Rainn Wilson Shares Picture Of Noose Hung In African-American Family's Garden

Rainn Wilson has shared a picture on Instagram of a noose hung in an African-American family's garden.

The actor - best known for his portrayal of Dwight Schrute in the US version of The Office - said the noose was found by his friend's 17-year-old niece.

The 53-year-old said it had been reported to police, but he claimed they didn't take the issue seriously.

Alongside the photo from the garden in Los Angeles, Wilson wrote: "So my friend Jamey texted me this photo. Looks pretty innocent at first, right?

"But when you learn that he and his sister are African American, the photo turns instantly chilling. This was hung in a tree in her front yard in suburban Los Angeles, to be found by her seventeen year-old daughter."

Instagram/Rainn Wilson

Shocked by the police's reported lack of interest in the noose, Wilson took the opportunity to explain its significance and highlight the fact that racism still exists in the US in 2019.

He said: "The noose is the symbol of lynching which was used to hang thousands of African Americans, especially by the Klan. Granted, this is a pretty lame noose. Might have been made by some local kids or something. Who knows. But the fact is it is as strong a symbol of racial hatred, violence and oppression as a Swastika.

"Many folks are in denial about the extent to which racism exists in our country in 2019. Just ask a Black Person. They will tell you stories."

He continued: "Jamey told me today that last year, while playing golf, he was looking for his ball in the bush and a white guy who wanted to play through called out 'Hey, you can hurry up, we don't have you picking cotton anymore!'

PA

"Not sure if he was trying to be funny or not but literally Jamey's great grandfather was an ACTUAL SLAVE on a plantation and was regularly beaten there. That's not that long ago. Great grandfather. And, perhaps, a relative or two of Jamey's were lynched. Or saw a lynching. Or heard of a lynching.

"And now, his niece gets to be reminded of what hate looks like. Right in her own front yard in suburban LA."

Contrary to what Wilson said in his post, police are reportedly investigating the incident, according to TMZ.

Topics: Instagram, Police, Celebrity, US News, crime

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey