The most chaotic interview I’ve ever done

Good morning. It’s Monday, September 28. You can expect a less sweaty Monday than what we experienced over the weekend, though the impacts of two offshore hurricanes will still be felt — high tides could reach seven feet today and tomorrow.

In my short, frenzied career as a reporter for L.A. Material, I’ve interviewed what feels like hundreds of people. Some of the conversations haven’t been easy, but it’s my favorite part of the job — and I’m continually amazed and grateful that people will talk to a stranger about their lives.

Then, two Friday nights ago, I found myself entangled in an interview that was, by far, the most difficult I’ve ever conducted. Scratch that — it was one of the most difficult conversations I’ve ever been a part of.

I was working on a story about Jeffrey Wilson-Boykin, a comedian who’s built quite a reputation in just a few months as a street performer in Santa Monica. Wilson-Boykin sets up directly next to the Santa Monica Pier, where he assails passersby with racially charged insults and requests for donations. He’s also been involved in a number of conflicts, including multiple incidents — captured on video — where he or his partner pepper-sprayed someone. There’s now a growing campaign in Santa Monica to end Wilson-Boykin’s career at the pier.

When I went to speak to Wilson-Boykin, I found him mid-performance, firing jokes into a very loud amplifier across from Fogo de Chão. He often riffs for hours at a stretch, so I knew I didn’t have time to wait for him to wrap up. I approached him and asked for an interview.