Watts says she was targeted because she is African American and her husband Brian James Lucas is white. The actress claimed she did nothing more than kiss Lucas.
She was then approached by an LAPD officer who demanded to see her ID. Watts refused, which is not against the law. She was then approached by two more officers, who handcuffed and put her in the back of a police car.
She was released shortly after the officers had finished examining her ID.
But Watts stated that she was left both humiliated and physically injured by the handcuffs, which left a cut on her wrist. She posted on her Facebook page that she was on the phone to her father when she was “accosted” and “forced… into handcuffs”. She also posted a photograph that appears to show her in tears while an officer speaks with her.
The LAPD have responded that to their knowledge, Watts and Lucas were doing more than just kissing.
They said that Watts was straddling Lucas and penetrative intercourse was taking place.
Watts and Lucas deny that they were doing any such thing. Lucas added that if they had “ever thought of doing that” they would “have tried to find a place with no one around”. Not only that, but there has been much support for Watts from the online community.
Other women of colour have come forward with their own stories, including Buzzfeed employee Ashley Ford.
As for Watts, the Django Unchained actress has allegedly hired a lawyer and intends to file a complaint with the LAPD.
What do you think? Was Watts the victim of racism? Or did she and Lucas go too far in public? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter (@HerCampusCCCU) or in the comments!