Actor Sambou Diaby, of African origin and born in Pamplona, has denounced on social media being expelled from a bar in Bilbao after being mistaken for a street vendor due to his skin color. His girlfriend recounted the incident in a video, where a waiter told him 'you can't sell here,' leaving Diaby feeling humiliated. The actor, who represents diversity in the Basque Country, called for reflection on racist attitudes.
Sambou Diaby, a black actor born in Pamplona and of African origin, has starred in several film, television, and theater works, including co-starring in the movie 'La isla de los faisanes', as well as roles in 'El hoyo 2' and 'La regla de Osha'. He strives to represent diversity in Euskal Herria, speaking Basque almost since birth and promoting the existence of Basques of various races.
The incident took place in a bar on Ledesma Street in Bilbao, where Diaby and his girlfriend were having drinks. According to a video posted by his girlfriend on social media, a waiter approached and expelled Diaby, telling him 'you can't sell here,' mistaking him for a 'mantero' or street vendor. Diaby got angry but chose to leave without confronting the employee to avoid an argument. His girlfriend requested the complaint form but did not receive it immediately.
The bar manager justified the incident as 'anyone can make an error or a mistake,' and they later offered an apology. However, the girlfriend reflected: 'A mistake is getting the wine wrong,' emphasizing the seriousness of the treatment regardless of the person's profession, whether actor, street sweeper, or vendor.
In the video, Diaby stated: 'It seemed like nonsense to me and my impulse was to get out of there because otherwise, I might have made a scene and started arguing.' He felt 'humiliated and disappointed' by the incident, which he attributed to simply being black, despite his Basque identity. He called for people to 'think again' and avoid 'ugly' comments toward others' race or origin, highlighting his role in changing such attitudes.
