When Meek Mill tried to enter Las Vegas’ Cosmopolitan Hotel, he was denied for reasons unknown.
Meek was attempting to attend a DJ Mustard show at the hotel Saturday afternoon when he was denied entrance by security and told he would be arrested if he attempted to enter.
In a video posted on Meek’s Instagram, a Cosmopolitan employee said, “Here’s the deal. You’re on private property. At this time, with the information that we have, we’re refusing to do business with you.”
When Meek questioned the reasons behind the ban and the threat of arrest, the employee replied, “We have the right to do that.”
Following the incident, Meek posted the video and accused the venue of “extreme racism.”
“Some of these casinos have a bunch of [tactics] to keep the level of blacks down … but love to take our money!” he wrote. “This happens to a lot of black entertainers not just me […]”
Meek’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, told TMZ that “a well-placed person inside the hotel” implemented the ban against Meek. He also agreed with Meek’s idea that the ban was racially motivated.
Additionally, TMZ obtained a letter written by Tacopina to the hotel/casino that threatened legal action if Meek didn’t receive a public apology.
“… we have learned that the Cosmopolitan maintains a list of African American recording artists who should be denied access for no other reason than their culture and skin color. Such course of conduct constitutes discrimination per se, in violation of state and federal law, and exposes you to significant monetary damages […] we urge you to promptly issue an apology to Mr. Williams and grant him immediate access. In the event you fail to heed this one and only warning, we intend to pursue all legal recourse against you.”
Meek didn’t let the situation ruin his day, he later promoted a party he was expected to attend Saturday night in Miami.