Rami Maleki shared a shocking story that she is being told by the police because of her appearance.

The Egyptian-American actor, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cairo before he was born, revealed in a recent interview that he was once mistaken for a suspect in an alleged crime.

This is not the first time that Rami Malek has addressed the issues associated with his heritage.

The Oscar-winning actor described his experience with the Los Angeles Police Department.

“I was thrown on the hood of a police car (Los Angeles Police Department) because someone robbed a liquor store and stole a woman’s purse,” said Malek in an interview with. The Guardian. “They said (the thief) was from Latin and, ‘You fit that description.’”

Malek described the physical discomfort of the encounter, recalling, “I remember how hot the engine was; He must have been running there, and my hands were almost hot.”

The actor added that his Caucasian friend stepped in to explain his background, telling the officers, “Of course, sir, he’s Egyptian. Not Latin.”

Despite the awkward situation, Malek found himself laughing nervously as he pushed the car. “I remember laughing in the police car, thinking, ‘Okay, this is a very dangerous situation.’ I might be going to jail for something I didn’t do.’”

Malek did not elaborate on when the incident occurred or provide further details during the interview. The Los Angeles Police Department has not released a statement regarding Malek’s claims.

Malachi, that one won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” he grew up in Los Angeles with his parents and twin brother, Sami. As children of Egyptian immigrants, their Middle Eastern heritage was a defining feature.

“Walking is hard enough. Don’t make it difficult,” Malek shared in an interview with The Guardianconsidering the difficulties they face in finding out who they are. I started thinking, ‘What is going on?’ every time I try to enter the country. Today, there may be a moment. So they’ll go, ‘Nah, that’s the guy from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Let him pass.’”

Malek’s sharp mind was shaped by growing up in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, where he lived with his parents, Said and Nelly, and his siblings. His parents, who were Coptic Orthodox, immigrated to the US in 1978 from Egypt. His older sister, Yasmine, is now an A&E doctor, while his twin brother, Sami, shared the family’s experiences as migrants.

At home, the family spoke Arabic, and Malek did not learn English until he was five or six years old. “I didn’t speak English until I was five or six years old,” Malek said The Guardian. He jokingly recalled Sami returning from visiting her aunt in Detroit with only two English words: “yes” and “no.” “I was angry that he was bilingual,” Malek said.

The family of Amalek was happy and wealthy. He lived in a beautiful two-room house filled with interesting things, or “nakkit” in Arabic, and the delicious aroma of Egyptian food. Maleki’s father, who sold meat, taught the children how to properly prepare meat. “When we were very young, we were carrying knives, until this happened…” he said, showing a scar between his thumb and forefinger.

Despite his international fame, Malek noted that the experiences of others continue. “I don’t know how you solve that,” he admitted. “I’m what’s called a ‘white pass,’ but I have a unique look, and we didn’t get along.”

Malek explained how his history changed his perspective and awareness. “We had an amazing way of getting to know people. …I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse. Sometimes I think it’s destructive. You can’t help it,” he said.

For Malek, his legacy remains a complex and proud one, one that spans his life experiences and transforms his journey in Hollywood and beyond.