Two employees at a hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, have been “suspended” after comedian Mark Curry said he was racially profiled while sitting in the hotel’s lobby.
In a video posted on Instagram earlier this month, the comedian shared details about the encounter at the Mining Exchange Hotel, a Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa.
Curry, who starred in the 1990s ABC sitcom Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, said he was drinking coffee in the lobby when he was asked if he was a guest.
“The problem is I’m in the hotel lobby,” Curry explained in the 26-minute video, as two employees stood in front of him.
“Are you a guest of the hotel?” one of the men, who was white, asked the comedian.
“If you’re Black and you’re in Colorado Springs, you can’t be in the lobby. Wow! This is crazy,” Curry said in the Dec. 9 video.
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The other man, who appeared to be biracial or Hispanic, pointed at Curry and said while laughing: “He tried to pull the race card.” Curry responded by calling the man an “Uncle Tom.”
The first man walked closer to the 61-year-old comedian and said, “I’m asking you very politely. Are you a guest of the hotel?”
The comedian told the men there were people of other races in the lobby, but he noticed they weren’t approached.
“There’s a lot of white people that’s sitting out here. Let’s go ask them,” Curry said.
The first employee who approached Curry said the other people in the lobby bought drinks at the hotel bar and were considered patrons.
“I feel threatened from your stance. So please back up,” Curry told the man. “You’re making me feel scared sir.”
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The comedian encouraged his followers to call the hotel and complain. “Black man and a Hotel Lobby it’s impossible that he has a room here,” he captioned the video. “No, I have a suite! He walks up to me with no badge on. I don’t know who this man is.”
According to local publication, the Colorado Springs Indy, The Mining Exchange apologized and said it had taken action against the employees.
“Employees involved in this matter have been suspended, pending further investigation,” the hotel said in a statement.
Curry was in Colorado Springs to perform at 3E’s Comedy Club.
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