Black Panther film director Ryan Coogler was handcuffed and ‘briefly detained’ by the Atlanta police department following an incident that occurred at Bank of America earlier this year. On January 7th, 2022 a bank employee mistook Coogler’s written request for his withdrawal of $12,000 in cash from his own checking account as a ‘robbery attempt’.
Coogler who is currently residing in the Atlanta while filming the sequel – “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ” entered one of the Bank of America branches at 1280 West Paces Ferry Road wearing a covid mask and sunglasses. According to the pregnant black bank teller (who called police for assistance), Coogler handed her a withdrawal slip with a note written on the back asking for $12,000 to be counted out of sight from other customers. ” I’d like to be discreet “ Coogler said.
According to the teller, the cash amount requested from Coogler triggered her computer alert which compelled her to inform her manager that Coogler was attempting to rob a bank.
Police Officers arrived to the scene a few moments later and one of the officers approached the two people that were in the Black Lexus SUV waiting outside for the movie director.
The two friends informed police that Coogler was a movie producer but the second officer had already went inside the bank and immediately placed Coogler in handcuffs. Coogler’s two friends (a man and a woman) was also placed in the back of a police patrol car until the issue was resolved..
” This Should’ve Never Happened ” – says Ryan Coogler
In the video, the movie director says he often makes withdrawals from the popular Bank Of America franchise in various states and never had ever encountered such a traumatic incident. In efforts to be “discreet about who he is” he wrote a note, provided his debit card and photo i.d. to the teller .
” Now What Bank Robber You Know Hands The Teller Their Debit Card And Photo I.D In Attempt To Rob “THAT Bank ” – KP
One of the most startling details that came to light of this incident was the audio call to police. The Bank teller informs police that Coogler provided his i.d along with the above mentions and yet we see Coogler wasn’t given ‘due process’ of the law when officers arrived on scene with “glocs drawn” onto the movie director before putting handcuffs on him.
Bank of America have recently apologized to Coogler and both parties have moved on says Ryan Coogler.