(AllHipHop News) Atlanta rappers like 2 Chainz, Migos, and Young Jeezy may dominate the charts, but that means nothing to the Atlanta Hawks, and Philips Arena, according to a new discrimination lawsuit.
According to TMZ.com a former security manager at Philips Arena claims the Atlanta Hawks and Philips had a system of discrimination, specifically targeting black celebrities.
The security manager claims that black celebrities were put through rigorous security checks, while white stars were allowed to enter the venue freely, and unchecked.
According to the manager, rappers like Drake, Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Jeezy, and celebrities like Tyler Perry and Katt Williams, were all required to pass through metal detectors in order to enter the Philips Arena to perform.
However, when white artists like Adele, Ariana Grande, Bon Jovi and AC/DC made the same requests, each one of theirs was granted.
TMZ.com reports that the issue turned into a full-blown lawsuit after a black security officer told Radiohead’s crew they were required to walk through metal detectors.
The request to be checked offended the group’s crewmembers, and became disrespectful to the black security guard, by pulling down his pants.
When another white security guard intervened, he allowed the members of Radiohead’s crew to pass through security, unchecked.
According to the lawsuit, management said that “hip-hop acts draw a different crowd and the white acts bring in more money.”
So far, the Atlanta Hawks or Philips Arena have not commented on the allegations.