AMC Theatres has issued an apology after a North Carolina civil rights chief mentioned he was kicked out of a theater for attempting to make use of his personal chair within the disabled part.
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, a former president of the NAACP North Carolina chapter, was trying to attend a screening of The Shade Purple on Tuesday at an AMC Cineplex in Greenville, North Carolina. He advised CNN that he suffers from a type of arthritis generally known as ankylosing spondylitis and is unable to sit down in common chairs.
Barber mentioned he tried to make use of a particular chair he introduced with him within the disabled part of the theater however that employees stopped him and advised him he couldn’t. Barber famous that he walks with two canes and makes use of his particular chair all over the place he goes and has “by no means had an issue.”
Native cops have been known as to the theater for a trespassing name, CNN reported. As soon as they obtained there, they discovered a buyer arguing with staff. Police mentioned Barber agreed to depart voluntarily and that no expenses have been filed.
“I felt like I wasn’t being heard,” Barber advised the outlet. “It felt as if they weren’t even attempting to think about making lodging for my incapacity.”
AMC later apologized to Barber, writing in a press release, “We sincerely apologize to Bishop Barber for a way he was handled, and for the frustration and inconvenience delivered to him, his household, and his company.”
The assertion added that AMC’s chairman and CEO Adam Aron known as Barber and plans to fulfill with him in particular person subsequent week “to debate each this case and the great works Bishop Barber is engaged in all through the years.”
AMC mentioned it welcomes company with disabilities, and it encourages prospects who require particular seating to talk with a supervisor upfront. The theater chain’s assertion continued, “We’re additionally reviewing our insurance policies with our theater groups to assist be sure that conditions like this don’t happen once more.”
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to AMC.
