Jodie Sweetin's treatment by officers with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be "evaluated," after a viral video showed her apparently being pushed to the ground during a protest.
Full House star Sweetin, 40, was among the protestors who took to the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday to voice their opposition to Friday's overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that had guaranteed abortion rights nationwide.
In footage shared on Instagram and Twitter by photographer Michael Ade on Sunday, the actress appeared to be pushed by one of a wall of law enforcement officers lining a local freeway, before another apparently shoved her.
It pained me to see @JodieSweetin thrown to the ground by members of the LAPD as she was trying to lead a group of peaceful protestors away from the freeway…SMH @LAPDHQ what are y’all doing? pic.twitter.com/1oizimOyaA
— Mike Ade (@bellikemike) June 26, 2022
Following the confrontation, Sweetin, who was dressed in black and carried a backpack and bullhorn, appeared to trip over the curb, before falling to the ground.
Sweetin was helped back onto her feet by a fellow abortion rights protestor, before joining the crowd in repeatedly chanting: "No justice, no peace."
An LAPD spokesperson told Newsweek that the incident will be investigated to ensure officers adhered to the correct policy and procedure at the time.
"The LAPD is aware of a video clip of a woman being pushed to the ground by officers not allowing the group to enter on foot and overtake the 101 freeway," the representative said. "The force used will be evaluated against the LAPD's policy and procedure.
"As the nation continues to wrestle with the latest Supreme Court decision, the Los Angeles Police Department will continue to facilitate 1st Amendment rights, while protecting life and property."
Newsweek has reached out to Sweetin's representative for comment.
In the caption accompanying the video, Abe wrote that Sweetin was "trying to lead a group of peaceful protestors away from the freeway" when the incident occurred.
"Jodi is the definition of a real one and fortunately she's okay!" Ade added. "But for others who choose to protest today move with caution and keep your head on swivel. It's going to be a very long summer."
According to Entertainment Weekly, a spokesperson for Sweetin confirmed that the incident had taken place, while the screen star herself later released a statement.
"I'm extremely proud of the hundreds of people who showed up yesterday to exercise their First Amendment rights and take immediate action to peacefully protest the giant injustices that have been delivered from our Supreme Court," Sweetin said.
"Our activism will continue until our voices are heard and action is taken. This will not deter us, we will continue fighting for our rights," she continued. "We are not free until ALL of us are free."
A host of celebrities have criticized the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, with many also sharing their personal abortion stories.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Ryan Smith is a Newsweek Senior Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
