Artist David Sabastian was apparently racially profiled at New York City’s Ardaz Hotel while defending a Black staff worker. When the incident occurred, the artist was working on a collaboration with the hotel.
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On November 15, the Skidrow Studio co-founder and his colleagues were in the midst of a verbal confrontation when a white woman made claims about a group of Black people smoking marijuana in front of the hotel while shouting racial slurs at a Black staff member on his team. The incident occurred two days before his “Shades of Humanity” exhibit at the hotel’s gallery, and hotel management told Sabastian and his crew to leave without even listening to his side of the story. Sabastian was also erroneously accused of calling the woman a “b*tch” by the hotel’s general manager, who later apologized after witnesses told them it didn’t happen.
The Ardaz hotel reportedly told Sabastian and his team that the woman was a valued client amid the incident. Additionally, the artist said the hotel staff treated him and his team poorly as they had to continuously ask for basic amenities like room and board, parking passes, and food.
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Sabastian’s non-profit organization, Skidrow Studios, said in a statement that they were disappointed in the hotel’s actions and sought legal action to prevent future acts of racial prejudice.
“Securing the unwavering legal representation of New York’s legal powerhouse, Robert Hantman, This strategic alliance is not just a fight for an individual artist; it is a rallying cry against systemic prejudices that threaten the very essence of our society.Skidrow Studio implores the public to stand united against discrimination, using this gripping narrative as a catalyst for change. The collaboration with Andaz Hotel was intended to be a beacon of hope, yet it has exposed a harsh reality that necessitates immediate attention. The fight for justice and equality is now, and Skidrow Studios stands unwavering, refusing to let the vibrant colors of their mission be dimmed by the shadows of discrimination.”
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