Bishop William J. Barber II Escorted From Movie Theater Over Seating Accommodations

Now, what happened?

Bishop William J. Barber II was escorted out of a North Carolina movie theater after being prohibited from using his own chair.

The former chair of the North Carolina NAACP was told by management of the AMC Fire Tower 12 movie theater in Greenville that he would not be allowed to use his own chair to watch The Color Purple in the handicapped section. Barber told WNCT 9 he can’t sit in the theater-provided seats due to his bad hip. He walks with two canes and normally carries a chair to accommodate his ailments.

“I have a disability myself. I have serious Ankylosing (kind of arthritis),” Barber said. “I walk with two canes. I have bad hips, and I can’t sit low.

The incident occurred on Dec. 26 when he and his 90-year-old mother went to see the newly-released film. After management approached him, two Greenville police officers were called to escort Barber from the building.

The minister of Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro says he didn’t see any signs or rules suggesting he was violating any rules. Lt. Justin Wooten was one of the officers called to the scene. According to WITN 7, the department received a trespassing call, and upon arrival, he witnessed Barber arguing with staff. Afterwards, Barber left without incident.

As a prominent leader in the community, social justice, and civil rights, Barber says this is the first time he has been told he wasn’t allowed to use the chair. “So whether I’m on Broadway, the White House, the State House, United States Congress, they always let me bring this chair,” Barber said. “Never been a problem. In fact, other movie theaters have never been a problem.”

The Greenville Police Department released a detailed statement regarding the incident and said no charges will be filed against the minister. Barber, however, claims to be hosting a press conference soon to speak on his experience.