Creator, Cast Of "The Wire" Speak On Baltimore Riots

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Members of the cast of "The Wire," as well as creator David Simon, issue statements on the ongoing riots in Baltimore.

Last night, protests erupted in Baltimore after the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who many believe was wrongfully killed by police. As things turned violent and destructive, some cast members of "The Wire" (an acclaimed HBO show about Baltimore's police department), as well as the series' creator, called for peace. Actors Andre Royo and Wendell Pierce, who played the characters Bubbles and Bunk, respectively, took to Twitter:

Actor Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, who claimed to know Gray, was interviewed by CNN, and spoke on the claims that his injuries were sustained after running from police:

“I probably would have took off, too — there’s no win with them. If you stand there, they’re gonna say whatever they want to say. And whatever the police say, you’re gonna believe it, because they have the badge.”

Lastly, "The Wire" creator David Simon spoke his mind via a post on his personal blog, and excerpt of which is below:

"First things first.

Yes, there is a lot to be argued, debated, addressed.  And this moment, as inevitable as it has sometimes seemed, can still, in the end, prove transformational, if not redemptive for our city.   Changes are necessary and voices need to be heard.  All of that is true and all of that is still possible, despite what is now loose in the streets.

But now — in this moment — the anger and the selfishness and the brutality of those claiming the right to violence in Freddie Gray’s name needs to cease.  There was real power and potential in the peaceful protests that spoke in Mr. Gray’s name initially, and there was real unity at his homegoing today.  But this, now, in the streets, is an affront to that man’s memory and a dimunition of the absolute moral lesson that underlies his unnecessary death.

If you can’t seek redress and demand reform without a brick in your hand, you risk losing this moment for all of us in Baltimore.  Turn around.  Go home.  Please."

[via, via]

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<b>Feature Writer</b> Ever since he borrowed a copy of "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" from his local library, Patrick's love affair with hip-hop has been on an extended honeymoon phase. He now contributes features to HNHH, hoping to share his knowledge and passion with this site's broad audience. <strong>Favorite Hip Hop Artists:</strong> André 3000, Danny Brown, Kanye, Weezy, Gucci Mane, Action Bronson, MF DOOM, Ghostface Killah <strong>Favorite Producers:</strong> Lex Luger, Kanye (again), RZA, Young Chop, Madlib, J Dilla, Hudson Mohawke
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