British Airways Has Pissed Joel Madden Off
This past weekend Joel Madden was boarding a British Airways flight from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to London where he was set to film a music video when he was denied boarding the plane unless he covered up his tattoos. Hello people it’s 2009!! And bless Twitter for allowing Joel do Tweet about it in real time:
“Was just told by a british air person I can’t get on the plane till I cover my tatts. Should I fight the power? “I really actually am in shock, he won’t let me on the plane till I put long sleeves on and another BA rep is disagreeing.”
Needing to get to his destination, because, hello time is money in his world, he gave in to their ‘request’:
“I still can’t believe Brit Air discriminated me for tatts. Unheard of. the guy was literally disgusted by me. I’m gonna write a letter!! “I did end up covering my tats. It’s not my style to cause a scene, I just had a convo with the BA guy, told him how it was discrimination.”
The whole scene was humiliating to him:
“Yes I covered up to board the BA flight. I didn’t want to miss it. And honestly I was embarrassed all the people were staring and laughing! “It’s not in the rules that I can find. My tatts arent offensive. Looking into it. I havent felt this small since the first time i asked nic (partner Nicole Richie) out.”
His partner, Nicole Richie chimed in on the situation:
“That’s the craziest story I’ve ever heard. It’s sad there is still such discrimination in this world. PS all of joel madden’s tattoos are spiritual. Since when is expressing your love for God & family against what British Airways stands for?”
Sounds like someone had power/control issues, and perhaps didn’t know who they were dealing with. Ahh the power of celebrity and Twitter. A powerful force when combined.
Do you think British Airways went too far?
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Poor thing, I felt so sorry for him reading this, tats or no tats, he seems like a cutie and like he was genuinely hurt at being singled out
Absolutely they went too far. Unless the portion of the LAX terminal that houses BA is considered British Territory, there is freedom of speech in this country and tattoos are considered a form of that. (Although I think there is a similar law in the UK.) On the other hand, the fine print on the ticket probably states they have the right to refuse service to anyone. But frankly, I hope this doesn’t die a quick and quiet death. Airlines, especially in this economy, need to rethink their elitist attitudes.
D’oh! It was O’Hare and not LAX. Mea culpa.
I think he is a sweetie and was treated unfairly. Apparently the employee is being reprimanded for it as they made this decision all on their own!!