TMZ is reporting that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler was mistakenly arrested in Atlanta, Georgia back in January after being mistaken for a bank robber.
The filmmaker called into a Bank of America branch to make a withdrawal and was wearing sunglasses and a face mask (hardly uncommon given the pandemic). Coogler handed over a note that read, "I would like to withdraw $12,000 cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I'd like to be discreet."
That's perfectly understandable given the amount of money in question, but the teller - described as a "pregnant Black Woman" - believed something untoward might be going on. As a result, she called the police and Coogler's associates, who were waiting outside for the director in an SUV, ended up being detained. The Black Panther helmer, meanwhile, was led outside in handcuffs.
Understandably, Coogler wasn't happy, and the report notes that he asked for the badge numbers of those present. It's unclear if any further action was taken.
Coogler, who was in Atlanta shooting Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, issued a brief statement earlier today saying, "This situation should never have happened. However, Bank of America worked with me and addressed it to my satisfaction and we have moved on."
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to be released in theaters on November 11.
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