA.
They may be friendly in Louisiana, but the major racial divide is apparent. This esp. applies to those in law enforcement or any power position. I’ve seen plenty of racist language, excessive force and violence in my time here-almost always directed to those of the non-caucasian variety.
Yeah, I agree with most of what was said – probably the good ol’ boy redneck cops thought that they’d show those “Hollywood liberals” who was boss.
Perhaps Wright & Brolin haven’t spoken out yet because they’re consulting with lawyers, trying to get the case dropped under threat of civil litigation.
And Hanna – as an American, I sometimes get scared – really scared – of many of my fellow violent Americans. But Lena, I don’t think we, as a nation, have a brutal, nasty way about us. I think the overwhelming majority of us are some of the friendliest people in the world.
There are lawyers involved and apparently someone had a cell phone and recorded the encounter. Ought to be interesting.
Yes, America is horribly oppressive! I mean, you can’t even open your mouth without worrying about being brought up on ‘hate speech’ charges! Oh wait… that’s Europe.
And the death penalty? I mean, who in their right mind wants to kill a man who raped and murdered 10 children!? Lets give him a second chance!
We truly are the world’s ONLY ‘bullies’, and the ‘history of this country proves that’! After all, we conquered India, Africa, the far East, carved up China, dominated the seas, shipped slaves around the world, handed Palestine over to Israel, and generally oppressed native people for our own benefit. Wait… still Europe. Damn.
We showed up on continents we weren’t from and pushed the indigenous people out of our way with horrific violence and pandemics! Canada, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand, countless Pacific Islands. Wait, still Europe. Not exactly giving those back either are you?
Ever stopped to notice that all the places we’re forced to ‘interfere’ these days used to be run by European powers that screwed them up? Vietnam? Palestine? Iraq? Somalia? Libya? Lebanon?
Maybe some of you people that like to bitch about us should open your own damn history books. I often think Europe’s fascination with criticizing us stems from their own form of unexpressed guilt at all the shit they’ve done. Until your slate is clean too, let’s practice a little ‘let he who is without sin’, kay?
Damnit, I wish I had a cell phone recording when me and 2 friends were verbally assaulted (then shoved and pushed) when we were filtering out of a crowded parade. We were stone sober (someone had their 7 yr old with us..) but the cops assumed the worst. I get that it is a dangerous job and stressful, but sometimes that spills over and they can really snap or be unnecessarily rough when not warranted. I have seen some of the younger cops in particular drive around my old neighborhood leaning out of the window, cigar and baseball hat on backwards, locking eyes and staring down regular people just strolling down the street. Lol. It was kinda ridic but I noticed the younger cops being too over the top usually.
@ Wright, if that Suntimes article is true I would snap if someone used the N word or any slur. I don’t think I would beat them up but I get his being pissed.
Also it makes sense there would be tension with local conservatives and the filming of this movie. And of course, booze makes it all ten times worse.
I always liked James Brolin more (until he became Babs Streisand’s bitch) than his son. I remember a story came out that Diane Lane called the cops on his for domestic abuse but I believe she dropped the charges. It went away pretty quietly. If he is a beater, then he could well have some serious anger issues. I like Lane so hope that is not the case.
Daisy 424: I think I’ve made it clear that I am relating my personal and European perception of the USA here. Far be it from me to say all Americans are brutal or whatnot more. I don’t. Geronimo got what I was saying: there is a basic, *basic* difference in thinking (and thus acting) between the US and EU cultures. I think we can all agree on that, can’t we?
Hanna: America may be based on principles of freedom, but it doesn’t seem to truly operate on them these days. That is a huge difference. The climate of fear and suspicion that especially the Bush administration is doing a great job at fostering (because it helps keep people where they are and agreeing more easily with radical methods) is something that from here, I see as dangerous. Living there, I’d not feel very free. I’ve cited other examples above that you’ve deftly ignored altogether. As for nations that are more free than the US? Sweden and the Netherlands readily come mind. Clichés? Maybe, but that doesn’t keep it from being true.
