Rapper Obie Trice says guards beat, choked him at Detroit Marriott

Hip-hop artist Obie Trice III is suing Marriott International, claiming that he was profiled, choked and beaten by security guards while visiting the hotel inside the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court, Trice, 40, of Commerce Township, said the incident happened on April 16. Trice claims he was targeted and profiled by five security guards at the RenCen Marriott.

"The complaint filed against Marriott speaks for itself. This was a brutal attack, clearly a result of negligent training, and even perhaps, systematic racial profiling of hotel guests," Trice's attorney, Nadeem Noah Harfouch said. "Detroit is better than this. We as a society need to be better than this. These incidents are becoming far too prevalent. And it's a shame."

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Attorneys for Marriott International could not be reached for comment.

According to the lawsuit, here's how the events unfolded:

Trice was accompanying a friend to the restroom when he was approached by a security guard who told him the restrooms were for hotel guests. He told the guard he planned on getting a room, but then other guards "badgered, taunted and followed throughout the hotel," the complaint said.

While discussing room rates with the concierge, Trice continued to be taunted, and when he alerted the concierge he no longer wished to stay, security guards "equipped with tasers and mace, ambushed the plaintiff without cause and brutally attacked him," when he attempted to exit.

Trice claims he was maced, handcuffed, beaten and dragged through the hotel into a small room where water was poured over his nose and mouth, choking him. The complaint stated Detroit police were then called, and Trice spent the night in jail.

Trice, an African-American artist known for his multi-platform album, "Cheers," and collaborations with Eminem, Dr. Dre, Akon, Busta Rhymes and more, is seeking damages in excess of $25,000. Also named in the lawsuit are Detroit Hotel Services, Inc., G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc. and unnamed security guards.

Attorneys for Detroit Hotel Services also could not be reached for comment. A spokewswoman for G4S Secure Solutions declined to comment.

Trice is seeking a jury trial.

Contact reporter Aleanna Siacon at ASiacon@freepress.com, Follow her on Twitter @AleannaSiacon