Forest Whitaker frisked at N.Y. deli

Actor Forest Whitaker's weekend got off to a rocky start after he was frisked at a deli in New York Friday.

Yes, the Oscar-winning actor was accused of shoplifting and prevented from leaving Milano Market on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. TMZ was first to report the incident.

A store employee frisked Whitaker in front of other customers, according to reports. The search didn't turn up anything, but Whitaker left the market shocked and angry.

When contacted, the actor's publicist, Jennifer Plante, referred USA TODAY to the TMZ report.

According to TMZ, a statement from Whitaker's camp said: "This was an upsetting incident given the fact that Forest did nothing more than walk into the deli. What is most unfortunate about this situation is the inappropriate way store employees are treating patrons of their establishment. "

The statement added, "Frisking individuals without proof/evidence is a violation of rights."

Did the actor file a complaint? "Forest did not call the authorities at the request of the worker, who was in fear of losing his employment. Forest asked that, in the future, the store change their behavior and treat the public in a fair and just manner."

Whitaker, 51, won an Oscar for his performance in the 2006 drama The Last King of Scotland.