Rami Malek reveals his experience of alleged racial profiling by police

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Rami Malek He shared a harrowing account of being racially profiled by police because of his appearance.

The Egyptian-American actor, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cairo before he was born, revealed in a recent interview that he mistakenly believed he was a suspect in an alleged crime.

This is not the first time Rami Malek has spoken openly about the challenges associated with his heritage.

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Rami Malek speaks openly about being subjected to racist abuse by the police

Rami Malek at the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards
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The Oscar-winning actor recounted a harrowing experience with the Los Angeles Police Department.

“I was thrown on the front of a (Los Angeles Police Department) cop car because someone robbed a liquor store and stole a woman’s purse,” Malik claimed in his interview with the TV show. The Guardian. “They said (the thief) was Hispanic, and ‘You fit the description.’”

Malik described the physical discomfort of the encounter, recalling: “I remember how hot the engine was; “They must have been racing out there, and it almost burned my hand.”

The actor added that his Caucasian friend intervened to explain his background, telling the officers: “Actually, sir, he is Egyptian.” Not Latin.”

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Rami Malek says the police racially profiled him

Rami Malek at the UK premiere of his film "Oppenheimer"
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Despite the seriousness of the situation, Malik indicated that he found himself laughing nervously while tied to the car. “I remember laughing in the police car, and I thought, ‘Well, this is a very risky situation. Maybe I’m going to go to prison for something I didn’t do.'”

Malik did not provide additional details about when the accident occurred or further details in the interview. The Los Angeles Police Department did not issue a statement addressing Malik’s allegations.

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Navigating identity and heritage

Rami Malek at the 91st Annual Academy Awards
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Malik who He won an Oscar For his portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” he grew up in Los Angeles with his parents and twin brother Sammy. As children of Egyptian immigrants, their Middle Eastern heritage was a defining part of their identity.

“Travelling is hard enough. Don’t make it harder,” Malik shared in his interview with The Guardianwhich reflects the challenges he faced while navigating his identity. “I started thinking: What’s going on?” Every time I tried to enter a country. These days, there may be a moment. Then they’ll say, “No, that’s the guy from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.'” Let him pass.”

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Growing up in a multicultural home

Rami Malek wearing a tuxedo
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Malik’s sharp instincts were shaped by his upbringing in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, where he lived with his parents, Sayid and Nelly, and his siblings. His parents, who are Coptic Orthodox, immigrated to the United States in 1978 from Egypt. His older sister, Yasmine, is now an emergency department doctor, while his twin brother, Sami, shared the family’s early experiences as first-generation immigrants.

At home, the family spoke Arabic, and Malik did not learn English until he was five or six years old. “I didn’t speak English until I was five or six years old,” Malik said. The Guardian. He humorously recalled Sami returning from a visit to his aunt in Detroit with only two English words: “yes” and “no.” “I was angry that he was promoting this ability to be bilingual,” Malik joked.

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The Malik family was lively and culturally rich. They lived in a modest two-bedroom apartment filled with banter, or “nikkit” in Arabic, and the exciting smell of Egyptian cuisine. Malik’s father, a butcher, taught the children how to properly prepare meat. “We were so young, we were carrying knives, that it happened…” he said, showing a scar between his thumb and index finger.

Rami Malek opens up about his background and how it shaped him

Rami Malek at the 94th Annual Academy Awards
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Despite his international fame, Malik pointed out that the other’s experiences still exist. “I don’t know how I got over that,” he admitted. “I’m what’s called a ‘white pass’, but I have very distinct traits, and we certainly didn’t fit in.”

Malik explained how his background shaped his perspective and intuition. “We had a strange way of sensing people. … I don’t know if it was a blessing or a curse. Sometimes I found it harmful. You can’t help it,” he said.

For Malek, his heritage remains both a challenge and a source of pride, influencing his life experiences and shaping his journey in Hollywood and beyond.



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