MILWAUKEE -- Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers' president has issued a statement to FOX6 News, after meeting with John Henson on Tuesday morning, October 20th. The meeting comes one day after Henson, a Milwaukee Bucks forward, alleged racial profiling at the Schwanke-Kasten jewelry store in Whitefish Bay. Police say what happened at Schwanke-Kasten stemmed from a misunderstanding about the dealer plates on Henson's vehicle.
Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers
As Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers' president met with Henson, some demonstrated against racial profiling outside the store on Silver Spring Drive on Tuesday -- and John Henson spoke with FOX6 News.
"I never want anyone to go through that," Henson said. "It was a tough situation -- kind of a surreal moment."
Henson says he was racially profiled at the store on Monday. He said in a post on Instagram (in part): "They locked the door and told me to go away. After I rang the doorbell twice, everyone went to the back. This was followed by two police cars pulling up."
Henson was then questioned by officers about his intentions and the vehicle he was driving.
The following statement was issued Tuesday by Tom Dixon, president of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers after he met with Henson:
Milwaukee Bucks' John Henson
Henson had this to say about the meeting and apology:
"It doesn`t make it right. It's unfortunate. I came at the time where things were happening to the store -- but at the same time, I think steps could have been taken to prevent what happened (Monday) had someone come to the door and said, 'can I help you?'" Henson said.
The Instagram post that started it all, posted by Henson on Monday, reads as follows:
John Henson's post on Instagram
"I empathize with John Henson and anyone else who has been prejudged. His experience lined up with a lot of what I myself have experienced in this area. I was going to come out here and bring attention to -- racial profiling happens. We can have an open dialogue about how we can progress," one of those who took part in the demonstration outside the store on Tuesday said.
Whitefish Bay police late on Monday evening released a lengthy statement to FOX6 News. The full statement is just below:
John Henson
In light of what happened to him on Monday, Henson says he plans to speak to young people about the incident and how they should react.
In June 2012, Henson was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. On October 19, 2013, the Bucks exercised their third-year team option on Henson's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2014–15 season.
In October 2014, the Bucks exercised their fourth-year team option on Henson's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2015–16 season.
In October 2015, Henson signed a four-year, $45 million contract extension with the Bucks.
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.