Forest Whitaker Claims NYC Deli Falsely Accused Him of Shoplifting

Oscar-winning actor was reportedly frisked at the deli on his way out Friday morning

By Brandi Fowler Feb 16, 2013 8:44 PMTags
Forest WhitakerAlberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Forest Whitaker was not feeling the love at an NYC deli the day after Valentine's Day.

The Oscar-winning actor was reportedly frisked and searched at Milano Market Friday. As he was making his way out of the establishment, Whitaker's rep told E! News, he was stopped by an employee. 

According to TMZ, the employee patted Whitaker down and found nothing on him.

"This was an upsetting incident given the fact that Forest did nothing more than walk into deli," Whitaker's rep told E! News. "What is most unfortunate about this situation is the inappropriate way store employees are treating patrons of their establishment. Frisking individuals without proof/evidence is a violation of rights."

"Forest did not call the authorities at the request of the worker who was in fear of losing his employment," Whitaker's rep continued. "Forest asked that, in the future, the store change their behavior and treat the public in a fair and just manner."

A manager at the Upper East Side deli denied that the incident occurred, telling E! News, "nothing ever happened at this location yesterday" involving Whitaker.

—Reporting by Marcus Mulick