Rev. William Barber II, a Yale professor and civil rights leader, was removed by police from a North Carolina AMC movie theater for using his own medically necessary chair. Barber, who has ankylosing spondylitis, was at a showing of "The Color Purple" when the incident occurred. AMC has since apologized and stated they are reviewing their policies to better accommodate guests with disabilities. Barber plans to meet with AMC's chairman to discuss policy changes to prevent similar incidents.
AMC Theatres issued an apology after police were called to remove civil rights leader Rev. William Barber II from a theater in Greenville, North Carolina. Barber, who has ankylosing spondylitis, a bone disease, was asked to leave for wanting to use a special chair to accommodate his disability. The incident occurred during a showing of "The Color Purple." Barber was not charged with any crime and left voluntarily after police intervention. AMC is reviewing its policies to prevent such incidents and plans to discuss the matter further with Barber.
Rev. William Barber II, a civil rights leader, was asked to leave an AMC theater in Greenville, NC, due to his special chair, which staff claimed violated fire code. Barber, who has ankylosing spondylitis, uses the chair for his disability. The incident, which involved police escorting Barber out, led to an apology from AMC and a planned meeting with the CEO to discuss accessibility. The North Carolina NAACP has shown support for Barber, advocating for increased accessibility in AMC theaters.
Civil rights leader Bishop William Barber was denied accommodation for his disability at an AMC theater in Greenville, NC, leading to police being called for alleged trespassing. Barber, who has ankylosing spondylitis, brought his own chair to a screening of "The Color Purple" but was told it would create a fire hazard. AMC's CEO has since reached out to Barber to discuss the incident and review policies. The North Carolina NAACP, which Barber formerly headed, is calling for AMC to ensure accessibility and has started an online petition. Barber has retained civil rights attorneys and plans to meet with AMC's president for systemic change.
