Naomi Campbell accuses British Airways of racism
Naomi Campbell has accused British Airways of racism after being sentenced to 200 hours of community service over an airport assault.
The supermodel pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer at Heathrow airport in April and received her sentencing at Uxbridge magistrates’ court yesterday.
But talking to Sky News, she said her violent reaction to a row over lost luggage was sparked by racial abuse.
“I was called a racial name on that flight and that was part of my reaction - again, nothing to do with the police, but yes, from British Airways.
“I was called a ‘gollywog supermodel’. I don’t think that’s really fair - do you?” she asked.
The 38-year-old was detained at the airport’s new Terminal 5 in April after a row broke out between the model and airline staff when she was informed that some of her baggage had been lost.
And appearing at Uxbridge magistrate’s court on Friday to answer the charges, she pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting a police officer and one count of disorderly conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Campbell also admitted two counts of threatening or abusive behavior towards a cabin crew member after answering bail at Heathrow police station on Thursday May 29th.
Speaking afterwards she admitted she “took it too far” when swearing at the plane’s captain and attacking police officers.
But she added: “As for British Airways, I don’t apologise. I just think they’re disgusting because there are people still waiting for their luggage.”
“I have travelled with them for many years and I just think they have been harsh.”
In a statement in response, the airline said: “BA does not accept any allegations of racism. We are proud of our diversity.
“We have strict policies concerning dignity at work and have long-standing training programmes on diversity and inclusion.”
As well as the 200-hour community service order, Campbell was also ordered to pay £200 compensation each to the two officers she attacked, £150 compensation to the aircraft captain, Miles Sutherland, fines totalling £2,300 and a £15 surcharge.
WENN
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
wow, this woman really does not know when to stop. it makes me so sick when celebrities cry out racism and unfair treatment, when in reality they were treated just like a normal person would be. I guess she can’t deal with the fact that she isn’t always going to be “above the law”. I wish she had been sentenced to jail time.
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
If I call her a bitch does that make me a racist?