Wendell Pierce Says He Regrets Altercation That Led to His Arrest

The Wire actor Wendell Pierce, who was arrested Saturday and charged with battery at an Atlanta hotel where he was staying, said he regrets that the situation “escalated to the level that it did.”

Pierce commented on his arrest in a series of Tweets early Tuesday morning. Saturday’s altercation was sparked by a heated political discussion, according to a police report.

“I regret that what started as a civil political discussion escalated to the level that it did,” said Pierce, 52. “Although what has been reported thus far differs in important respects from what actually occurred, I have confidence that the judicial process will work as it should.”

Maggie Elena Baca told police that she encountered Pierce and his girlfriend on the 23rd floor of the Lowes Atlanta Hotel. After she got into a political debate with the actor, Baca said Pierce followed her and her friends as they walked away, tried to force his way into their room and “began to hit her in the head and grab her hoodie, ripping her hoodie off,” according to the police report. Pierce, who was charged with simple battery, disputed that account and said the women tried to pull him into their room.