As to the question of what I’d think if it were my child or relative or friend in harm’s way? Or worse, having been murdered? As much as I’d probably hate the person who did it, I can assure you, truly assure you, that I would not want that person killed. I was brought up with belief in a legal system that is strongly corrective and rehabilitative and not strongly punitive. I don’t think revenge ever solves anything and capital punishment is nothing else but revenge. Ignoring the fact that a person may change is basically taking away their freedom to change and to hope. I’m not saying every murderer or rapist or psychopath out there can change or will. But that’s what life imprisonment is for.
Anyway, I hope Brolin and Wright make amends for whatever they are responsible for in that brawl but also that the cops who seem to have manhandled them and verbally abused them will be punished.
Wow, this awaiting moderation thing is getting kind of old. By the time it gets approved you look like a moron for saying something that’s probably been repeated by other people in the interim.
Yeah, before we had to read spam, but at least it was timely.
You’re so right about that Scott F.!
Anna, I’m sorry, but I still disagree with you. Sexual predators can not be rehabilitated. No sense in trying to ‘fix’ them. The death penalty is a punishment. I don’t want my hard earned tax $$ going to feed and house these losers that would get a life sentence if citizens such as you were in charge.
My Grandfather was a Chicago cop that was killed on duty. Because of that repeat felon, my Father and his 5 siblings grew up with out a Dad. I wasn’t in that LA bar for this arrest, but, someone picked up a phone and called the police for help.
I agree with what our government is doing with the terrorists, or as you put it ‘ *suspected* of terrorist activity. We were attacked on our soil, remember? 7 Years ago, our government’s and most of the nation’s actions would have been praised, not criticized. How soon we forget.
What the rest of the world seems to see is only the negative’s about the US. The media is putting it out there, and that is I’m sorry to say is usually left biased. It is worse now that there is a presidental race going on.
Sorry to rant, I can see this is a heated topic.
Ok, this is my last comment on this.
Sheesh… Daisy424, I really wish you had properly read my comments, but you chose not to do that.
So I’ll reiterate a few things: I’ve said very clearly I don’t believe that all criminals can be rehabilitated. I know full well that many sexual predators can’t. However, I stick to my guns in saying that the death sentence is not a solution I find, no pun intended, viable. Of course the death sentence is a punishment. What I’m saying is that it’s not a corrective measure, as in: a measure able to correct or at least control behaviour. It’s revenge, disguised as a lawful punishment. I understand your argument about tax money, but frankly, I prefer my taxes didn’t go into killing people.
Furthermore, you are a perfect example for what I’ve said earlier on about fear and the conscious propagation of fear in America. You agree with the radical methods used against terrorists and suspected terrorists. When I touched upon that, I made sure to say I thought these methods took away peoples’ freedom in the case of suspected terrorists. If somebody is a *proven* terrorist, I understand. However, I find it incredible that someone who isn’t a proven terrorist could be snatched up, stripped of any rights and subjected to interrogation, detention and maybe even torture. That innocent until proven guilty thing just has a way of sticking in my mind.
What you seem to forget about the “seven years ago” thing is precisely that: it happened seven years ago. Courses of action that were implemented immediately after the shock of the 9/11 attacks are certainly not courses of action that can still be fully valid seven years later, when the world has changed quite a bit.
My heart goes out to all who lost someone dear on 9/11, but the reality is: it’s seven years later, the world has turned politically, economically etc.
I’m also sorry about what happened to your grandfather and father. That is not something I would wish on anybody. However, any police officer in the world deals with that kind of threat to his life. It’s part of their jobs and they know it’s a possibility they will be killed. Be it by repeat felons or first time offenders.
Finally, have you ever asked yourself why the rest of the world is bombarded with negative press coming from the US? Maybe because uncovering uncomfortable truths and critisizing problems with the government etc is more important (and let’s face it, sells more papers) than the latest baseball game win or any other news that Americans find positive? World press focuses on what’s important on an international basis. “Local” matters go unnoticed mainly and these are the ones that tend to be more positive news. So ask yourself, if what we receive overseas is negative, then something must not be going to swell concerning global policies and courses of action. Just a short example: if George W. had signed the Kyoto Protocol, that would have made great positive headlines.
