Wyclef Jean Files An Investigation After Being Detained By Police

Photo Credit Getty Images: Kevin Winter

Early this morning, Fugees singer Wyclef Jean was arrested and detained after being mistaken for a robbery suspect. Sources say that Jean was traveling in West Hollywood after leaving the studio when around 1:30 AM, LA County Sheriff’s department pulled him over.

Authorities said that Jean’s description in terms of the car and a red bandana matched the description of the suspect. TMZ reported that Jean ended up with cuffs on after one of the women got out of the vehicle abruptly, and while talking to deputies, Wyclef reached toward his waistband.

Deputies put on the cuffs for about 6 minutes while they sorted this out. One of Wyclef’s passengers shot video of him blasting LAPD (it was really the Sheriff’s Dept.) for detaining him.

We’re told ‘Clef and his passengers were released once deputies realized there were no women with the real suspect.

Wyclef said, “I was asked by the police to Put my hands up. Then I was told do not move. I was instantly handcuffed before being asked to identify myself and before being told why. In the process, I said my name and told them they have the wrong person. They proceeded to ignore me and I was treated like a criminal. I am sure no father wants his sons or daughters to see him in Handcuffs especially if he is innocent. As someone who has law enforcers in my family, I was appalled by the behavior of the LAPD.”

Following the incident, Wyclef is requesting that a formal investigation into racial profiling be done. No further action has been taken in regards to this case. 

LAPD another case of mistaken identity. Black man with red bandana robbed a gas station as I was in the studio working but im in handcuffs? pic.twitter.com/vjRfJUkooA

— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017