The Chicago Police Department has apologised for issuing an alert that described a man suspected in a series of sexual assaults as resembling hip-hop artist and actor Ice Cube.
A Chicago television station subsequently broadcast one of Ice Cube’s videos when it reported the story.
“We acknowledge the information should not have been on the alert,” said a police spokesman.
“We took immediate corrective action. We apologise to Ice Cube for what was an honest mistake and came with no ill intent.”
Ice Cube, who is currently filming Barbershop 2, saw the television newscast and video, said his spokesman Matt Labov.
“This is an unfortunate and hurtful situation for Ice Cube,” said Labov.
“That his good name ever came up in association with the events currently taking place in Chicago is damaging to Ice Cube as a father, husband and artist.”