Hamilton star sparks racism row after bar ‘refuses entry’ to friends
HAMILTON star Giles
Terera has become embroiled in a race row after claiming he and eight black musicians were ‘racially profiled and refused entry’ to a nightclub.
The owner denies the claim and said the group were allowed to enter but could not provide the correct ID at the bar and were asked to leave.
London-born Mr Terera,
42, who won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor In A Musical last year for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the hit show, made his complaint on Twitter. He wrote: ‘I just took a group of 8 black actors who I’m directing in a play about American blues musicians to Aint Nothin But The Blues bar in Soho. We were racially profiled and refused entry as 10 white punters were allowed in past us unchecked.
‘This group of talented and hard working actors was left devastated, confused and upset while the manager said, “I don’t care who you are or what you are.”
‘That this happens anywhere is a f ****** disgrace, the fact it happens at a venue which also exploits blues music is sick.’
Last night businessman Kevin Hillier, who owns the bar in Carnaby Street, said: ‘They were asked for ID when they approached the bar. When at least one of them did not have ID, they were told they could not stay on the premises, as per our licence and the law.
‘We have regular customers and staff who are black. It makes no difference to us what colour people are.’
He said the white group referred to were served because they were ‘a different age group’.
Mr Terera’s representatives did not respond to a request to comment last night.