Actor, sister charged in casino scuffle
Two officers treated after fracas with Foxx
Sunday April 27, 2003
By Gordon Russell
Staff writer
In the film "Ali," playing heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali's confidant and cornerman, Jamie Foxx sat ringside at some of the definitive fights of the 20th century.
Early Saturday at Harrah's New Orleans Casino at the foot of Canal Street, Foxx, 35, again got a close-up look at flying fists. This time, though, the actor, who has been in New Orleans all month filming the Ray Charles biopic "Unchain My Heart," jumped into the ring himself, police say.
It's doubtful that Foxx's scuffle, which ended when New Orleans police arrested him and his younger sister, Deidra Dixon, will earn a place in history alongside the Thrilla in Manila or the Rumble in the Jungle. The Brawl at the Gambling Hall just doesn't have that timeless ring to it.
But that's not to say no punches were landed. New Orleans police said two officers involved in the melee with Foxx and his entourage had to be treated at Tulane Medical Center.
Police said Officer Thomas McMasters IV received several stitches near his left eye after he was hit by Dixon, who was partially handcuffed. Officer Takeshia Fournier was treated for injuries to her shoulders and legs, police said.
Foxx's publicist, Tiaka Hurst, declined to comment on the matter, as did officials with Harrah's. The makers of "Unchain My Heart" had not planned to shoot Saturday, so the arrest did not disrupt filming, which is expected to continue through June.
Police said the brouhaha began almost the minute Foxx, Dixon and seven of their friends entered the casino Saturday about 4 a.m. Security guards asked to see identification to ensure that everyone in the group was old enough to gamble.
Foxx and Dixon refused and continued into the casino, cursing at security guards as they passed, police said. Foxx also stopped at one of the fountains near the entrance and began splashing water on the ground, police said. At that point, security personnel asked the group to leave.
The group would not, instead making their way to a gaming table. Meanwhile, Harrah's security summoned police, who again asked Foxx, Dixon and the rest of the group to leave, officials said. Foxx and Dixon refused and began "yelling profanities" at the officers, said New Orleans Police Department spokesman Capt. Marlon Defillo.
Dixon also threatened one of the security guards, police said. When the group still would not leave, police began trying to handcuff Dixon, and a struggle began. Dixon freed one of her hands and began swinging the handcuffs still attached to the other, hitting McMasters in the face, police said.
The officers subdued Dixon with pepper spray, and she and Foxx were taken into custody. Dixon was taken to Charity Hospital to have her eyes cleaned; she and Foxx were taken to Central Lockup. Foxx was not injured in the altercation.
Foxx, whose permanent home is in Hollywood, was booked with trespassing, disturbing the peace, battery on police officers and resisting arrest. He spent "about 20 minutes" in Orleans Parish Prison, according to a clerk there, and was released on $1,900 bond.
Dixon, 25, of Tarzana, Calif., was booked with the same charges, plus a charge of aggravated battery. She was released on $6,000 bond Saturday about 10:30 a.m.
Foxx, a comedian-turned-actor, got his start on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color." He is perhaps best known for creating and starring in the WB sitcom "The Jamie Foxx Show," which also featured New Orleanian Garrett Morris.
Foxx co-starred in the movies "Any Given Sunday," "Toys," "The Truth about Cats and Dogs," "The Great White Hype," "Bait," "The Player's Club" and "Booty Call." And he created "Laffapalooza," a Showtime series that was shot at an annual comedy festival for black comics started by Foxx in Atlanta.
The Ray Charles part in "Unchain My Heart" is one of Foxx's first starring roles. The movie was a coup for New Orleans as well as for the actor: The producers of the film said they chose to shoot here because of a new tax credit offered by the state to filmmakers.
In addition, the city will act as a stand-in for many other locations, which local officials hope will encourage other movie-makers to film here.
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I knew there was more to it! :nah
