Actor Forest Whitaker arrives at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to present the festival's American Riviera Award to actress Sandra Bullock in Santa Barbara, Calif. (AP Photo/Michael A. Mariant)
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -
A representative for the Manhattan deli where Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker was frisked for allegedly shoplifting says "management deeply regrets" the incident, reported TMZ.com.
Whitaker was about to leave the Milano Market on 2892 Broadway on Friday when one of the workers there stopped Whitaker claiming he saw him steal an item from a store shelf.
The worker then allegedly gave him a humiliating pat down in front of everyone in the store.
No stolen items were found and Whitaker left the store, but his spokeswoman said the incident violated the actor's rights.
"While we can not delve into the employee's mindset, we do not believe that he was racially motivated in his actions, simply misguided," the rep tells TMZ.com. The worker was fired, according to the celebrity news website.
Whitaker is in town filming "Black Nativity" with Jennifer Hudson.
Store employees have denied the incident took place, according to the New York Post.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:13:39 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:13:37 GMT
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:45 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:45:05 GMT
Invision/AP photo
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
As part of a new outreach program through Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street is introducing a new muppet guest character — a boy named Alex whose father is in jail.
As part of a new outreach program through Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street is introducing a new muppet guest character — a boy named Alex whose father is in jail.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:51:52 GMT
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.