Just an addenda and then I’m really outta here: I have a bunch of American friends who are indeed the most loyal and friendliest people ever. Most of the criticism I’ve uttered here clearly is a reflection of what is going on with the current American government. I hope that’s understandable for all.
American police are definitely more aggressive, both by training and by nature; it depends who applies. And I don’t think it’s a matter of being Southern that made these ones worse. It’s because they’re rednecks, and there are rednecks in every state of the union, of every race (although, usually white). The difference is, where most rednecks live, they never have to meet anyone different. I’ve met rednecks in Michigan who were openly hostile to people who looked different. The South is a melting pot, and always has been. Makes it just that much harder for the rednecks to ignore reality.
as for foreign cops, as a temporary expat, I can tell you that i feel way sfer with properly armed and trained american cops than the cops here. near where i live, a guy walked into a police station and stabbed 5 cops to death. stabbed. in a station. surrounded by cops. sure, there’s a low crime rate (police are irrational, just not brutal) but if anything DID happen, you’d kinda be screwed. i’d rather better screened and better trained american cops than cops in the eurasian mold…
I agree with you daisy on this one. I also get tired of these American Eurpoeans saying -oh this is America and American police should be like police Switzerland yada,yada.
When I heard this I did feel bad for Jeffrey being the subject of racial slurs. This goes on to show that if folks think just cause they elect Barack Obama all the racial problems will go away they are sadly mistaken.
Anna if you were not such a condescending, self-absorbed snob, you would see that I did read your post, you obviously didn’t understand mine.:-)
Countrybabe, thanks!
I’m an American, somewhat of a libertarian, and agree mostly with Anna on the “freedom” issue. Daisy, our constitution is an incredibly wonderful document guaranteeing some very fundamental freedoms. But Bush (with the help of Congress) has really gutted it during his tenure. As a lawyer, it’s been pretty shocking to watch, and the implications aren’t really being reported or explained well in the media. Hopefully the next president, whoever that may be, will dial that back.
Also, regarding taxes for a life sentence versus death sentence, death penalty are *more* expensive than non-death sentence cases. Daisy, it’s true that recidivism rates for child molesters are extremely high. I wouldn’t shed any tears for executed child molesters, even though I’m uneasy with the death penalty in general only due to proof issues.
The police in America do have extra concerns with armed arrestees that may not be so prevalent in Europe, so I can definitely see police here being more “in your face” during arrests, in order to get control of an arrestee to search for weapons.
this is why we need police for the police! you have these guys running around with all of their (personal)baggage and prejudices, and guns at the same time. police have waaaaay too much power and “lee-way”. they hold all of our lives in thier hands at any given moment. and God forbid they shoot and kill someone, justified or not, they’re NOT going to be repremanded, let alone FIRED, and you can forget about jail time or even an appology for the family. even the very best of us would go on a little power trip with all that authority. but as soon as one of thier own gets shot or killed (a risk that they ALL accept when they become an officer) all hell breaks loose. it’s totally unfair. no individual should be able to have as much unchecked, unsupervized power as we give these police officers.
George Bush is not worthy of a movie that glorifies him which I hope isn’t the case. On the bar fight? Welcome to the South. If you are better than they are, they will get violent to make them feel better about themselves.. Looks, fashion, style, intelligence? They will beat your ass for not being a dumb redneck. Which is definitley what George Dubya Bush is. What is the world coming to…
ri23:
Oderint Dum Metuant
I was there that night….
There were no punches thrown…
There was COMPLETE racism from the police department, brutality, and it was like nothing I have ever seen before…Both Josh and Jeffrey were under control,,got tasered and pepper sprayed…for asking how they could help. TRUST ME ON THIS…wait till the video is released…YOU WILL ALL KNOW THE TRUTH.
i like their beautiful pair i wan make pairs like them which shining in the world
thanks for sharing