There's something that I need to get off my chest ...

[BlueMTexpat]

because it has been bothering me and sounded very out of character for the person involved.

It is about the actor Wendell Pierce, whose work I have admired ever since he starred in The Wire. I also loved his work in Treme. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Pierce

I am the first to admit that it is impossible to "know" someone only from their on-screen persona. But I always got good vibes from him and his performances, even when he played flawed characters. He most certainly plays a VERY flawed character (Clarence Thomas) in HMO's "Confirmation," for example.

Thus, I found it hard to believe the circumstances when he was arrested in late May as the result of an alleged altercation with a Bernie Sanders supporter. Pierce is a staunch Hillary supporter.

Here is the way it was described by CNN per the police report: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/16/entertainment/wendell-pierce-arrested-atlanta/

The police report states that Pierce and his girlfriend met a woman named Maggie Baca and two of her friends in the hotel when "both groups of parties began a conversation about politics which got Mr. Pierce upset."

"Mrs. Baca stated that Mr. Pierce began to push her and at this point her and her friends began to walk to their room," the report said. "Mrs. Baca stated that Mr. Pierce followed them to their room and stuck his arm in the door and tried to enter the room."

The report went on to say that Baca accused Pierce of hitting her in the head and grabbing her hoodie as she and her friends allegedly attempted to push him from getting into the room.

Both Pierce and Baca reportedly declined medical assistance.

Pierce's account differs somewhat from the police report: http://time.com/4338337/wendell-pierce-arrest-battery-response/

“I regret that what started as a civil political discussion escalated to the level that it did,” said Pierce, 52. “Although what has been reported thus far differs in important respects from what actually occurred, I have confidence that the judicial process will work as it should.”

Maggie Elena Baca told police that she encountered Pierce and his girlfriend on the 23rd floor of the Lowes Atlanta Hotel. After she got into a political debate with the actor, Baca said Pierce followed her and her friends as they walked away, tried to force his way into their room and “began to hit her in the head and grab her hoodie, ripping her hoodie off,” according to the police report. Pierce, who was charged with simple battery, disputed that account and said the women tried to pull him into their room.

In some ways, this situation has reminded me of the misguided person (Ashley Todd) who accused an unnamed Barack Obama supporter of assault. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Todd_mugging_hoax

While it is true that there are differences between then and now, namely witnesses for both sides and perhaps even security video footage of the events in this case, I have treated this incident with some skepticism, in part because so many SBS supporters jumped gleefully on it to smear Pierce - whose greatest crime seemed to be his status as a Hillary supporter. In fact, Pierce posted bond and was released shortly after his arrest. But oh, the gleeful brouhaha from some!

There have been no updates to the situation that I have been able to find since. But I have had a confirmation of sorts about my gut feeling. http://pagesix.com/2016/05/25/wire-co-star-comes-to-wendell-pierces-defense/

One of Wendell Pierce’s co-stars from HBO’s “The Wire” defended Pierce against allegations he hit a female Bernie Sanders supporter after a political debate turned ugly on May 14.

“He said it was complete and absolute bogus BS,” Chad Coleman — who’s now starring on the History Channel’s remake of “Roots” and played Dennis “Cutty” Wise on “The Wire” — told us.

“We can all be politically fervent, but to go to that extent and accuse him to that extent is just wrong. He’s an amazing guy,” added the actor at a Lincoln Center premiere for “Roots,” where attendees included Rev. Al Sharpton and A+E Networks boss Nancy Dubuc.

OK, Coleman wasn't present at the time and relies on Pierce's statement, I grant that. But still - I like Coleman's work too.

The truth of this situation will play out in the justice system as it should. But I am somewhat comforted in my gut belief.