Drake says he was racially profiled at a casino in Vancouver
In an Instagram Story story this weekend, Drake detailed an encounter in his home country that was less than welcoming. The rapper wrote that the Parq Vancouver was the “worst run business I have ever witnessed” in his post, adding that the casino was reportedly “profiling me and not allowing me to gamble when I had everything they originally asked me for.” Although the story has now disappeared, screenshots of his post are preserved in the Twitter Moment about his story. As Canada’s CBC News reported, casinos in British Columbia have to declare a “source of funds” to the government for transactions of $10,000 or more. The declaration includes “the customer’s identification, the source of their funds and information on their financial institution,” according to CBC News.
It’s not clear whether or not this regulation was connected to Drake’s reported issue with the casino. But it could be connected to the regulation, since the rapper wrote in his post that he “had everything” the casino had asked for, which may be a reference to the necessary documentation.
Neither the casino nor Drake has shed any light on the actual details of the incident, however. We don't know, for example, how much money Drake wanted to gamble with, and whether it fell afoul of B.C.'s new rules about declaring the source of large cash transactions (below) pic.twitter.com/IYm8NXlWf9
— Simon Little (@simonplittle) November 4, 2018
Parq Vancouver, meanwhile, issued an official statement of apology on its website. “On behalf of Parq Vancouver we would like to apologize for the experience our customer had. We are operating in one of the most complex, highly regulated industries and are always looking to better our communication and customer service,” the statement reads. “We are constantly improving our communications process to ensure that these new regulations are better understood by all guests. We categorically stand against racism of any kind. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all.”
This is the second of the casino’s statements on Saturday. In its original statement, Parq Vancouver said that it was “actively investigating this matter.” Still, the situation doesn’t seem to have earned the casino any favor. Some customers called for a boycott of the casino and criticized its apology statement. Fans have also left negative reviews referencing Drake on the Parq Vancouver Yelp page.
Doesn’t sound like a sincere spookily at all. Sounds like a cop out. You people should be ashamed. We will all boycott your casino. @drake deserves better! pic.twitter.com/cAYha4Y5Cu
— fartman (@HarleyCrypto) November 4, 2018
I am from TO. Say bye bye to my future visits
— Malcolm Smith (@Malcolm46536124) November 4, 2018
You apologize and then refer to regulation? What does regulations have to do with a racist employee kicking a extremely wealthy black man with an absolutely masssive following out of your casino?
— Donald Who (@DJT_is_a_Fool) November 4, 2018
Others, meanwhile, referenced Drake’s infamous feud with Pusha T. “BCLC’s new $10,000 limit to combat money laundering is probably the real reason for Drake being denied service at Parq Vancouver. Although maybe management are simply ardent Pusha T fans,” one person wrote.
BCLC's new $10,000 limit to combat money laundering is probably the real reason for Drake being denied service at Parq Vancouver. Although maybe management are simply ardent Pusha T fans.
— Andrew Fleming (@flematic) November 3, 2018
Drake, meanwhile, hasn’t tweeted about the reported incident. He did, however, share a number of photos from his Vancouver concert on his Instagram page.
As Toronto’s the Province points out, Drake also said he was racially profiled at a California country club during Coachella last year. In an Instagram post, he called the Madison Club “the most offensive place I have ever stayed at in my life.”
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.