In a shocking revelation, acclaimed Hollywood actor Wendell Pierce has brought to light an appalling case of racial discrimination that his family recently faced. Pierce, known for his roles in “Suits” and “The Wire,” alleges that a family member was denied an apartment in Harlem despite his high-profile status and financial stability serving as guarantor.
Pierce, who played Robert Zane, the father of Meghan Markle’s character Rachel Zane in “Suits,” expressed his frustration and anger on social media. “For those of you who don’t understand my righteous anger; I’m on 2 TV series, ELSBETH and RAISING KANAN. I’m filming SUPERMAN. Two years ago, I finished the fourth season of JACK RYAN. Last year I finished a run on Broadway in DEATH OF A SALESMAN,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. “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.”
This incident is a stark reminder that racism and bigotry are still pervasive issues in America. Despite his impressive resume and financial backing, Pierce’s application was denied, revealing the underlying prejudice that continues to plague our society. “Racism and bigots are real. There are those who will do anything to destroy life’s journey for Black folks. When you deny our personal experiences, you are as vile and despicable,” Pierce, 60, emphasized.
The very next day, Pierce drew attention to a broader issue of racial discrimination by sharing a Wall Street Journal article about a US federal court of appeals ruling against a black-owned venture capitalist firm awarding grants exclusively to black female entrepreneurs. “While I appreciate the response to my own personal experience of discrimination in housing, I only mentioned it as an example of the insidious nature of bigotry,” he wrote on X Tuesday. “This court decision is profoundly more disturbing and injurious. CALL TO ACTION.”
Pierce highlighted the irony and injustice in the court’s decision, pointing out, “Edward Blum, an opponent of affirmative action, has argued its text means that race can’t be considered at all in contractual relationships. Private funding blocked by the courts. NOT TAX DOLLARS.” He continued, “Private investment into Black businesses being blocked with laws in place to prevent discrimination against Black businesses. The racist irony. Racist, bigoted, fascist Americans who burned down Black Wall Street in Tulsa 100 years ago are still alive and well.”
On Tuesday, Pierce appeared on CNN, discussing the ordeal with news anchor Abby Phillip. He recounted how he tried to secure an apartment for his young relative, a Harvard graduate starting his first job in New York. Despite providing extensive proof of his financial stability, including bank statements and real estate holdings, Pierce was denied the apartment. “They used the technicality of saying that I did not have steady, consistent employment,” he explained, noting that the application process seemed designed to discriminate.
This incident is not just a personal affront but a reflection of the systemic issues that continue to restrict black Americans from achieving the “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” promised to all. Pierce’s brave disclosure highlights the need for continued vigilance and action against racial discrimination in all its forms.
Pierce, who is set to star as Perry White in James Gunn’s new DC Universe “Superman” next year, continues to use his platform to advocate for justice and equality. His story is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to eradicate racial prejudice from our society.
