Forest Whitaker accused of shoplifting at NYC deli

Forest Whitaker is furious at an employee at a local NYC deli, Milano Market, for accusing him for shoplifting and even searching him in public.

The actor was on the way out of the deli, located in the Upper East Side, last Friday when an employee stopped him and accused him for taking an item off the shelf, without any intention to pay, as reported by TMZ.

The employee then frisked him in public, and treated him as a petty criminal. After finding nothing on the award-winning actor, Whitaker left the deli furiously.

A representative of Whitaker released a statement, saying that nobody deserved whatever the employee did to the actor. This was an upsetting incident given the fact that Forest did nothing more than walk into the deli.

"What is most unfortunate about this situation is the inappropriate way store employees are treating patrons of their establishment," the statement read. "Frisking individuals without proof/evidence is a violation of rights."

According to his representative, the actor decided not to call the authority because he was requested so.

"Forest did not call the authorities at the request of the worker who was in fear of losing his employment," his rep continued. "Forest asked that, in the future, the store change their behavior and treat the public in a fair and just manner.”

No one at Milano Market wanted to comment.

It is unlikely that Whitaker would need to steal any groceries since he is an award-winning millionaire actor.

His IMDb profile notes that he directed, acted, and produced numerous movies and TV series. He has previously won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for his work.